Life Scientist/Physical Scientist

Help HelpRequirementsConditions of EmploymentYou must be a U.S. citizen.You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section.EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.Position has education requirements--see Qualifications/Education section.This position is designated as Moderate Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.QualificationsNOTE: You must meet qualification requirements, including any requirements described in the Education section, by the closing date of this announcement.In addition to the basic entry education requirements, you must have specialized experience and/or directly related education as described below:To qualify for the GS-12 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level defined as conducting scientific assessments; conducting projects related to wetlands and/or freshwater aquatic systems; interpreting environmental regulations and policies related to wetlands; and preparing and delivering technical documents, reports, and/or presentations.To qualify for the GS-13 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level defined as applying Clean Water Act (CWA) regulations and policies to the development and/or implementation of regulatory tools to address water quality impairments; conducting scientific assessments; conducting projects related to wetlands and/or freshwater aquatic systems; interpreting environmental regulations and policies related to wetlands; and preparing and delivering technical documents, reports, and/or presentations.Your application package will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:Skill in applying advanced theories, concepts, and principles of physical science or biological science sufficient to serve as a senior expert on extremely complex work involving evaluation of CWA.Knowledge of chemistry, hydrology, aquatic biology, limnology, monitoring, data analysis techniques, and data management related to wetlands assessment methods.Knowledge to adapt precedents in innovative ways, make significant departures from previous approaches while remaining consistent with the CWA, accommodate unique requirements, and determine methods to use in evaluating and interpreting significance of results.Knowledge of Clean Water Act Section 404 and 401 guidance, policy, and laws.Skill in applying highly specialized instruments, techniques, and/or mathematical models used in wetlands analyses.Knowledge of grants management and oversight procedures.Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management in federal, state, tribal, and local governments; the general public; members of the nonprofit sector; members of the media, and elected officials.Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.If you have part-time work experience, read this: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.EducationLife Scientist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major, as listed.Physical Scientist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics; OR a combination of education and experience with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.For information about accreditation requirements, visit EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.Additional informationExcept in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed in the Overview section.EPA participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and ProceduresDiversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at EPA. Our excellence can only be fully realized by staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates are committed to advancing equity and inclusion in the Agency’s workplace and mission. We encourage applications from candidates with a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. At EPA, diversity is a vital element in bringing a balance of perspectives to bear on every challenge we face. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce because we know that the individual strengths and abilities of our employees make us a stronger organization. The more inclusive our employee base is, the greater the variety of ideas that are generated, and the more representative we are of the nation we serve. To learn more about how EPA values and supports our diverse workforce, visit Equal Opportunity Employment at EPA.If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility.This position is in the bargaining unit.Read more Help Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.EPA offers workplace flexibilities as described on the EPA Benefits page. These flexibilities are not guaranteed, and eligibility will be determined in accordance with position requirements, policy, and/or applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement after you are hired.PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF): As a federal employee, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on federal Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer, including EPA. Learn more: pslf.govThis position has portable work. If selected for this position, you may be eligible for partial work-from-home flexibilities after meeting eligibility requirements, as allowable by agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.