at Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Summary This position is in Region 5, Water Division, Ground Water and Drinking Water Branch, Section 2. About Region 5: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-5. This is an office-centered position—you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. Partial work-from-home flexibilities may be authorized. Responsibilities You will: Serve as a recognized authority and technical expert in Safe Drinking Water Act programs to improve the technical, managerial, and financial capacity of drinking water systems. -Provide technical, scientific, engineering, and/or programmatic expertise and assistance for the Drinking Water Program. -Provide assistance, guidance and briefings that are effective in sharing information and improving implementation of the program. Requirements Conditions of Employment EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings. You must submit a resume and required documents-see How to Apply section. Position has education requirements—see Qualifications/Education section. You will be required to obtain (before coming on board) and maintain a valid driver’s license and must be able to operate a Government-owned or leased motor vehicle. #LI-DNI 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. You must meet time in grade requirements no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement. Qualifications In addition to the educational requirements, we are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as described below: To qualify for the GS-13 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-12 level defined as experience in assessing water programs, making recommendations for improvements; experience in implementing regulations for the Clean Water Act (CWA) and Safe Drinking Water Act. Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: -Skill in applying, advanced theories, principles, concepts, practices, standards, and methods in the fields of life science, physical science and/or environmental engineering sufficient to evaluate and resolve complex problems and issues around the implementation of drinking water programs -Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws and regulations, such as the Clean Water Act (CWA), Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and/or other water resource laws, documentation and reporting requirements -Serve as an expert and authoritative resource on matters related to development, execution, and monitoring of drinking water programs, guidance, and policies. -Develop and advise on new criteria, practices, and techniques that significantly impact water related programs. -Skill in written communication sufficient to respond to a wide variety of external inquiries, and develop program reporting, policies and guidance. -Knowledge of water program management practices and procedures to resolve problems and meet emerging needs. -Skill in oral communication sufficient to provide guidance and assistance on complex aspects of environmental protection policies, plans, and programs. 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. Education You need a degree or combination of education and experience as described below to qualify for this position. A bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in: 0401 – Life and Biological Sciences Series: 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. 0800 – Engineering Series: All applicants must meet one of the following requirements to qualify for consideration for an engineering position: Successful completion of a professional engineering degree at an accredited university or college OR Have a combination of college level education or training AND technical experience that has furnished you with (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: Professional registration as an engineer. Evidence of passing the Engineer-in-Training written test. Successful documented completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences as described by OPM. Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field and at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Please review the OPM page on specifics about required curriculum and for more information on qualifications, please visit GS-800: All Professional Engineering Positions qualifications. 1301 – General Physical Science Series: 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 Information This position is in the bargaining unit. 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 Procedures Diversity, 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
