at Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Summary This position is in Region 5, Water Division, Watershed & Wetlands Branch, Watersheds Section. 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 At the entry level of this position, you will: Perform work under the authority of the Clean Water Act (CWA) sections cited above for the purpose of assessing, restoring, and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters. -Prepare reports and maintains various programmatic records, while providing updates to officials. -Perform liaison work with individuals in a variety of organizations on regulations, policies, program issues, resources, etc. When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses. NOTE: Career ladder promotions are not automatic, and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level. One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must submit a resume and required documents-see How to Apply section. If you are selected, a written participant agreement must be signed. You must be a U.S. citizen. EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings. 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-Onsite If you are selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure form within 30 days of your first day of employment and annually thereafter. If you are selected, the entire period served under the Recent Graduates program will be a trial period. 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. Qualifications We are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as described below: To qualify for the GS-07 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-05 level defined as preparing, reviewing, or researching documentation for written reports and/or briefings for environmental issues. – OR 1 full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement (Superior Academic Achievement Definition) degree in an academic discipline related to this position – OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. To qualify for the GS-09 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-07 level defined as coordinating and collaborating with others in an environmental program; preparing, reviewing, or researching documentation for written reports and/or briefings. – OR master’s or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D., if related; degree in an academic discipline related to this position – OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: -Knowledge of established principles, concepts, and methods of environmental protection program work, and skill in applying this knowledge in performing a variety of duties involving the management, coordination, monitoring, oversight, or evaluation of routine programs, projects, or activities. -Ability to write reports and letters. -Skill in using standard data gathering and analysis techniques to collect and review technical information on environmental activities or quality and to identify and solve problems of a procedural or factual nature. -Knowledge of the policies, organization, operations, and work practices of Federal agencies, State, or other entities sufficient to obtain information, evaluate compliance, and recommend necessary changes, control measures, best management practices. -Knowledge of reference standards, regulatory requirements, and pertinent statutes sufficient to assure environmental compliance and provide routine technical assistance to operating personnel and managers. 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 Additional Information This position is in the bargaining unit. 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 supports our diverse workforce, visit Equal Opportunity Employment at EPA. 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. This position is in the Pathways Recent Graduates Program, which provides individuals who have completed a qualifying associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate with an entry-level developmental experience with the potential to lead to a career in the Federal government. Upon successful completion of the program, you may be noncompetitively converted to a term or permanent position without further competition. For more information, see USAJOBS Information Sheet. ATTENTION VETERANS: If you are a veteran (as defined in 5 USC 2108) who due to military service obligations was precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period (described in the “This job is open to/Clarification from the agency” section above), you have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon your release/discharge from active duty. In no event, however, may your eligibility period extend beyond 6 years from the date you completed the requirements for a qualifying degree or qualify career or technical education program. If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA. Any travel, transportati
