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Life Scientist/Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist

at Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Summary This position is in Region 5, Land Chemicals and Redevelopment Division, Remediation Branch, Corrective Action Section 3. About Region 5: Region 5 This is an office-centered position*—you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. EPA offers work-from-home and work schedule flexibilities as described in the Benefits section. Responsibilities At the entry level of this position, you will: Serve as a Corrective Action Project Manager responsible for planning, coordinating, managing and/or overseeing Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) corrective action work at hazardous waste facilities and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) cleanup work. Review and evaluate the facility owner/operators’ work plans, investigations, and studies for adequate identification and measurement of public health and environmental threats and appropriateness of proposed remedies. Provide advice and assistance to state, local and/or tribal governments on matters relating to the development, execution, and monitoring of adequate environmental protection policies, plans and programs. Serve as a Technical Advisor (TA) who supports the contract level contracting officer’s representative (CLCOR), consistent with the Standard Operating Procedure for contract use in in the division. 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. You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements. 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 may have limited exposure to hazardous materials. You must be a U.S. citizen. You will be required to lift items weighing up to 50 pounds. #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. 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. Participation in the medical monitoring program is required. This position requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary 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. You will be required to meet ongoing specialized safety training requirements in order to meet field safety standards. Qualifications NOTE: 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-11 level, you must have one of the following: 1 year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level defined as developing orders/agreements; reviewing technical documents; experience with RCRA. 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree; or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; the education must be directly related and provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position equivalent combination of education and experience 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 developing orders/agreements, reviewing technical documents; planning, coordinating, managing and/or overseeing RCRA corrective action work at hazardous waste facilities and PCB cleanup work. Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of a wide range of concepts, principles, and practices in area of expertise sufficient to: resolve complex technical problems involved in the development and/or review and evaluation of hazardous or PCB waste. Ability to perform complex technical calculations to establish permit conditions for hazardous waste or PCB waste including all underlying hazardous constituents. Knowledge of applicable environmental statutes and regulations. Ability to interpret permit applications and reports prepared by other engineers, scientists, and state, local, or tribal agency personnel. Skill in advising on regulations, technology, models, and/or processes. 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. 0401 – Life Science – 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 – 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 – Physical Science – 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 a

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Job Posting: JC261378468

Posted On: Jun 17, 2024

Updated On: Jun 24, 2024

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