at Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Summary This position is in Region 5, Air & Radiation Division, Air Programs Branch, Control Strategies Section. 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: Participate environmental protection projects and activities related to air quality issues; Provide technical support and assistance to state, local, or tribal agency personnel on routine air quality issues; Make minor adaptations to procedures and accepted practices to identify areas that need development; Prepare scientific/technical information following prescribed methods and guidelines for written documents, briefings, workshop/conference/seminar presentations, or public hearings. 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 If you are selected, a written participant agreement must be signed. You must submit a resume and required documents—see How to Apply section. EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings. You must be a U.S. citizen. 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, the entire period served under the Recent Graduates program will be a trial period. If you are still completing coursework, offer of employment will be contingent upon completion of degree/certificate program. Proof showing confer date within 9 months of the announcement closing date will be required before entry on duty. #LI-Onsite Qualifications NOTE: If you are qualifying on the basis of general or specialized experience, you must meet the experience requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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-07 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-05 level defined as participating in environmental research projects; and applying scientific/technical data or policies in projects. – OR 1 full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement (Superior Academic Achievement Definition) degree in the academic discipline as described below – 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 applying scientific/engineering principles to environmental issues; participating in environmental research projects; and analyzing scientific/technical data or policies. – OR master’s or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in the academic discipline as described below – OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. NOTE: 1 year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study; if that number cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours is considered an academic year of graduate study. Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, policies, and guidance; Skill in analyzing scientific/technical information; Ability to interpret environmental regulations and policies; Ability to work in a team environment; Skill in oral communication; Skill in written communication. 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 In addition to the eligibility requirements for the Recent Graduates program, you must meet the following basic requirements in order to qualify for this position: Life 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. Environmental Engineer: You must have one of the following: Successful completion of a professional engineering degree at an accredited university or college OR 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. 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 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 wo
