at Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Summary This position is in Region 5, Environmental Justice, Community Health and Environmental Review Division. 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. *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: Use standard program evaluation techniques to analyze information to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of program operations. Assist in the application of analytical approaches, methods, and techniques to perform segments of studies/projects to assist the organization in program planning, measurements, or evaluation. Assist higher grade Program Analysts to examine current or proposed policies, laws, regulations, or administrative procedures to develop data. Gather programmatic data to assist in developing recurring or special reports, preparing executive briefings and similar materials for use by management and higher graded analysts in carrying out and reporting on program accomplishments. 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. #LI-Onsite 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. 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 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. 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 analyzing and/or interpreting rules, regulations, or procedures to carry out projects or resolve 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 assisting in monitoring projects or program operations; preparing and/or analyzing reports; – 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: Ability to use automated reporting software and/or systems. Skill in oral communication. Ability to apply analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to assess program development. Ability to work on a team. Knowledge of program related policies, laws, regulations, and/or procedures. Ability to analyze policies, laws, regulations, and/or procedures. 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 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, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility. Except 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.