Chemist

at Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Summary This position is in Region 5, Laboratory Services and Applied Science Division, Science and Quality Assurance Branch . 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 You will: Prepare, analyze, and evaluate environmental samples for the determination of contaminants and chemical parameters; Interpret and evaluate data to determine its significance; Implement and adhere to Laboratory Quality Control system requirements; Modify and validate methods; Provide technical assistance based on the analysis of environmental samples. 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. 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. Pre-employment physical may be required and periodic physicals thereafter. You may be required to lift items weighing up to 25 pounds. 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. Participation in the medical monitoring program is required. If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period. #LI-Onsite 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 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-11 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-09 level defined as performing chemical analysis on environmental samples and reporting on data interpretation findings – OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 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. To qualify for the GS-12 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-11 level defined as performing chemical analyses and tests on environmental samples; and evaluating and resolving problems in laboratory operations, such as quality control or instrumentation issues. Your application package will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of chemical contaminants and parameters to analyze environmental samples and interpret data. Skill in using sophisticated laboratory instruments (e.g. gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer) and scientific equipment. Knowledge of chemistry-based quality control procedures and requirements. Knowledge of federal, state, local, and/or tribal environmental regulations, policies, and requirements associated with inspection, enforcement and compliance. Skill in oral communication to provide technical assistance. Skill in written communication to prepare laboratory reports with findings, conclusions, and recommendations. 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 Chemist: You must have a bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics; OR a combination of education and experience with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included the described coursework. For information about accreditation requirements, visit EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures. Additional Information 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 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 bargaining unit. 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. Salary is determined based off duty location.