at Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Summary This position is in Region 5, Water Division, Permits Branch, UIC Section. About Region5: 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: Uses the analytical methods and techniques for a wide range of scientific, geologic, legal, environmental protection, and/or environmental management issues Provides advice and assistance to state, local, and/or tribal governments on matters relating to the development, execution, and monitoring of adequate environmental protection/scientific policies, plans, and programs Reviews and implements environmental standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations. Performs work related to the issuance of UIC permits and/or the oversight of state and industry pollution control/pollution prevention programs 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. Recent Graduates who have completed a qualifying degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution or technical education program within the preceding 2 years of application submittal OR current students who will complete a qualifying degree/certificate [01/24/2025]. Veterans unable to apply within 2 years of receiving their degree due to military service obligation may apply up to 6 years after degree/certification. Requirements Conditions of Employment If you are selected, a written participant agreement must be signed. Position has education requirements—see Qualifications/Education section. You must submit a resume and required documents—see How to Apply section. 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. You will be required to meet ongoing specialized safety training requirements in order to meet field safety standards. 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, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure form within 30 days of your first day of employment and annually thereafter. #LI-Onsite 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, 04/24/2025, will be required before entry on duty. 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 analyzing, interpreting and/or evaluating scientific, hydrologic, or geologic data and communicating the results in writing; – 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 developing, analyzing, interpreting and/or evaluating scientific, hydrologic, or geologic data and communicating the results in writing and giving recommendations; – 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: General knowledge of a wide range of general engineering, geologic, and/or scientific principles, concepts and methods Knowledge of applicable environmental statutes and regulations. Possess familiarity with the geology, technology and principles related to design, construction and operation of all types of injection wells Knowledge of Water Division programs, activities and processes Skill in oral communication Skill in written communication 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: 1350 Geology Series Degree: geology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography. OR Combination of education and experience - course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. 1301 Physical Scientist Degree: 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 Combination of education and experience - education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. 1315 Hydrology Series Degree: physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. The course work must have included at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics. Calculus and physics, as described above, are requirements for all grade levels -OR Combination of education and experience — course work as shown in A above, 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 workplace and mission. We encourage applications from candidates with a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and c
