at Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Summary This position is in Region 5, Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division, Water Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Branch, Water Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Section 1. About 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: Conduct inspections and investigations of regulated facilities for compliance with applicable regulations, permits, or other federal requirements. Provide technical assistance on analytical methods, sampling techniques, etc., related to specific program areas, functions, or activities. Participate in enforcement activities and recommend enforcement actions based upon inspection findings and current EPA enforcement policies. Provide regulatory compliance assistance to well-established facilities during inspections, investigations, and compliance assistance visits. Provide assistance to regional personnel, other federal, state, local or tribal agencies, industry representatives, and concerned public citizens on the technical aspects of EPA laws and regulations. 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. 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 be a U.S. citizen. You must submit a resume and required documents—see How to Apply section. If you are selected, a written participant agreement must be signed. EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings. Position has education requirements—see Qualifications/Education section. You will be required to lift items weighing up to 50 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. If you are selected, the entire period served under the Recent Graduates program will be a trial period. Participation in the medical monitoring program is required. 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. This position requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). If you are still completing coursework, offer of employment will be contingent upon completion of degree/certificate program. Proof showing confer date that is within 9 months of 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 assisting in the collection and/or analysis of field and laboratory environmental samples; OR applying scientific/engineering principles or policies to environmental protection issues or problems. – 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 analyzing field and laboratory environmental samples; OR applying scientific/engineering principles or policies to environmental inspections, investigations, and/or enforcement issues. – 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: Skill in conducting field inspections, gathering evidence, and initiating enforcement actions. Skill in written communication. Ability to provide technical assistance for field sampling and analytical services, facility inspections or audits, or monitoring support. Knowledge of EPA laws, regulations, policies and practices related to enforcement and compliance activities. Skill in conducting field inspections, gathering evidence, and initiating enforcement actions. Skill in oral 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: 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 accredit
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