Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist

at Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Summary This position is in Region 5, Enforcement & Compliance Assurance Division, Air Enforcement & Compliance 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 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 advice and information on analytical methods, sampling techniques, etc., related to specific program areas, functions, or activities. Recommend enforcement actions based upon inspection findings and Agency enforcement policies. Provide regulatory compliance assistance to facilities during inspections, investigations, and compliance assistance visits, and at the request of facilities. Provide assistance to regional personnel, other federal, state, local, to tribal agencies, industry representatives, concerned pubic citizens on technical aspects of Agency 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 EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings. You must submit a resume and required documents—see How to Apply section. Position has education requirements—see Qualifications/Education section. You must be a U.S. citizen. You will be required to lift items weighing up to 50 pounds. You may have limited exposure to hazardous materials. Participation in the medical monitoring program is required. #LI-Onsite 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. This position requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). 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. If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary 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: You must meet qualification requirements, including any requirements described in the Education section, by the closing date of this announcement. In addition to the basic entry education requirements, you must have specialized experience and/or directly related education as described below: To qualify for the GS-11 level, you must have one of the following: 1 year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level defined as conducting site inspections under a national environmental law; OR participating in enforcement activities and recommending enforcement actions based upon inspection findings. 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree; or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; the education must be directly related and provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position equivalent combination of education and experience 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. Ability to provide assistance for field sampling and analytical services, facility inspections or audits, or monitoring support. Knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, policies and practices related to enforcement and compliance activities. Skill in written communication. Skill in oral communication. 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 You need a degree or combination of education and experience as described below to qualify for this position. 0819 – Engineering – 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 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. 1301 – Physical Science – 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 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 be