Physical Scientist/Environmental Engineer

at  US Environmental Protection Agency

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-12 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level defined as supporting the application and analysis of engineering and/or scientific principles related to infrastructure projects and federal compliance requirements.
To qualify for the GS-13 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level defined as applying and analyzing engineering and/or scientific principles related to infrastructure projects and federal compliance requirements.

Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:

• Knowledge of engineering practices for infrastructure
• Ability to analyze technical information to support a recommendation
• Ability to read, understand and apply environmental laws, regulations, policies, and/or practices
• Skill in written communication
• Knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines sufficient to conduct project reviews and ensure compliance with federal requirements
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific and/or engineering data
• Ability to communicate with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to manage contracts and/or grants

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

You need a degree or combination of education and experience as described below to qualify for this position.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.

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IF YOU ARE RELYING ON YOUR EDUCATION TO MEET QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

You are strongly encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position.
To begin the application process, click the Apply button to the top right on this screen, follow the prompts to log-in/register, submit all required documents, and complete the assessment questionnaire. To be considered, you must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the day the announcement closes.
All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS document portfolio feature.
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.
For detailed instructions to assist you in ensuring your application package is received, go to EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

IF YOU ARE RELYING ON YOUR EDUCATION TO MEET QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help

At the entry level of this position, you will:

• Conduct technical evaluations of technical and engineering data and information for water infrastructure projects and makes recommendations regarding projects applying for WIFIA financing.
• Prepare environmental documentation and conduct consultations to ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other cross-cutting authorities.
• Review project’s compliance with technical aspects of EPA laws, regulations, and WIFIA loan agreements.
• Direct technical contract efforts as a Contracting Officer’s Representative for contracts (COR level II) and/or Project Officer for assistance agreements and Interagency Agreements in accordance with Federal and agency policies and practices.

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.