Social Scientist (Research)

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 Research GS-12 level, you must have one of the following:

• 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level defined as participating in quantitative or qualitative experiments related to human or environmental health; participating as a team member in evidence-building activities; and communicating experimental findings or results to others;
• 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;
• OR equivalent combination of education and experience

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 independently conducting quantitative and qualitative experiments related to human or environmental health; conducting or leading evidence-building activities; and communicating research results and experimental results in peer-reviewed publications.
Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Knowledge of social science experimental design and analysis; 2) Skill in written communication sufficient to provide guidance; 3) Ability to apply social science techniques to a wide array of environmental or human health problems; 4) Knowledge of evidence-building techniques and practices; 5) Skill in building logic models; 6) Skill in oral communication; 7) Ability to build and maintain professional relationships; 8) Ability to perform contracting duties.

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.
A bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in behavioral or social science, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major, as listed; OR four years of experience that demonstrate you have acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major, as listed.
For information about accreditation requirements, visit 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.

• 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

You will:

• Communicate and disseminate research results and findings to internal and external EPA partners.
• Plan, design, coordinate, and analyze studies and/or projects using both quantitative and qualitative methods .
• Lead collaborative teams for evidence-building that can be used by various EPA programs, policies, and regulations.
• Represent the program office at seminars, conferences, briefings, and other meetings.
• Serve as the Contracting Officer’s Representative for the office.

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.