Biologist / Physical Scientist

Published on by for US Environmental Protection Agency

Biologist / Physical Scientist

This position is in Office of Water (OW). About Office of Water: Office of Water

This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. Partial work-from-home flexibilities may be authorized.

Duties

At the entry level of this position, you will:

- Conduct analyses of issues in chemistry, biology, ecology, physical science, and other disciplines related to aquatic environments and the development and/or review of standards or permits.

- Serve as a liaison and point of contact for Regions, stakeholders, or states on regulatory or national program issues that raise issues of first impression, deviate from national guidance or policy, or necessitate direct analytical or implementation support on a wide range of science and
policy issues related to oceans, coasts, or freshwater environments, including wetlands.

- Participate in workgroups of scientific, economic, legal and policy personnel assigned to produce products such as regulations, permits, letters, guidance documents, or national implementation documents.

- Develop oral and written reports and briefings for EPA managers, senior executives, and policy makers concerning elements of the ocean, coastal, or wetland programs for distribution within and outside of EPA.

- Serve as extramural project officer or work assignment manager for scientific support work performed under contract or under assistance agreements including cooperative agreements and grants.

You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements.

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.

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

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.

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

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-11 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-09 level defined as experience researching or implementing water-related policy or regulations related to oceans, coasts, or freshwater environments.

- OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 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.

Your application package will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 

1. Knowledge of water related policy or regulations related to oceans, coasts, or freshwater environments.

2. Skill in oral communication.

3. Skill in written communication.

4. Ability to assess the impact of federal, state, tribal, or local activities on public safety, human and ecological health, and the environment involving matters to public welfare and protection of natural resources.

5. Knowledge of evolving water-related programs and scientific and technical issues related to water quality.

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:

0401 - General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences Series:

A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. -OR-

B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

1301 - General Physical Science Series:

A. 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-

B. 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.

For information about accreditation requirements, visit EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

Information

Industry experience

Education: Bachelor

Seniority: Expert, Engineer, Consultant

Years of experience: 1 to 5 years

Taxonomy