Supervisory Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist/Life Scientist

This position is in Region 10, Water Division, Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office Branch, Puget Sound Recovery National Programs Section. About Region 10:https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-10-pacific-northwest 

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.

GS-0401 Biology

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.

GS-0819 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:

1. Professional registration as an engineer.
2. Evidence of passing the Engineer-in-Training written test.
3. Successful documented completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences as described by OPM.
4. 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

GS-1301 Physical Scientist

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.

You will:

• Plan, organize, and direct the activities of the organizational unit, ensuring that they comply with legal and regulatory requirements and meet customer needs.
• Exercise supervisory personnel management responsibilities.
• Represent the Agency with a variety of functional area organizations.
• Serve as a technical advisor and assistant to the Second-Level Supervisor on issues pertaining to Puget Sound recovery as well as other water-related geographic programs and funding in the Region. These functions include national program implementation, overseeing funding and providing expertise on priority research and protection and restoration projects, and conducting audits and assessments under the Clean Water Act.

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

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-14 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level defined as providing leadership, oversight or technical expertise for an environmental protection program of limited scope related to Puget Sound recovery as well as other water-related geographic programs and funding in the Region; coaching, mentoring or leading others.[

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

• Knowledge of the Clean Water Act.
• Ability to research, interpret, and apply environmental policies and regulations.
• Ability to lead staff by evaluating work performance and giving advice, counsel, and instruction.
• Skill in oral communication.
• Skill in written communication.
• Ability to advise on technical issues pertaining to Puget Sound recovery as well as other water-related geographic programs and funding in the Region.

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.