March 12, 2008
Ask EPA is an online interactive forum where you can discuss a wide range of environmental and human health issues with EPA's senior officials.
Today's Session
Dr. George Gray, Assistant Administrator for Research and Development will discuss the diversity of science careers at EPA.
Dr. George Gray: Thanks for joining me this afternoon to discuss science careers at EPA. The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and the environment. Since 1970, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.
Quality science is the basis for every EPA environmental policy. In fact, Scientific or technical occupations constitute approximately half of the EPA total workforce (8,365 of 16,775 positions). These mission critical positions include Biologists, Chemists, Ecologists, Environmental/Mechanical Engineers, Environmental Protection Specialists, Geneticists, Health Scientists, IT Specialists, Physical Scientists, and Toxicologists.
From: Gillian
In: Vienna, VA
Question: I am interested in a career at EPA, but I find it really difficult to use USAjobs; the Web site seems a bit "clunky". From the outside, how can I find out about EPA jobs? Plus, when I do submit my resume on USAJobs, it goes (I guess) to some HR person. How will I be assured that my application gets a serious read?
Also, how is EPA helping to recruit, maintain and energize its workforce for the 21st century? I love EPA's mission, but I'm worried about working in a government beauocracy where slowness and inaction could be very frustrating for a young upstart!
Dr. George Gray: Sorry about the clunkiness; we're doing our best to get jobs posted.
Here are 2 options in locating vacant positions at EPA. First you may go to www.epa.gov/careers click on "Search Jobs" click on EPA@USAJOBS for a listing of EPA jobs or www.usajobs.gov and use the "search" option to locate EPA jobs. It is important to visit these sites daily as new positions are advertised daily. USAJOBS has specific information regarding submission of resumes. You can also set up a search agent to monitor things for you and it'll email you when it finds a listing that matches.
EPA has recently launched A Stronger EPA effort. Administrator Stephen Johnson recognizes the source of EPA's strength, clearly setting before the Agency his mandate that "we must invest in our people," especially our young upstarts.
For example, we're working with the Council of Environmental Deans and Directors, the leaders of environmental programs at colleges and universities across the country. We've asked these more than 160 educators to help us understand how we can make EPA an employer of choice for their students. We want the best of their upstarts. We're also helping them design their curriculum so their students' talents match EPA's needs.
From: A. Bowen
In: Dallas, TX
Question: Hi, Dr. Gray,
Can you give us some insight as to how to improve our chances to be interviewed for available positions?? I've submitted applications for announced vacancies to the Region 6 office in the past year and I can't seem to get any responses. My background includes a Masters Degree in Environmental Science and 3 years of active consulting experience.
Many thanks for your advice.
Dr. George Gray: Thanks for this question. There are some things I need to explain. First, our positions are very competitive. We can get as many as 200 applicants for a single position. We evaluate all of the applications very carefully, but you can see the odds can be long. We're a great place to work, so that's not surprising.
Second, when applying for a government job, it's really important that you think carefully about responding to the questions. Be as detailed as possible and don't underestimate the value of your experience. The message is we really use the questions' responses when looking at candidates.
Finally, each announcement has a point of contact and I urge you to make contact (email addresses are on the announcements) to get additional clarity on the position.
From: Karina Thomas
In: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Question: I have a few questions for the Ask EPA forum on Wednesday March 12 regarding jobs and the US EPA.
-What types of jobs does the EPA have available?
-What skill sets or qualifications is the EPA currently looking for or will be looking for in the near future?
-Does the EPA consider applications from non-US residents?
-If non-US citizens are successful applicants, how difficult is it to obtain the necessary permissions and permits to work and live in the US? Same question for the applicant's family.
-What benefits does the EPA offer (i.e. health care, pension, moving allowance, holiday time, etc.)?
Dr. George Gray: In the science and technology field, we have staff across a wide range of disciplines. For example, we have biologists, chemists, statisticians, engineers, toxicologists, physical scientists, and others. Some of these folks are doing science; others provide scientific support in program offices and Regions. Since science underlies everything we do, we need a broad spectrum of people with smarts and enthusiasm for our mission.
We recognize there are new science areas coming for us, like nanotechnology, and you'll see these reflected in future announcements.
We've received several questions about non-citizens. We know science talent resides all over the world, but as a U.S. government agency, most jobs are open to U.S. citizens only. A small number are open to non-citizens, though. The specific announcement will mention who's eligible.
There are a number of benefits that the Agency provides to maintain and energize its workforce, such as on-site day care, on-site fitness center, developmental opportunities (training, rotations, details, etc.), these kinds of on-line discussions with senior Agency managers, etc. We also work with academic institutions and student programs (e.g., summer hire, student volunteer, environmental intern, etc.) that benefit future recruitment and position EPA as an employer-of-choice in the jobs marketplace.
For more on benefits, see our Web site: http://www.epa.gov/careers/benefits.html
From: LaShawn
In: Atlanta, GA
Question: I don't know what I want to be, but I like science. What do you recommend I study now, I'm 19? I mean, what will be the important science work in like 2028?
Dr. George Gray: It's important to have a good grounding in science and math. Also, keep your eyes open for what look like interesting careers. For example, we have profiles of some science-based work in our multimedia center: http://www.epa.gov/multimedia/epainaction/index.html
We'll always need biologists and engineers, but new challenges bring needs for new skills. Examples of cutting-edge research can be found in our computational toxicology center's Web site: http://www.epa.gov/ncct
From: Changlong
In: Durham
Question: Hi, Dr. Gray
I found some post-doc positions in the EPA and was really interested. However, these positions required citizenship or green card. Why is that? Post-doc is not a permanent job. I know the NIH supports J1 or H1 visa for post-doc positions.
Did I miss something and the EPA does support H1 or J1 visa?
Dr. George Gray: I don't know the answer to your question, but you can contact Dorothy Carr at carr.dorothy@epa.gov and she'll be happy to help you.
From: D. Lofton
In: Chapel Hill, NC
Question: How competitive is the student loan repayment program for new hires? for current employees?
Dr. George Gray: The Federal Employee Student Loan Assistance Act allows agencies to repay certain federally insured student loans to recruit or retain highly qualified personnel. We've done this in the past, and continue to use this as a way to attract top candidates.
From: Christine
In: Ann Arbor, MI
Question: Do your employees collaborate with employees in other agencies on projects or research related to EPA's mission (e.g., with NSF or the State Dept)? Is there any opportunity to work on international environmental policy issues at the EPA (e.g., water or climate policy)?
Dr. George Gray: Yes. We collaborate with other agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations. For a timely example, EPA scientists have been coordinating for several years with other federal agencies to look at the issue of pharmaceuticals in the environment. This cooperation helps bring in scientific knowledge, expertise, and perspectives for this complex challenge.
We're also very engaged in the international policy and research arenas. Watch usajobs.gov for positions with an international flavor.
From: Ann
In: Manchester, NH
Question: Hi Dr. Gray,
Thanks for holding this on-line forum. It is a great idea. I am a Ph.D. scientist but I also have a passion for outreach and teaching. What does EPA do to encourage outreach activities? Does EPA develop environmental curriculum and work closely with schools? If so, in which division and office should I look? (I'm willing to relocate so I don't have to stay in New England).
Dr. George Gray: Yes. We encourage our scientists and technical folks to be involved in their communities. Sharing their expertise is an important responsibility. Many are adjunct faculty at local universities, they judge science fairs, they help out with school science projects, and they work on Earth Day activities.
We do want to be involved in the classroom, and some programs do work on curriculum materials. For examples, check out the EPA Web site for teachers: http://www.epa.gov/teachers
By the way, I relocated here from New England. Go Sox!
From: Cindy
In: VA
Question: What has been the most surprising thing that you found once you started working for EPA's Office of Research and Development?
Dr. George Gray: Before I came here, I knew EPA scientists and engineers as leaders in their fields. But now that I know them, I appreciate the passion and dedication they bring to their work. We've got top-notch people doing work that they really care about, and it shows. And I actually got through a winter without using a snowplow!
Dr. George Gray: Thanks for the great questions!
I wish we had more time so that I could respond to all of you. To learn more and to see EPA scientists in action, visit www.epa.gov/multimedia/epainaction . I also wanted to mention that my office has some great fellowship opportunities. Find information at http://es.epa.gov/ncer/fellow/
For job opportunities visit www.epa.gov/careers/ … and students, remember that the EPA Summer Opportunities for Students Web site is up and running until May 28th at www.epa.gov/ohr/student/
Please join us for the next Ask EPA session on Thursday, April 24 from 2:00-3:00 ET. Molly O'Neill, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Environmental Information and Chief Information Officer, will highlight EPA's National Dialogue on Access to Environmental Information and take ideas for improving access, including suggestions to improve EPA's home page.