Physical Scientist

Job Overview

Summary

Earth Day is every day at EPA! Come help us protect the environment! Our diverse workforce connects to more than just a career-we share a common passion to promote a cleaner, healthier environment. Discover how exciting safeguarding our natural resources and protecting human health can be. We consistently rank as one of the top Federal agencies in which to work, with great benefits and work flexibilities. Find yourself at EPA.

This position is located in the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Economics, Chemistry, Economics & Sustainable Strategies Division, Design for the Environment Branch, Washington, DC. For more information on this office, visit their website: http://www.epa.gov/ocspp

Duties

At the entry level of this position you will:

- Serve as a Physical Scientist to the Design for the Environment program.

- Work on multi-disciplinary teams that includes Chemists, Engineers, Toxicologists, and Industry representatives to respond to technical issues.

- Assist in engaging stakeholders; promoting and customizing Design for The Environment (DfE) approaches to specific industries and sectors.

- Assist in developing briefing materials and reports on a variety of subjects related to Branch/Division programs and activities.

When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower that the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work independently as your career progresses.

You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts management duties.

Relocation Authorized

No

Job Requirements

Key Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen.
If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.
You must submit resume and required documents. (See How to Apply Tab)
You may be required to travel 1 to 5 days per month.
Position has educational/degree requirements. (See Qualifications Section)
EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.

Qualifications

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

Physical Scientist: You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in one of the following: 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.

As part of the application process, you are required to submit college transcripts or a list of courses as described in the Required Documents section of this announcement. However, if you are selected, you must provide official educational transcripts before you start work with EPA. More information on verification of education can be found here:
http://epa.gov/ohr/ezhire/vacancy_requirement.htm

In addition to the educational requirements, we are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as describe below:

To qualify for the GS-07 level, you need to have at least one year of full time experience defined as assisting with carrying out routine physical science work OR 1 full year of graduate level education; or superior academic achievement degree in the academic discipline as described below.

To qualify for the GS-09 level, you need to have at least one year of full time experience defined as independently carrying out routine physical science work OR master's or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in the academic discipline as described below.

To qualify for the GS-11 level, you need to have at least one year of full time experience defined as coordinating multi-disciplinary analyses, building consensus, and promoting solutions to environmental and health risks 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.

Your answers to the on-line assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Knowledge of physical science concepts, principles, and practices; 2) Ability to gather, analyze, integrate, and communicate scientific information; 3) Ability to work in a team environment; 4)Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines; 5) Skill in oral communication; 6) Knowledge of partnership programs and industry approaches for pollution prevention, safer chemistry, and safer products; 7) Ability to evaluate performance of public/private partnerships; 8) Skill in written communication sufficient to convey scientific information into technical documents and reports.

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 are selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Form prior to your first day of employment and annually thereafter.

If you are selected, you must complete a one year probationary period.

This position is designated as Low 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.

Security Clearance

Other

Additional Information

What To Expect Next

You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJOBS that your submission was successful, once we have received your on-line occupational questionnaire, resume and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.

BENEFITS

Review our benefits

Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.

Other Information

This information is used to determine your qualifications for employment. The use of this information is authorized under Title 5 USC, Sections 3302 and 3361.

Position has portable work and selectee may be eligible to telework.

Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents and visit the EPA website for additional information http://epa.gov/ohr/ezhire/vacancy_requirements.htm.

EPA participates in e-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information http://epa.gov/ohr/ezhire/vacancy_requirements.htm.

If you have part-time work experience, read this: (http://epa.gov/ohr/ezhire/vacancy_requirements.htm)

If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility.

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/404599100. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

Physical Scientist

Environmental Protection Agency

Work Schedule is Full-time - Permanent

Salary Range

Series & Grade

Promotion Potential

Supervisory Status

Who May Apply

Control Number

Job Announcement Number