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.