Location: Atlanta,GA, USA
Summary
This position is in Region 4, Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division, Water Enforcement Branch, Drinking Water Enforcement Section. About Region 4.
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.
Learn more about this agency
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Overview
* Accepting applications
* Open & closing dates
12/11/2024 to 12/23/2024
* Salary
$91,897 - $119,463 per year
* Pay scale & grade
GS 12
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Location
3 vacancies in the following location:
* Atlanta, GA
* Remote job
No
* Telework eligible
Yes-NOTE: If you are an EPA employee who currently works at a remote work location (i.e., full-time telework), your approval for remote work does not transfer to this position.
* Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be required to occasionally travel.
* Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
* Appointment type
Permanent
* Work schedule
Full-time
* Service
Competitive
* Promotion potential
12
* Job family (Series)
* 0401 General Natural Resources Management And Biological Sciences
* 0819 Environmental Engineering
* 1301 General Physical Science
* Supervisory status
No
* Security clearance
Not Required
* Drug test
No
* Announcement number
EPA-T4-MPE-2025-0002
* Control number
823396700
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This job is open to
* Federal employees - Competitive service
Current or former competitive service federal employees.
* Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees who meet the definition of a surplus or displaced employee.
* Veterans
* Individuals with disabilities
* Military spouses
* Special authorities
Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.
* Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
* Land and base management
Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.
Clarification from the agency
* Current federal employee with competitive status; reinstatement eligible; ICTAP/CTAP eligible -Current/former federal employee eligible under misc act/authority/agreement (e.g., land management, postal service, interchange agreement) -Preference eligible or veteran who has separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous active service (VEOA) -Applicant eligible for noncompetitive appointment (e.g., Schedule A, Peace Corps, VRA) -PHS Officer
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Duties
You will:
* Conduct inspections and investigations of regulated facilities for compliance with applicable regulations, permits, or other federal requirements.
* Provide technical advice and information on analytical methods, sampling techniques, etc., related to specific program areas, functions, or activities.
* Serve as a technical resource in the development, negotiation, and litigation of both civil and criminal enforcement matters.
* Plan, conduct, and/or provide regulatory technical assistance to complex field sampling and analytical services, facility inspections and audits.
* Provide assistance to customers on the technical aspects of EPA laws and regulations.
You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements.
One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position.
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
* You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section.
* You must be a U.S. citizen.
* Position has education requirements--see Qualifications/Education section.
* EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.
* Pre-employment physical may be required and periodic physicals thereafter.
* You may have limited exposure to hazardous materials.
* You may be required to lift items weighing up to 50 pounds or more.
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.
You must meet time in grade requirements no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement.
If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period if appointed as Competitive Service or a two-year trial period if appointed as Excepted Service.
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.
Participation in the medical monitoring program is required.
This position may require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
You will be required to obtain (before coming on board) and maintain a valid driver's license and must be able to operate a Government-owned or leased motor vehicle.
#LI-Onsite
Qualifications
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-12 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level defined as conducting site inspections under a national environmental law; and writing inspection reports that identify specific violations of any of these environmental laws.
Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:
* Skill in conducting field inspections, gathering evidence, and/or initiating enforcement actions.
* Skill in written communication.
* Knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, policies, and practices related to enforcement and compliance activities.
* Ability to plan, conduct, and provide technical assistance to complex field sampling for inspections or audits.
* Skill in Oral Communication.
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
Life Scientist: 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
Environmental Engineer: You must have one of the following:
* Successful completion of a professional engineering degree at an accredited university or college
OR
* 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:
* Professional registration as an engineer.
* Evidence of passing the Engineer-in-Training written test.
* Successful documented completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences as described by OPM.
* 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.
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.
Additional information
Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed in the Overview section.
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: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
Although the Service type indicated in the Overview section is Competitive, you may be appointed as Excepted Service based on your eligibility to be hired under certain appointing authorities.
Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information on the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures
NOTE: To be entitled to selection priority, you must be rated well-qualified (i.e., you must have a score of 87 or higher--see the How You Will Be Evaluated section).
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at EPA. Our excellence can only be fully realized by staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates are committed to advancing equity and inclusion in the Agency's workplace and mission. We encourage applications from candidates with a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. At EPA, diversity is a vital element in bringing a balance of perspectives to bear on every challenge we face. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce because we know that the individual strengths and abilities of our employees make us a stronger organization. The more inclusive our employee base is, the greater the variety of ideas that are generated, and the more representative we are of the nation we serve. To learn more about how EPA values and supports our diverse workforce, visit Equal Opportunity Employment at EPA.
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 position is in the bargaining unit.
Read more
* Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal 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.
EPA offers workplace flexibilities as described on the EPA Benefits page. These flexibilities are not guaranteed, and eligibility will be determined in accordance with position requirements, policy, and/or applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement after you are hired.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF): As a federal employee, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on federal Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer, including EPA. Learn more: pslf.gov
This position has portable work. If selected for this position, you may be eligible for partial work-from-home flexibilities after meeting eligibility requirements, as allowable by agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
After the vacancy announcement closes, we will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements.
If we determine you are eligible/qualified, you will be further assessed based on your responses to the occupational questionnaire you completed as part of your online application. We will compare your resume and supporting documentation to your questionnaire responses; if you rated yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. After your responses are evaluated, a score will be calculated. As a result of this assessment process, your score will reflect the degree to which your background matches the competencies required for successful performance in this position (see the Qualifications section for a list of the competencies being evaluated).
If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments by the selecting official (e.g., technical writing sample or other work sample, job knowledge test, case scenario analysis, scientific data assessment, structured interview, etc.).
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
* Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal 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.
EPA offers workplace flexibilities as described on the EPA Benefits page. These flexibilities are not guaranteed, and eligibility will be determined in accordance with position requirements, policy, and/or applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement after you are hired.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF): As a federal employee, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on federal Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer, including EPA. Learn more: pslf.gov
This position has portable work. If selected for this position, you may be eligible for partial work-from-home flexibilities after meeting eligibility requirements, as allowable by agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
* Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
ALL APPLICANTS
* Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties and Qualifications sections--include specific dates (MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY) so we can determine that you have the required amount of experience (if applicable). Your experience description needs to be clear/specific (we may not make assumptions regarding your experience). Include a list of awards you've received if you'd like them to be considered. PLEASE LIMIT YOUR RESUME TO A MAXIMUM OF 7 PAGES.
* College transcripts - unofficial or official transcripts or list of courses that includes school(s) attended, school address, course title, grades earned, completion dates, department, and quarter/semester hours earned.
NOTE: Official transcripts aren't required at the time of application; however, if you're selected, you must provide official transcripts before you start work.
IF EDUCATION WAS COMPLETED AT A FOREIGN INSTITUTION: You must submit an equivalency evaluation with your application as described here: Accreditation
CURRENT/FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
* Notification(s) of Personnel Action (SF-50) that includes Position Title, Grade or Level, and Duty Station. SF-50(s) must prove you're eligible to apply and have met time-in-grade:
* ELIGIBILITY - You must provide SF-50(s) demonstrating you meet the criteria in the Clarification from the Agency section above (the most common eligibility requirements are Competitive Status [Block 24/Tenure and Block 34/Position Occupied on the SF-50] and In the Commuting Area [Block 39/Duty Station on the SF-50]).
* TIME-IN-GRADE - If you're applying for a higher grade, you must provide SF-50(s) demonstrating you have completed a minimum of 52 weeks in a position at the next lower grade. The next lower grade is identified in the Qualifications section above. (Some SF-50 examples that can prove you've met time-in-grade include promotions, within-grade increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job.)
CURRENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
* Most recent completed annual performance appraisal dated within the last 18 months (if it isn't dated within the last 18 months or you haven't received a performance appraisal, you must upload a signed/dated explanation why). Your submitted performance appraisal must show the overall rating and supervisor's signature that certifies the rating at the time it was given. If your performance appraisal was conducted virtually, a supervisory email certifying your end-of-year review/rating was completed and date it occurred is acceptable documentation in lieu of the supervisor's signature on the performance appraisal document; the overall rating must also be provided on either the email or performance appraisal document.
DISPLACED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLE
* Most recent performance appraisal
* Proof of eligibility
* Most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station
VETERANS
* DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service) or other official document/statement from the Armed Forces showing separation, discharge, or release from active duty; document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge)
* VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (%), if applicable
* SF-15 (use current SF-15), if applicable
NOTE: See page 2 of the SF-15 for documents that can be submitted in lieu of the DD-214/VA letter.
Active duty service members: submit certification from the armed forces documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (certification is any written document from the armed forces certifying you're expected to be discharged/released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge) within 120 days after you submit the certification).
If you're a veteran with a disability and want to be considered for employment through the Schedule A noncompetitive process, provide documentation as indicated below.
APPLICANTS APPLYING FOR NONCOMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT
* SCHEDULE A (for people with severe physical disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, and intellectual disabilities) - Provide documentation from a licensed medical professional; a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist; or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a US territory that issues or provides disability benefits. Documentation must be on letterhead, include a signature, and state you're eligible for employment under the Schedule A hiring authority, 5 CFR 213.3102(u). For more information: Schedule A and Sample Letters
* OTHER - Provide documentation that supports your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment (see Special Appointing Authority Documentation).
Learn more about noncompetitive appointments: Special Appointment
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
* How to Apply
This is an interdisciplinary position (i.e., more than one possible series/title), and you will only be evaluated/considered for the series you select during the application process. Since you may qualify for more than one series and/or may not qualify for the series you anticipate, we encourage you to select all listed series.
You are strongly encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position.
To begin the application process, click the Apply button to the top right on this screen, follow the prompts to log-in/register, submit all required documents, and complete the assessment questionnaire. To be considered, you must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the day the announcement closes.
All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS document portfolio feature (see How to Upload Documents).
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.
For detailed instructions to assist you in ensuring your application package is received, go to EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
EPA welcomes applications from persons with disabilities. Through the reasonable accommodation process, we provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment that persons without disabilities enjoy. A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done. An accommodation removes workplace barriers and enables an applicant with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in the application process, be considered for a position, and, if hired, perform the essential functions of their job.
The EPA National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed. For more information, refer to EPA's Reasonable Accommodation website. Below is more detailed information about how to request a reasonable accommodation during the application, selection, and hiring process:
* If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process (submitting the application or completing the application process), contact the Human Resources Office listed below no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement, and the Human Resources Office will work directly with you.
* If you are referred to the hiring official for consideration and need an accommodation during the selection process, including the interview, notify the person who contacted you from the hiring official's office. If you do not hear back within three days about your reasonable accommodation request for the selection process, please notify EPA's National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators via email at ...@epa.gov.
* If you are selected and need an accommodation during the hiring process up to orientation, notify the HR Specialist who made the job offer to you.
Please note: Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Agency contact information
Melissa Parra
Phone (919) ###-#### Email ...@EPA.GOV
Address Environmental Protection Agency
OMS/OHCO/RCD
1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW
WJC Bldg North, Mail Code 1448K
Washington, District of Columbia 20460
United States
Learn more about this agency
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application via your USAJOBS account by clicking the Track This Application link. Through your USAJOBS account, you will be notified of the status of your application at four touch-points (some of these notifications may be combined): (1) when your application is received; (2) when we conduct an eligibility and qualification review of your application package; (3) when applications are referred (or not) to the hiring manager; (4) when a selection is made (or not) for the position or the job is canceled. It is your responsibility to check your USAJOBS account for this application status information. In addition, you will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
NOTE: 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. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration.
* Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
* Criminal history inquiries
* Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
* Financial suitability
* New employee probationary period
* Privacy Act
* Reasonable accommodation policy
* Selective Service
* Signature and false statements
* Social security number request
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Required Documents
ALL APPLICANTS
* Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties and Qualifications sections--include specific dates (MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY) so we can determine that you have the required amount of experience (if applicable). Your experience description needs to be clear/specific (we may not make assumptions regarding your experience). Include a list of awards you've received if you'd like them to be considered. PLEASE LIMIT YOUR RESUME TO A MAXIMUM OF 7 PAGES.
* College transcripts - unofficial or official transcripts or list of courses that includes school(s) attended, school address, course title, grades earned, completion dates, department, and quarter/semester hours earned.
NOTE: Official transcripts aren't required at the time of application; however, if you're selected, you must provide official transcripts before you start work.
IF EDUCATION WAS COMPLETED AT A FOREIGN INSTITUTION: You must submit an equivalency evaluation with your application as described here: Accreditation
CURRENT/FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
* Notification(s) of Personnel Action (SF-50) that includes Position Title, Grade or Level, and Duty Station. SF-50(s) must prove you're eligible to apply and have met time-in-grade:
* ELIGIBILITY - You must provide SF-50(s) demonstrating you meet the criteria in the Clarification from the Agency section above (the most common eligibility requirements are Competitive Status [Block 24/Tenure and Block 34/Position Occupied on the SF-50] and In the Commuting Area [Block 39/Duty Station on the SF-50]).
* TIME-IN-GRADE - If you're applying for a higher grade, you must provide SF-50(s) demonstrating you have completed a minimum of 52 weeks in a position at the next lower grade. The next lower grade is identified in the Qualifications section above. (Some SF-50 examples that can prove you've met time-in-grade include promotions, within-grade increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job.)
CURRENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
* Most recent completed annual performance appraisal dated within the last 18 months (if it isn't dated within the last 18 months or you haven't received a performance appraisal, you must upload a signed/dated explanation why). Your submitted performance appraisal must show the overall rating and supervisor's signature that certifies the rating at the time it was given. If your performance appraisal was conducted virtually, a supervisory email certifying your end-of-year review/rating was completed and date it occurred is acceptable documentation in lieu of the supervisor's signature on the performance appraisal document; the overall rating must also be provided on either the email or performance appraisal document.
DISPLACED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLE
* Most recent performance appraisal
* Proof of eligibility
* Most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station
VETERANS
* DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service) or other official document/statement from the Armed Forces showing separation, discharge, or release from active duty; document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge)
* VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (%), if applicable
* SF-15 (use current SF-15), if applicable
NOTE: See page 2 of the SF-15 for documents that can be submitted in lieu of the DD-214/VA letter.
Active duty service members: submit certification from the armed forces documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of ser