Open & closing dates – 08/05/2019 to 08/16/2019
Service – Excepted
Pay scale & grade – GS 09 – 11
Salary – $54,757 to $86,131 per year
Appointment type – Recent Graduates – This is a one-year developmental program which may lead to a term or permanent appointment.
Work schedule – Full-Time
Relocation expenses reimbursed – No
Telework eligible – Yes as determined by agency policy
Locations – 1 vacancy in the following location: Corvallis, OR
This job is open to – Recent graduates
Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.
Clarification from the agency – Recent Graduates who have completed a qualifying degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution or technical education program within the preceding two years of the announcement closing date (the two years begins on the date all course requirements are met). Preference eligible veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree due to military service obligation may apply up to six years after degree or certification.
Supervisory status
No
Promotion Potential
12
Duties
Summary
This position is located in the Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects
Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, Ecological Effects Branch. For more information on this office,
visit their website: Office of Research and Development
(https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-research-and-development-ord)
If selected, you must work at the location stated in this announcement.
Your salary will be based on the grade level for which you are selected and the duty location of the position.
Responsibilities
At the entry level of this position, you will:
- Plan, execute, and analyze chemical and isotopic experiments as a member of one or more research teams
within the larger framework of Office of Research and Development (ORD) research projects; - Develop, modify, validate, and apply methods to assess experimental endpoints;
- Provide technical expertise, assistance, training and advice;
- Develop, implement and adhere to Laboratory, health and safety, quality assurance and other system
requirements; - Serve as Contracting Officer’s Representative, Project Officer, or similar as required for extramural contracts,
cooperative agreements, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), or related vehicles
in support of ORD research.
When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be
promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses.
Job family (Series)
1320 Chemistry
(https://www.usajobs.gov//Search/?j=1320)
Requirements
Conditions Of Employment
• If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.
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• EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.
• You must submit a resume and required documents (see How to Apply section).
• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• If you are selected, a written participant agreement must be signed.
• You may be required to travel less than 25% of each month.
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.
If you are selected, the entire period served under the Recent Graduates program will be a trial period.
This position requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
You may have limited exposure to hazardous materials.
You must meet all Recent Graduates program requirements by the closing date.
Qualifications
In addition to the educational requirements, we are looking for at least one year of specialized experience
related to this position as described below:
To qualify for the GS-09 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-
07 level defined as collecting laboratory and/or field samples; and preparing scientific reports – 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 above.
To qualify for the Research GS-11 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent
to the GS-09 level defined as assisting laboratory research involving chemical analysis; analyzing experimental
endpoints; and preparing scientific reports. – OR master’s or equivalent graduate degree in the academic
discipline as described below.
Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1)
Knowledge of laboratory research principles, practices and procedures; 2) Ability to plan and implement
research experiments; 3) Skill in written communication to prepare reports with findings, conclusions, and
recommendations; 4) Ability to apply the latest developments in research techniques necessary to carry out
high priority research; 5) Skill in oral communication; 6) Knowledge of quality assurance procedures sufficient to
perform quality assurance checks and validate methods; 7) Skill in contract management.
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.
Education
In addition to the eligibility requirements for the Recent Graduates program, this position has specific
educational requirements in order to qualify as described below:
Chemist/1320: You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in
one of the following: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in
chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least
6 semester hours of physics; OR a combination of education and experience with education equivalent to one
of the majors listed that included the described coursework.
Additional information
This is a Recent Graduates position in the Pathways program. This program provides individuals who have
completed a qualifying associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical
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How You Will Be Evaluated
Background checks and security clearance
degree or certificate with an entry-level developmental experience with the potential to lead to a career in the
Federal government after successfully completing the program. More information about the Recent Graduates
program can be found at USAJOBS Information Sheet
(https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/)
.
This position is in the bargaining unit.
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
(https://www.epa.gov/careers/epa-job-vacancy-announcements-policies-and-procedures/)
.
If you have part-time work experience, read this: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures
(https://www.epa.gov/careers/epa-job-vacancy-announcements-policies-and-procedures/)
.
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 above.
Position has portable work and selectee may be authorized to telework after meeting eligibility requirements if
approved by the supervisor/manager.
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.
Upon completion of the developmental program, you may be noncompetitively converted to a term or
permanent position without further competition.
One or more positions may be filled.
We will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.
Your resume must address the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the Qualifications section. If you meet
basic qualification requirements, your application will be further evaluated based on your answers to the online
assessment. Your responses to the online assessment will be used to measure the degree to which your
background matches the requirements for the position. You are being evaluated under the category rating
method which means, if you are determined to be qualified, you will be placed into the ‘Gold’, ‘Silver’, or
‘Bronze’ category.
We will compare your resume and supporting documentation to your responses on the assessment
questionnaire. If you rate 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. We will evaluate your qualifications
and eligibility and notify you if you meet minimum qualification requirements. If you are referred for
consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments.
NOTE: We do not require a separate statement responding to the competencies, also referred to as
Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). However, your resume should clearly show possession of these
competencies.
To preview questions please click here
(https://jobs.monstergovt.com/epa/vacancy/previewVacancyQuestions.hms?orgId=1&jnum=64714)
.
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Security clearance
Not Required
(https://www.usajobs.gov//Help/faq/job-announcement/security
-clearances/)
Drug test required
No
Required Documents
Documents to be submitted online:
— Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties section and
Qualifications section. In describing your experience, you need to be clear and specific. We will not make
assumptions regarding your experience.
–Responses to the online assessment questionnaire (you must complete this online – it is not a document you
need to upload).
— College transcripts – required to submit either unofficial transcripts or a list of courses that includes school(s)
attended, school address, course title, grades earned, completion dates, department, and quarter or semester
hours earned. Required to submit documentation from the school showing completion of degree within the
preceding two years. NOTE: Official educational transcripts are not required at the time of application;
however, if you are selected, you must provide official transcripts before you start work with EPA.
— Veterans’ Preference Documents – DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service), VA
letter stating overall/combined disability rating (percentage), and SF-15, if applicable; 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 (a certification is any written
document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged/released from active duty
service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after you submit the certification).
Additional information can be found on our website: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures
(https://www.epa.gov/careers/epa-job-vacancy-announcements-policies-and-procedures/)
.
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
(http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/)
.
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.
Benefits
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.
• Benefits for federal employees
(https://www.usa.gov/benefits-for-federal-employees#item-36407)
• Healthcare insurance
(https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/)
• Pay and leave
(https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/pay-and-leave/)
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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
(https://www.epa.gov/careers/)
.
https://www.epa.gov/careers/salaries-and-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 to Apply
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 right on this screen, follow the prompts to login/
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.
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later
than three 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
(https://www.epa.gov/careers/epa-job-vacancy-announcements-policies-and-procedures/)
.
Phone
800-433-9633
(tel:800-433-9633)
Fax
919-541-2186
Email
miller.jody@epa.gov
(mailto:miller.jody@epa.gov)
Address
Environmental Protection Agency
US Environmental Protection Agency
Human Resources Management Division
109 T.W. Alexander Drive, MD C639-02
Research Triangle Pk, North Carolina 27711
United States
Agency contact information
Jody Miller
Learn more about this agency
(#agency-modal-trigger)
Earth Day is every day at EPA! At EPA, you can protect human health and the environment of all
Americans, and you’ll discover that EPA is one great place to work! We offer great benefits and work
flexibilities, and our diverse workforce connects to more than just a career–we share a common passion to
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Next steps
promote a cleaner, healthier environment. Discover how exciting safeguarding our natural resources and
protecting human health can be. Find yourself at EPA. Learn more about EPA at https://www.epa.gov
(https://www.epa.gov/)
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 online
occupational questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of
your application via your USAJOBS account 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.
Financial suitability
(https://www.usajobs.gov//Help/working-in-government/fairand-
transparent/financial-suitability/)
Social security number request
(https://www.usajobs.gov//Help/working-in-government/fairand-
transparent/social-security-number/)
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Legal and regulatory guidance
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex
(including pregnancy And gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status,
disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status,
military service, or other non-merit factor.
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants
(http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/internal_eeo/index.cfm)
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the
instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants
should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be
made on a case-by-case basis.
A reasonable accommodation is any change in the workplace or the way things are customarily done that
provides an equal employment opportunity to an individual with a disability. Under the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) must provide reasonable accommodations:
• An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
• An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain
access to the workplace.
• An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as
details, training, and office-sponsored events.
• Disability Employment – Reasonable Accommodations
(https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/reasonable-accommodations/)
• How to contact an agency
(https://www.usajobs.gov//Help/how-to/application/agency/contact/)
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Privacy Act
(https://www.usajobs.gov//Help/working-in-government/fairand-
transparent/privacy-act/)
Signature & False statements
(https://www.usajobs.gov//Help/working-in-government/fairand-
transparent/signature-false-statements/)
Selective Service
(https://www.usajobs.gov//Help/working-in-government/fairand-
transparent/selective-service/)
New employee probationary period
(https://www.usajobs.gov//Help/working-in-government/fairand-
transparent/probationary-period/)
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