Summary This position is in Region 8, Laboratory Services and Applied Sciences Division (LSASD), Laboratory Services Branch. About Region 8 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. Responsibilities You will: Advise, assist, and/or perform professional work with environmental planning, laboratory operations, and/or enforcement functions. Apply mastery scientific and lab operational knowledge to advise, plan, and/or review specific problems, programs, and policies. Serve as the LSASD expert representing the Division/Agency with a variety of organizations. Provide oversight for the technical management of various ad hoc and/or semi-permanent workgroups or project teams. 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. Requirements Conditions of Employment You may have limited exposure to hazardous materials. You will be required to lift items weighing up to 50 pounds. Position has education requirements--see Qualifications/Education section. You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section. EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings. You must be a U.S. citizen. This is a temporary position (see Other Information on assignment limits). Pre-employment physical may be required and periodic physicals thereafter. This position is designated as High 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. If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period. 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. You will be required to meet ongoing specialized safety training requirements in order to meet field safety standards. #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-14 level, you must have 1 year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level defined as managing projects that require coordination of activities to gather environmental data; overseeing environmental laboratory operations; and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate projects/activities. Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: Knowledge in a wide range of engineering, physical and/or biological science principles. Knowledge of applicable environmental laws, regulations, statutes, policies and guidelines. Ability to advise others. Ability to modify standard practices, adapt precedents or establish precedent by applying the latest technical developments to resolve problems. Skill in oral communication. Skill in written communication. Knowledge of strategic planning and skills sufficient to generate and apply new concepts in planning, conducting, and evaluating proposals for long-range projects and programs. 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 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. Chemist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in 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. 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. Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures 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. If you are selected, your appointment may be extended beyond the initial not-to-exceed date to a maximum of two years. This position is in the bargaining unit.