This position is in the Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Water Infrastructure Division, Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution Branch. About: The Office of Research and Development (ORD) This is an office-centered position*--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. *Work-from-home flexibilities may be authorized as described in the Benefits section.

Duties

At the entry level of this position, you will:

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section.
• Position has education requirements--see Qualifications/Education section.
• EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.
• You may have limited exposure to hazardous materials.
• You will be required to lift items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Qualifications

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-07 level, you must have one of the following: 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level defined as performing drinking water research and data analyses; and discussing findings with peers and/or external audiences; 1 year of graduate-level education; or superior academic achievement (Superior Academic Achievement Definition); the education must be directly related and provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position; equivalent combination of education and experience To qualify for the GS-09 level, you must have one of the following: 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level defined as collecting laboratory and/or drinking water field samples; preparing scientific reports; communicating research results orally and/or in written reports to stakeholders; 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master’s degree; or master’s or equivalent graduate degree; the education must be directly related and provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position; equivalent combination of education and experience 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 related to drinking water treatment process engineering and distribution; 2) Ability to independently perform recurring, routine or precedented experiments using standard methods and techniques; 3) Ability to conduct GIS information mapping of water quality data in drinking water distribution systems; 4) Skill in written communication to prepare routine reports and develop presentations; 5) Knowledge of the developments in engineering research pertaining to drinking water treatment processes including traditional conventional treatment; 6) Skill in oral communication; 7) Ability to resolve conventional technical problems in treatment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water systems and treatment of residual; 8) Knowledge of quality assurance procedures sufficient to perform quality assurance checks and validate methods.  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

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

Environmental Engineer: 

All applicants must meet one of the following requirements to qualify for consideration for an engineering position:

• Successful completion of a professional engineering degree at an accredited university or college

OR

• Have a 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:

1. Professional registration as an engineer.
2. Evidence of passing the Engineer-in-Training written test.
3. Successful documented completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences as described by OPM.
4. 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.

For information about accreditation requirements, visit EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

Contacts

• Address Environmental Protection Agency U.S. EPA, HRMD Mail Drop: C639-02 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12055 RTP, North Carolina 27711 United States
• Name: RCD Staffing
• Phone: 919-541-3014
• Email: [email protected]