This position is located in the Safety Section, Engineering Service within the VA Boston Healthcare System (VABHS) in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. The Environmental Protection Specialist provides assistance to the Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) coordinator in coordinating, developing, and implementing the GEMS program for the Brockton, West Roxbury and Jamaica Plain campuses and/or any of the associated community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs).

Duties

***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** NOTE: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS-11. At the GS-9 grade level, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-11. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher-level work, and availability of funds. Applies environmental science and technology to demonstrate relationships between the operation of the VABHS with human health, ecosystems, environmental media, and natural resources; Provides technical expertise for the design, modification, operation and maintenance of facilities and infrastructure to ensure compliance with environmental regulations; Provides oversight and technical assistance for a wide range of environmental activities; Assists other services with development and implementation of environmental policies, procedures, and systems; Evaluates, modifies, and implements pollution prevention alternatives to reduce the generation of waste; Provides technical advice regarding response to environmental emergencies including releases/spills of hazardous material. Prepares and presents budgetary information related to environmental programs; Manages computer programs and databases to enhance management of environmental programs; Measures the effectiveness of existing environmental programs and recommends additions to environmental programs as needed to meet changing environmental requirements; Conducts annual internal audits of environmental compliance activities to include preparing reports of findings, and assists with developing/implementing corrective actions; Provides expert technical advice and guidance to senior management officials in the appropriate application of technology as it relates to environmental issues; Serves as an expert on issues related to environmental statutes, environmental policy, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements. Performs all duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position at the GS-9 grade level, applicants must meet at least one of the following: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-7) in the Federal Service that has given you the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of this position. Specialized experience includes having a broad knowledge and skill in applying a range of environmental theories, concepts, principles, standards, and methods to perform various assignments; ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations; prepare reports; participates in the planning, implementing, and evaluating of an environmental protection program; making recommendations for improvements. NOTE: Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must clearly indicate the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.~OR~ EDUCATION: Successful completion of a master's degree or two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree that is directly related to the field of study and demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. This education must have been obtained at an accredited college or university. NOTE: If you select this option, you must submit a copy of your transcript with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. ~OR~ COMBINATION: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed progressively higher-level graduate education (beyond the first year) and specialized experience as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. The education portion must include graduate courses that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. Education must have been obtained at an accredited college or university. NOTE: If you select this option, you must submit a copy of your transcript with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. To qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level, applicants must meet at least one of the following: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-9) in the Federal Service that has given you the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of this position. Specialized experience includes having a knowledge and skill in applying a range of environmental theories, concepts, principles, standards, and methods to perform various assignments; performing facility environmental inspections to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations; prepare reports; participating in the planning, implementing, and evaluating of an environmental protection program; making recommendations for improvements. At this level applicants should have sufficient knowledge of environmental programs to educate/instruct others in environmental management issues and compliance. NOTE: Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must clearly indicate the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. ~OR~ EDUCATION: Successful completion of a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) or three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree that is directly related to the field of study and demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. This education must have been obtained at an accredited college or university. NOTE: If you select this option, you must submit a copy of your transcript with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. ~OR~ COMBINATION: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed progressively higher-level graduate education (beyond the second year) and specialized experience as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. The education portion must include graduate courses that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. Education must have been obtained at an accredited college or university. NOTE: If you select this option, you must submit a copy of your transcript with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: CommunicationsComplianceEnvironmental EngineeringTechnical CompetenceTechnical Credibility IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. 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. Physical Requirements: Work is performed in a wide range of environments and may involve exposure to potentially hazardous conditions such as asbestos, chemicals, extreme temperatures and damaged or defective buildings and structures. Work activity may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, climbing, work in cramped spaces, walking and bending. Incumbent occasionally lifts and moves moderately heavy objects. Some degree of agility and dexterity is required to conduct environmental surveys and inspections. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

NOTE: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).

Contacts

• Address VA Boston Healthcare System 940 Belmont Street Brockton, MA 02301 US
• Name: VHA National Recruitment Center
• Phone: (844)456-5208
• Email: [email protected]