What are the responsibilities and job description for the Life Scientist position at Environmental Protection Agency?
These positions are in Region 2, Superfund and Emergency Management Division (SEMD), Program Support Branch (PSB), Risk Assessment Support Section (RASS). About Region 2: EPA Region 2 | US EPA
These are office-centered positions*--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.
Qualifications:
In addition to the educational requirements, we are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to these positions as described below:
To qualify for the GS-11 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-09 level defined as performing risk assessments and/or performing research on the effects of toxic substances on human health and/or the environment;
- OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in the academic discipline as described below
- OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Your application package will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Knowledge of principles, concepts, practices, and methodology of life and environmental science sufficient to perform Risk Assessments; 2) Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on issues pertaining to health and environmental hazards; 3) Skill in oral communication; 4) Skill in written communication; 5) Skill in decision making; 6) Knowledge of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; and 7) Knowledge of the effects of toxic substances on human health and/or the environment.
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.
Responsibilities:
At the entry level of these positions, you will:
- Evaluate risks and hazards resulting from substances at hazardous waste sites for the development of environmental assessments in the Superfund program;
- Communicate analyses, research results and technical advice concerning the assessment process;
- Provide technical expertise and recommendations to support assessment efforts.
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. NOTE: Career ladder promotions are not automatic, and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level.
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.