Announcement #: EPA-LA-ORG-2024-0008. Salary Range: $68,405 – $88,926 per year. Application deadline: May 2nd, 2024.

These positions are in Office of Air and Radiation (OAR), Office of Atmospheric Protection (OAP), Program Management Division (PMD). About Office of Air and Radiation: OAR.

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 below.

These jobs are open to near-term graduates (degree completion by 12/31/2024) and recent graduates from accredited educational institutions within the last 2 years, or the last 6 years for Veterans.

Duties

At the entry level of this position, you will:

• Use standard program evaluation techniques to analyze information to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of program operations;
• Develop and apply analytical approaches, methodology, concepts and techniques to plan and carry out studies/projects to assist the organization in program planning, measurement, or progress evaluation;
• Examine current or proposed policies, laws, regulations or administrative procedures to assist in determining potential impact and developing associated recommendations;
• Gather and evaluate programmatic data to assist in developing recurring or special reports, preparing executive briefings and similar materials for use by management in carrying out and reporting on program accomplishments.

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 inter-agency 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 must be a U.S. citizen.
• You must submit a resume and required documents–see How to Apply section.
• If you are selected, a written participant agreement must be signed.
• EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.

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. 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, the entire period served under the Recent Graduates program will be a trial period.

Qualifications

NOTE:  If you are qualifying on the basis of general or specialized experience, you must meet the experience requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

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 assisting in monitoring projects or program operations; preparing and/or analyzing reports;
– OR master’s or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D., if related; degree in an academic discipline related to this position
– OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Ability to use automated reporting software and/or systems; 2) Skill in oral communication; 3) Ability to apply analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to assess program development; 4)Ability to work on a team; 5) Knowledge of program related policies, laws, regulations, and/or procedures; 6) Ability to analyze policies, laws, regulations, and/or procedures; 7) Skill in written communication.

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.

Additional Information

This position is in the Pathways Recent Graduates Program, which provides individuals who have completed a qualifying associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate with an entry-level developmental experience with the potential to lead to a career in the Federal government. Upon successful completion of the program, you may be noncompetitively converted to a term or permanent position without further competition. For more information, see USAJOBS Information Sheet.

ATTENTION VETERANS: If you are a veteran (as defined in 5 USC 2108) who due to military service obligations was precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period (described in the “This job is open to/Clarification from the agency” section above), you have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon your release/discharge from active duty. In no event, however, may your eligibility period extend beyond 6 years from the date you completed the requirements for a qualifying degree or qualify career or technical education program.

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.

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.

This position is in the bargaining unit.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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 ‘Best Qualified’, ‘Well Qualified’, or ‘Qualified’ category. NOTE:  Preference eligible veterans must be selected, or decline further consideration, before applicants who are ineligible for veterans’ preference can be selected (to learn more, visit Veterans’ Preference).

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 (e.g., technical writing sample or other work sample, job knowledge test, case scenario analysis, scientific data assessment, structured interview, etc.).

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.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

Documents to be submitted online:

— Resume stating your expected graduation date and 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.

— 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.  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.  IF EDUCATION WAS COMPLETED AT A FOREIGN INSTITUTION:  You must submit an equivalency evaluation with your application as described here:  EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

— Additional educational documentation – submit based on your current status: • Recent graduates:  submit documentation from the school showing date degree was conferred or date all degree requirements were met within the preceding two years. • Current students who will complete a qualifying degree/certificate by 12/31/24:  submit proof of current enrollment.

— Veterans’ Preference Documents: Separated veterans claiming 5-point preference:

• • DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service) or other official document/statement from the Armed Forces showing separation, discharge, or release from active duty; document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge)

Separated veterans claiming 10-point preference based on compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more:

• • DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service); document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge); and
• • VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (percentage); and
• • SF-15 (use current version:  SF-15 Form) (see page 2 for documents that can be submitted in lieu of the DD-214 and VA letter)

Other separated veterans claiming 10-point preference OR spouses, widows/widowers, or mothers claiming 10-point derived preference:

• • SF-15 (use current version:  SF-15 Form); and
• • Other required documentation indicated on the SF-15

Active duty service members:

• • 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 (Honorable or General Discharge) within 120 days after you submit the certification)

— Veterans who are not entitled to preference:  If you are unable to apply within two years of receiving your degree due to military service obligation, submit your DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service) or other official document/statement from the Armed Forces showing separation, discharge, or release from active duty; document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge).

To learn more about submitting documentation, visit Uploading Documents to USAJOBS.

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 top right on this screen, follow the prompts to log-in/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 two 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.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

EPA welcomes applications from persons with disabilities. Through the reasonable accommodation process, we provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment that persons without disabilities enjoy. A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done. An accommodation removes workplace barriers and enables an applicant with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in the application process, be considered for a position, and, if hired, perform the essential functions of their job.

Agency Contact Information

• Phone: 919-541-3014
• Email: EPAapplicantadmin@epa.gov