Investigator

NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

To qualify for the GS-11 level, you must have one of the following:

• 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level defined as conducting investigations regarding violations of federal law and/or programs.
• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.M., if related; the education must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position
• equivalent combination of education and experience

NOTE: 1 year of full-time undergraduate study is 30 semester or 45 quarter hours. 1 year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study; if that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours is considered 1 year of full-time study.

To qualify for the GS-12 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level defined as conducting investigations regarding violations of federal law and/or programs; and preparing reports and summaries of investigations.

Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:

• Knowledge of investigative techniques, the laws of evidence, and/or the rules of criminal and civil procedures.
• Knowledge of civil and criminal provisions of environmental protection statutes, in particular, all provisions of statutes and regulations governing the illegal generation, disposal and transportation of pollutants, toxic substances and/or hazardous materials.
• Skill in oral communication.
• Knowledge of principles of contract administration to include work assignment development, task budgeting, contractor oversight, performance evaluation, and/or invoice review for project close out.
• Knowledge of applicable environmental statutes and regulations related to liability or statutes of limitations.
• Ability to recognize, develop, and/or present evidence.
• Skill in interviewing, following leads, and/or researching records.
• 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.