Environmental Protection Specialist

Summary This position is part of the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA)-Upper Great Plains Region (UGPR). As an Environmental Protection Specialist, you will manage the hazardous waste program and the environmental compliance program for a portion of the WAPA UGPR. *This is not a remote position. You will be required to be physically present at one of the locations listed.* Duties As an Environmental Protection Specialist at the full performance level, you will: Be responsible for the implementation of Hazardous and Toxic Material management program for assigned geographic area. Insures the program complies with Federal (e.g. Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA); Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); Clean Air Act; Clean Water Act and state laws. Investigate and prepare reports for state or other Federal agencies regarding various environmental incidents and ensure that procedures for spill clean-up meet applicable standards. Maintain a familiarity with the various chemical/products used in assigned geographic area. Utilize technical references to determine what environmental hazards are associated with their use. Coordinate implementation of specific environmental programs related to groundwater protection, waste minimization, pollution prevention awareness, environmental monitoring, and quality assurance. Be responsible for inspecting facilities for compliance with Federal and State Environmental laws and regulations. This includes arranging for the collection and testing of facility soil and other samples for assessment purposes. Requirements Conditions of employment Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period. Employees serving on a probationary or trial period may be terminated at any time during the probationary or trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service. In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. You must pass pre-employment medical examination. The position requires an annual physical exam at Federal expense. Security clearance and associated requirements- moderate risk. This position requires the ability to operate a government vehicle. The incumbent must have completed Defensive Driver's Training and have a valid state driver's license. The incumbent of this position is subject to inclement weather conditions such as high temperatures, rain, sleet, snow, and extreme cold. The incumbent is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Qualifications SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: For the GS-11 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [GS-09] in the Federal service in the following: Participating in hazardous and toxic material program. Participating in an environmental compliance inspection program. OR Education: 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. OR Combination: A combination of higher level education and specialized experience that together meet the qualifications for this position. For the GS-12 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [GS-11] in the Federal service in all the following: Managing hazardous and toxic material program. Administering an environmental compliance inspection program. Providing guidance and technical assistance to other employees. Preparing for and responding to environmental emergencies and/or incidents in an efficacious manner. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. Education If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. Additional information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov. Applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) when applying or competing for a job due to a medical condition or to exercise religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this vacancy announcement. If selection is made at a lower grade, promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition. However, promotion(s) will depend on the performance of the incumbent and are not guaranteed. The selectee for this position may be eligible to receive a recruitment or relocation incentive. You will need to sign an employment agreement to be eligible for this incentive. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized. This position may be eligible for creditable service towards annual leave. Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. DOE may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service. Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement will be adjusted to include locality payment for selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.