Environmental Protection Specialist

Summary This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: Fort Carson is located directly south of Colorado Springs in El Paso, Pueblo, Fremont, and Huerfano counties, Colorado. Learn more about this agency Duties Manages hazardous waste operations at the Fort Carson Hazardous Waste Storage Facility (HWSF)/Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF). Ensures operations are in compliance with applicable federal/state regulations and conditions specified in the Colorado Department of Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) issued Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Part B facility permit. Acts as the DPW-ED contract officer’s representative (COR) or project manager (PM) for contractor support at the HWSF/TSDF and other assigned contracts such as part washers. Prepares annual facility resource plan for HWSF/TSDF operations regarding contract support, equipment, and operational supplies. Evaluates waste streams for Pollution Prevention opportunities and conducts research on the best management practices developed by other installations and entities for incorporation into daily operations. Prepares for and is subject to annual permit inspections conducted but state and federal regulators. Oversees daily activities ensuring proper waste handling and storage, and prepares waste for disposal through accurate recordkeeping, labeling, manifesting, and other regulatory documentation. Interprets technical environmental documents and communicates findings to support accurate waste determinations, permit updates, and regulatory reviews. Improves facility SOPs, management plans, and permit-related documents to enhance HWSF/TSDF efficiency and compliance. Requirements Conditions of employment Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. Appointment to this position is subject to a one year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 11. While probationary the incumbent can be terminated with limited appeal rights. This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position. As a member of the Installation Spill Response Team, position may require individual to be on call and call back to duty may be required. Must be able to obtain and maintain a government vehicle operator's permit. Must be able to drive up to 1-ton vehicles and operate a fork-lift. Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver’s license. Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes directing hazardous waste operations to ensure compliance with federal or state regulations; managing hazardous waste disposal activities to ensure timely waste pick-up and accurate documentation; or conducting onsite inspections to ensure compliance with laws or regulations related to waste management. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-09). OR Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Environmental Engineering; Biology; Chemistry; Geology/Geoscience; or Ecology. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. Selective Placement Factor: This position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a 40-hour HAZWOPER Course Certification. NOTE: You MUST attach a copy of your 40-hour HAZWOPER Course Certification to your application package for verification. Failure to do so will result in a rating of ineligible. Education FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ Additional information Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. This is a(n) Construction, Engineering, Infrastructure Career Field position. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances MAY be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest. Recruitment and relocation incentives MAY be authorized. Salary negotiations for those candidates who are new to Federal service MAY be authorized. Student loan repayment MAY be authorized. Credit for Prior Non-Federal Work Experience and Certain Military Service for Determining Annual Leave Accrual Rate MAY be authorized. Fort Carson operates as a Large Quantity Generator, requiring specialized waste management knowledge beyond standard industry levels. Expand Hide  additional information 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. Review our 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.