Summary The Office of Inspector General is an independent office within the EPA that helps the agency protect the environment in a more efficient and cost effective manner. We perform audits, evaluations, and investigations of the EPA to promote economy, efficiency, and to prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse. We strive to provide solutions to problems that ultimately result in making America a cleaner and healthier place. Responsibilities The EPA OIG is seeking recent graduates under the Pathways Program that have graduated or will graduate Fall 2024 or Spring 2025. This position is provided for recent graduates with a desire to work in the OIG and assignments are designed to complement the graduates educational field while meeting the expressed needs of the agency and organizations. This position is located in the Office of Inspector General, Office of Audit. The Office of Audit performs complex audits of EPA programs that align with the EPA's top management challenges, and makes recommendations to combat fraud, waste and abuse and enhance efficiencies in achieving its mission of protecting human health and the environment. The Office of Audit conducts financial and performance audits to determine the efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance of Agency business operations and financial management. Audits assess the potential for fraud, waste, and abuse; the award and management of grants and contracts; management of information technology; and ways to realize cost savings and other efficiencies. Individuals with environmental science, environmental engineering, social sciences, public health science, or other sciences, accounting, business administration, finance, policy analysis, public policy, public administration, or related degrees are strongly encouraged to apply. Responsibilities The ideal candidate will perform the following duties: Duties listed are at the grade GS-07 level. As an entry-level auditor, the incumbent will gain the skills to conduct non-complex assignments and assists with selected aspects of more complex assignments targeting various programs carried out by the Agency, state agencies, grantees, or contractors; Develops skills in conducting audits to support OA strategic and annual goals; Assists in the effectiveness, efficiency, and economy of the programs and operations of the EPA and the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; Learn to perform assignments targeting environmental program areas, such as water, air, hazardous waste, pesticides, pollution prevention, and research and development; and Develops technical skills in disciplines that are a part of the effective, efficient, and economical operation of environmental program areas. Duties listed are at the grade GS-09 level. As a junior auditor, the incumbent will assist with conducting non-complex assignments targeting various programs carried out by the Agency, state agencies, grantees, or contractors; Assists with performing moderately complex assignments of one or more environmental programs such as water, air, hazardous waste, pesticides, chemical safety, pollution prevention, and research and development; Assists in assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and economy of the programs and operations of the EPA and the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; Assists in performing assignments targeting environmental program areas, such as water, air, hazardous waste, pesticides, pollution prevention, and research and development; and Develops technical skills in disciplines that are a part of the effective, efficient, and economical operation of environmental program areas. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must submit transcripts & proof of enrollment--see Required Documents. Position has education requirements--see Qualifications/Education section. You must be a U.S. citizen. If you are selected, a written participant agreement must be signed. Background Investigation Required. This is an appointment under the EPA OIG Recent Graduate program. You must have graduated within the past two years, from a qualifying educational institution or certificate program. The program duration is one year. Upon successful completion of the program and at the agency's discretion, the appointee may be converted to a permanent position in the competitive service. Appointee must sign a Participant Agreement. Recent Graduates will enter a formal training program with a mentor and execute an Individual Development Plan outlining training requirements and program expectations. The entire duration of the Recent Graduate Appointment constitutes a trial period. This is a Public Trust Position. Employment in this position requires a background investigation. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed or undisclosed background issues, the tentative employment offer may be withdrawn. Selectees will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment", (OF-306), prior to being appointed to determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on your resume or questionnaire can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service. If you are a male born after December 31, 1959 you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. The selectee will be required to complete a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the I-9 Form. We will compare information provided on the I-9 Form to records available from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The system confirms employee’s identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Learn more about e-verify, including your rights and responsibilities. Qualifications Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to participate in this program: You must have a final cumulative Grade Point Average of at least a 2.0. Current Students may apply up to 9 months prior to their graduation date. Applicants should answer the questionnaire as to what their education will be upon graduation. Recent graduates who have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree, due to military service obligation, have as much as six years after degree completion to apply. May submit unofficial transcript(s). Official transcript(s) will be required, if applicant is selected for a position. In addition to meeting one of the above series basic qualification requirements, applicants must also possess a minimum of 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience to at least the next lower grade level or equivalent band level of responsibility in the Federal Service OR meet the additional education described OR a combination of education and experience. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Example of specialized experience includes: GS-07: Assisting in analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to assess program development or execution for improving organizational effectiveness and efficiency; Gathering various types of data to analyze, draw conclusions, and communicate results; Assisting in developing written reports and written guidance in a variety of formats (e.g., narrative, graphs, charts, etc.) using a variety of software packages (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint); AND Compiling and analyzing from various sources of information/problems and present findings and recommendations -OR- Education: 1 year of graduate-level education -OR- Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Bachelor's Degree with Superior academic achievement (S.A.A.) based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership. Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses. Grade-point average (G.P.A.)-- Applicants must have a grade-point average of: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society. Association of College Honor Societies. -OR- Combination of education and appropriate level of experience: Your education must be related to the major duties and the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. If your education is currently described in quarter hours, convert them to semester hours by multiplying by 2/3rds. To combine education and experience, first take the number of semester hours or equivalent earned towards a graduate degree, in excess of 18 semester hours, and divide by 18 semester hours or equivalent. Then take number the number of months experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. GS-09: Performing analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to assess program development or execution for improving organizational effectiveness and efficiency; Applying a variety of data collection techniques to obtain, compile and/or analyze information from a variety of sources and draw conclusions; Developing written reports and written guidance in a variety of formats (e.g., narrative, graphs, charts, etc.) using a variety of software packages (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint); AND Presenting various types of information to a variety of audiences to convey factual information, provide guidance, obtain consensus, and/or persuade others to adopt recommendations. -OR- Education: 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree. -OR- Combination of education and appropriate level of experience: Your education must be related to the major duties and the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. If your education is currently described in quarter hours, convert them to semester hours by multiplying by 2/3rds. To combine education and experience, first take the number of semester hours or equivalent earned towards a graduate degree, in excess of 18 semester hours, and divide by 18 semester hours or equivalent. Then take number the number of months experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. Evidence of the above specialized experience must be supported by detailed documentation of duties performed in positions held. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience or based on job titles alone. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). 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. Education This position has a Mandatory Education Requirement. Basic Requirements for Performance Auditors Degree: auditing; or a degree in a related field such as business administration, finance, public administration or accounting. or Combination of education and experience: at least 4 years of experience in Performance Auditing, or an equivalent combination of performance auditing experience, college-level education, and training that provided professional auditing knowledge. The applicant's background must also include one of the following: A certificate as a Certified Internal Auditor or a Certified Public Accountant, obtained through written examination; or Completion of the requirements for a degree that included substantial course work in auditing or accounting, e.g., 15 semester hours. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable during the application process. Official transcripts will be required upon appointment. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of this announcement. All education claimed by applicants will be verified. Additional Information EPA OIG provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed in this vacancy announcement. Payment of relocation expenses is NOT authorized. All the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application, by checking reference and through other means, such as the interview process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for not hiring you or for firing you after you begin work. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy announcement.