Summary This position is in Region 2, Laboratory Services and Applied Science Division, Laboratory Branch. About Region 2: EPA Region 2 | US EPA This is an office-centered position*--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. *EPA offers work-from-home and work schedule flexibilities as described in the Benefits section. Responsibilities You will: Analyze routine and non-routine environmental samples for the determination of contaminants and chemical parameters. Develop, modify, and validate methods. Develop, implement, and adhere to Laboratory Quality Control system requirements. Provide technical expertise, assistance, and advice based on the analysis of environmental samples. Interpret and evaluate data to determine its significance and communicate findings orally and in written reports. 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 submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section. Position has education requirements--see Qualifications/Education section. EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings. You may have limited exposure to hazardous materials. 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. You must meet time in grade requirements no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement. Participation in the medical monitoring program is required. This position requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). #LI-DNI Qualifications NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements, including any requirements described in the Education section, by the closing date of this announcement. In addition to the basic entry education requirements, you must have specialized experience and/or directly related education as described below: To qualify for the GS-13 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level defined as assisting with the analysis of environmental samples; and participating in the development and/or implementation of laboratory quality control. Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: Skill in the preparation of environmental samples for the determination of microbiological contaminants. Knowledge of federal, state, local, and/or tribal environmental regulations, policies, and requirements associated with inspection, enforcement, and compliance. Skill in analyzing environmental samples for the determination of the measurement of Bacteria (E-coli, Fecal Coliforms, Total Coliforms, etc.) by traditional Membrane Filtration and Multiple Tube Fermentation techniques. Skill in analyzing environmental samples for the determination of human-associated gene sequences from Bacteroides and Bacteroides-like microorganisms (Human Marker DNA Analysis), using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) instrument. Skill in analyzing environmental samples. Skill oral communication. 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. Education Life Scientist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major, as listed. Microbiologist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences (organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent); OR a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major, as listed. Chemist: You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics; OR a combination of education and experience with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included the described coursework. For information about accreditation requirements, visit EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures. Additional Information Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information on the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures NOTE: To be entitled to selection priority, you must be rated well-qualified (i.e., you must have a score of 87 or higher--see the How You Will Be Evaluated section). 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.