Summary This position is in Region 6, Lab Services & Applied Science Division. About Region 6 : Region 6 This is an office-centered position*--you must physically report to one of the duty stations stated in this announcement on a regular basis (location TBD after candidate selected). *EPA offers work-from-home and work schedule flexibilities as described in the Benefits section. Responsibilities You will: Coordinate division process improvement efforts related to HQ metrics and internal division actions in order to identify and propose solutions to complex or controversial management problems with far-reaching scope or impact to a broad range of program operations. Develop and apply analytical approaches, methodologies, concepts and techniques to plan and carry out studies/projects to lead the organization in program planning, measurement, or progress evaluation. Review and interpret current and proposed policies, laws, regulations or administrative procedures associated with laboratory analysis, quality assurance, and regional science programs. Gather and evaluate programmatic data to develop complete decision packages, staff studies, recommendations, and special reports and prepare executive briefings and similar materials for use by division leadership in carrying out and reporting on program accomplishments. You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements. 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. You must be a U.S. citizen. 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. #LI-DNI Qualifications NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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 you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-12 level defined as conducting projects and/or studies to evaluate program performance and efficiency and preparing and analyzing reports for management. Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: Skill in applying a wide range of analytical and evaluative methods and techniques for assessing program development, execution, and improving organizational effectiveness and efficiency. Ability to analyze programmatic data. Knowledge of pertinent laws, regulations, policies, directives, and precedents which affect the administration of laboratory, quality assurance and/or regional science programs. Knowledge of agency laboratory, quality assurance and/or regional science programs and functions, policies, objectives, and issues, and their relationship to other federal/state/local government entities sufficient to analyze and evaluate methods and techniques for program development, execution and improvement. Skill in preparing project papers, staff reports, and oral briefings to encourage understanding and acceptance of findings and recommendations. 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 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.