Physical Scientist

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Job Summary

This position is in Office of Water. The location will be determined after a selection has been made for the position; if selected, you must work at one of the locations stated in this announcement. The salary will be commensurate with the location. About Office of Water:Office of Water

Major Duties

At the entry level of this position, you will:

  • Serve as a scientist in the Branch and assists in the management of technical projects and programs including application of complex drinking water or wastewater projects/programs to mitigate public health issues from contaminants.
  • Provide scientific and technical assistance during the guidance and regulatory development process. Analyze, review, and evaluate scientific studies, technical and program documents related to implementation of Office of Water programs and other programs that impact the drinking water/wastewater industry.
  • Evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of implementation of Agency scientific/engineering policies, guidelines, and regulations. Provide advice to State, Regional, Tribal and Program staff and to utilities concerning scientific and technical issues.
  • Keep abreast of new developments in technology and science related to program areas of interest such as American Water Infrastructure Assistance (AWIA), Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program, and/or the Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) program, and/or drinking water contaminants occurrence and mitigation. Prepare responses for program inquiries from the general public.

When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses.

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.

Qualifications

You need a degree or combination of education and experience as described below to qualify for this position.In addition to the educational requirements, we are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as described below:To qualify for the GS-11 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-09 level defined asexperience working on drinking water or wastewater or source water issues which may include: treatment, operations, management, regulatory development/ implementation or oversight, resilience or emergency preparedness.- OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in the academic discipline as described below.- OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.To qualify for the GS-12 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-11 level defined asexperience working on drinking water or wastewater or source water issues which may include: treatment, operations, management, regulatory development/ implementation or oversight, resilience or emergency preparedness; and experience with Safe Drinking Water Act authorities or programs.Your application package will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: Skill in implementing the concepts, principles, and practices relating to public drinking water system systems.

Knowledge of concepts, principles, and practices of the general physical sciences.

Skill in making recommendations based on engineering, scientific or technical evidence.

Knowledge of the Safe Drinking Water Act elements relevant to public water systems and Drinking Water programs.

Ability to provide advice on the interpretation and implementation of policy and programs.

Knowledge of the roles, policies, and practices of assistance recipients, state, and Federal drinking water programs.

Knowledge of contracts and grants sufficient to serve as a work assignment manager or project officer. 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.

Pay Range

$66,548.00 - $112,240.00

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End Date: 

Wednesday, March 18, 2020