Physical Scientist/Data Scientist

Summary These positions are in Region 3, Air and Radiation Division, Air Quality and Analysis Branch. About Region 3: R3 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: Serve as programmatic lead for planning activities for the Air Monitoring program. Conduct special studies to include performing National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) monitoring and monitoring for hazardous air pollutants. Serve as air quality standard lead performing analyses of air monitoring and emissions data as needed to support the needs of internal and external stakeholders. Ensure communities, elected officials, and other interested parties are informed of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actions and positions concerning the interpretation and application of monitoring requirements. 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 Position has education requirements–see Qualifications/Education section. You must submit a resume and required documents–see How to Apply section. EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings. You must be a U.S. citizen. #LI-Onsite If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period if appointed as Competitive Service or a two-year trial period if appointed as Excepted Service. 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. 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 planning, developing and/or implementing an air monitoring program; and performing analyses of air monitoring and/or emissions data to support the needs of internal and external stakeholders. Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of concepts, principles and practices relating to ambient air quality monitoring. Skill in the review and evaluation of air monitoring plans and assessments. Knowledge of the Clean Air Act (CAA). Ability to modify standard practices, adapt precedents or establish precedent for the improvement of monitoring plans and methods. Skill in written communication. Skill in oral 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 Physical Scientist: You must have a bachelors or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics; OR a combination of education and experience with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Data Scientist: You must have a bachelors or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science, or field directly related to the position; OR a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours), as listed. For information about accreditation requirements, visit EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures. Additional Information This position is in the bargaining unit. 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. EPA participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures. Although the Service type indicated in the Overview section is Competitive, you may be appointed as Excepted Service based on your eligibility to be hired under certain appointing authorities. 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. Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed in the Overview section.