Summary This position is in Region 8, Water Division, Clean Water Branch, Water Quality Section. About Region 8 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). *Work-from-home flexibilities may be authorized as described in the Benefits section. Responsibilities You will: Serve as a technical and regulatory expert on CWA submissions to EPA (e.g. new or changed water quality standards, 303d impaired water lists), implementation of sections 303(c), 303(d), and 305(b) of the Clean Water Act. Uses analytical methods and techniques to provide expert-level expertise and analysis on a wide range of scientific, engineering, legal, environmental protection, and/or environmental management issues. Provides expert-level advice and guidance to state, local, tribal, and/or federal partners on matters relating to the development, execution, and monitoring of adequate environmental protection policies, plans, and programs to ensure compliance with CWA and applicable federal regulations. Serve as a Contract Officer’s representative for contracts and/or Project Officer for assistance agreements and Interagency Agreements in accordance with Federal and agency policies and practices. You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements. 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. This is a temporary position (see Other Information on assignment limits). EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings. You will be required to obtain (before coming on board) and maintain a valid driver’s license and must be able to operate a Government-owned or leased motor vehicle. #LI-DNI 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 will be required to meet ongoing specialized safety training requirements in order to meet field safety standards. You must meet time in grade requirements no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement. Qualifications 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-13 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-12 level defined as providing technical review, advice, and implementation of the Clean Water Act (CWA) as a central role of your position; experience in major CWA programs. Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws and regulations, such as the Clean Water Act (CWA), and/or other water quality laws, documentation and reporting requirements. Knowledge of water quality program management concepts, principles and practices. Skill in water quality-related fields (e.g. toxicity testing, lake / stream sampling and analysis, GIS). Skill in designing and implementing water quality monitoring and assessment programs. Skill in written communication. Skill in oral communication. Knowledge of grant and/or project management. 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 You need a degree or combination of education and experience as described below to qualify for this position. Life Scientist 0401: 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 Environmental Engineer 0819: All applicants must meet one of the following requirements to qualify for consideration for an engineering position: Successful completion of a professional engineering degree at an accredited university or college OR Have a combination of college level education or training AND technical experience that has furnished you with (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: Professional registration as an engineer. Evidence of passing the Engineer-in-Training written test. Successful documented completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences as described by OPM. Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field and at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Please review the OPM page on specifics about required curriculum and for more information on qualifications, please visit GS-800: All Professional Engineering Positions qualifications. Physical Scientist 1301: You must have a bachelor's 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. 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: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures 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, you will serve in either a temporary promotion or a detail. If this position is at a higher grade than your current grade, the assignment will be a temporary promotion which will be processed for a period not to exceed 2 years. If you are already at the same grade as this position, your assignment will be a detail which will be processed for a period not to exceed 120 days, and may be extended in 120 day increments. While on the detail, your salary will not change. You may be returned at any time to the position from which you were temporarily promoted or detailed, or to a different position of equivalent grade and pay. 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. If you are selected, your position may become permanent.