Life Scientist/Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist

This position is in Region 8, Water Division, Safe Drinking Water Branch, Underground Injection Control Section. About this organization: Region 8 This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis.

You will: Provide authoritative technical advice on Underground Injection Control (UIC) permit program policies, guidelines, regulations, review, and implementation for EPA, state, or Tribal UIC programs. Oversee and provide technical support to state or Tribal Underground Injection Control (UIC) permitting programs to ensure proper implementation.

Clearly communicate scientific and technical information to develop recommendations for Agency management and senior leadership. Resolve critical, politically sensitive, and highly technical issues related to permit requirements to defend permits against legal challenges. One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position.

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 reviewing technical documentation such as permit applications and technical reports; performing geological suitability of underground water sites; and analyzing well logs, tests, and/or integrity.

You will need the following competencies in order to perform the duties of this position successfully: Environmental Engineering Attention to Detail Critical Thinking General Engineering Written Communication* Oral Communication Problem Solving* Influencing/Negotiating Technical Competence* Physical Science *You will be evaluated on these critical competencies.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri. Corps) 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: Part-Time Experience .

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.

Environmental Engineer: You must have one of the following: Successful completion of a professional engineering degree at an accredited university or college OR 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: 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 Accreditation .