Summary This position is in Region 6, Lab Services and Applied Science Division, Laboratory Analysis Branch. About Region 6: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-6-south-central This is an office-centered position. You must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. *Work-from-home flexibilities may be authorized as described in the Benefits section. Responsibilities You will: - Analyze routine and non-routine environmental samples for the determination of contaminants and chemical parameters. - Develop, modify, and validate methods. - Develop, implement, and adhere to Laboratory Quality Control system requirements. - Provide technical expertise, assistance, and advice based on the analysis of environmental samples. - Interpret and evaluate data to determine its significance and communicate findings orally and in written reports. Requirements Conditions of Employment You may have limited exposure to hazardous materials. You will be required to lift items weighing up to 50 pounds. 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. #LI-DNI Participation in the medical monitoring program is required. This position requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). 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 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 experience performing chemical analyses and tests; evaluating and resolving problems in laboratory operations, such as quality control or instrumentation issues; modifying analytical methodology for difficult or complex samples; developing and implementing standard operating procedures; providing technical assistance on environmental sample analysis. Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: - Knowledge of chemical contaminants and parameters. - Knowledge of chemistry-based quality control procedures and requirements. - Knowledge of federal, state, local, or tribal environmental regulations, policies, and requirements associated with inspection, enforcement, and compliance. - Skill in using sophisticated laboratory instruments (e.g., gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer) and scientific equipment. - Skill in oral communication. - Skill in written 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 You need a degree or combination of education and experience as described below to qualify for this position. You must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics; OR a combination of education and experience with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included the described coursework. 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, 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.