Environmental Protection Specialist

Environmental Protection Specialist

Manages the facility's Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) program, including policy development, implementation, evaluation, and internal reporting. Leads environmental initiatives, ensures alignment with federal, state, and local regulations, and serves as an advisor on complex environmental issues. The GEMS Program is the VHA's comprehensive environmental compliance program, designed to ensure that medical centers and clinics comply with state, federal, and local environmental laws, supporting uninterrupted delivery of high-quality care to Veterans.

Ensures facility compliance by interpreting and applying environmental laws, policies, and regulations; develops new methods to address emerging challenges; and conducts and leads environmental audits, self-assessments, site inspections, data analysis, and reporting. Provides technical guidance, recommends corrective actions, and coordinates with VA officials and regulatory agencies.

The work requires ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to prepare and conduct briefings or training programs, lead group conferences, and draft reports and letters. Some positions require knowledge of contracting or grants management procedures sufficient to oversee and/or monitor contracts or program grants; some require knowledge of regulatory development and implementation procedures to assist in developing regulations or other guidance.

The Environmental Protection Specialist (EPS) will meet the needs of all customers, both internal and external, in support of VA's mission. Consistently communicates and treats customers (prospective and current employees, Veterans, their representatives, and visitors) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner.

The EPS play a vital role in the planning and administering environmental programs. Environmental Protection programs deal with the environmental impacts of human activities and facility operations on the air, land, water, and other environmental media. The EPS obtains and evaluates environmental data and supports facility-wide program planning and implementation activities.

The EPS applies working knowledge and a general understanding of environmental laws and regulations to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations (e.g., for air emissions, wastewater discharge, solid and hazardous waste, fuel and oil storage, and spill prevention, among other areas) The incumbent physically inspects compliance sites, which may involve walking or climbing over rough terrain and prolonged standing.

The EPS uses practical knowledge of one or more environmental sciences or related fields (e. g.) biology, ecology, chemistry, hydrology, or environmental law) to assist in collecting and verifying environmental data, correlating results, and discussing technical aspects with scientists, engineers, and other professionals while seeking guidance, as necessary. Skill is required in applying standard data gathering and analysis techniques to collect and review technical information on environmental activities or quality, and to identify straightforward procedural or factual issues.

Provides customers with consistent information via established policies and procedures. Manages conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Willing to work cooperatively as a member of a team in all assignments.

The work requires management, administrative, or coordinative knowledge and skill sufficient to provide advisory, reviewing, evaluating, educating and/or training, negotiating, or problem solving services (as a "troubleshooter," specialist, or coordinator) on specific problems, projects, programs, or functions (e.g., developing, coordinating, reviewing, and evaluating the implementation of work plans, including estimates of staffing needs, equipment, and supplies, and detailed instructions necessary to carry out the plans, for complex long-term projects).

Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Telework: This position may be authorized for telework on an Ad-Hoc basis only. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Environmental Protection Specialist/ PD148400, PD148410, PD148420, and PD148430

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.

Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.