Environmental Protection Specialist

Summary This position is part of the Office of Environment, Health, Safety, and Security, Department of Energy. As an Environmental Protection Specialist, you will serve as the technical expert to assist Headquarters and field management officials on all items related to analytical laboratory operations including environmental sample collection, analysis, data quality, and data validation. Responsibilities The Department of Energy's mission is to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. The mission of the Office of Environment, Health, Safety, and Security as the Department's central organization, is to be responsible for health, safety, environment, and security; providing corporate-level leadership and strategic vision to coordinate and integrate these vital programs. EHSS is responsible for policy development and technical assistance; safety analysis; and corporate safety and security programs. EHSS advises DOE Senior Leadership on all matters related to environment, health, safety and security across the complex. We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy As an Environmental Protection Specialist, you will: Provide overall authoritative leadership, strategic direction, and long-range planning for complex, agency-wide environmental protection, management, and sustainability programs. Translate federal environmental laws and regulations into Department-wide policy direction, drafting complex rules, standards, and operating guidance. Lead reviews, assessments, and audit including the DOE Consolidated Audit Program (DOECAP) to evaluate environmental compliance, waste management, and quality assurance across facilities nationwide. Serve as a technical authority providing expert advice to senior DOE management, external agencies, and stakeholders on high-visibility, sensitive, or unprecedented environmental issues. Represent the Department in national and international forums, chairs interagency workgroups, and negotiate solutions on controversial regulatory and environmental matters. Oversee contractor activities, review technical/analytical data standards (e.g., UFP-QAPP, DoD/DOE QSM, ISO/IEC 17025), and manage technical assistance regarding waste treatment, storage, and disposal operations. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-14 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting ALL of the following: Conducting audits, inspections, or technical reviews of environmental testing laboratories or hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities to ensure they meet federal, state, or industry safety and environmental standards. Applying formal quality assurance and quality control standards to environmental sampling and lab analysis (such as ISO lab standards, federal or state environmental testing guidelines, or nuclear quality assurance rules) to ensure environmental testing data is accurate and reliable. Providing advice or direction on the handling, treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous, low-level radioactive, or mixed waste under major environmental laws (such as RCRA or CERCLA) or equivalent environmental safety rules. Education cannot be substituted for specialized experience at the GS-15 grade level. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred. Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration, and current employees must have at least a fully successful or equivalent performance rating to receive consideration. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position. Additional Information Shared Certificates: The Department of Energy shares lists of applicants among its internal Departmental Elements and organizations. You may be referred for consideration to other DOE Hiring Managers throughout the Department for more than one position based on this application. By applying to this announcement, you understand your application materials may be shared with multiple Hiring Mangers throughout DOE. If additional positions are filled from this announcement conditions of employment may differ. You will be notified if you are referred for additional positions. New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website. If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section. More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement. Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year. Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation. Your performance appraisal and incentive awards will be given due consideration in the selection process based on their relation to the duties of the position and the consistency with which they may be considered in evaluating you against other candidates. Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available. Equal employment opportunity policy. Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement. Veterans Information: Selective Service Registration: The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and emailing it to the Administrative Investigations Program at View email address on click.appcast.io. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.