Life Scientist/Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist

Summary This announcement has been amended to extend the closing date to 07/10/2026. This position is in Region 4, Air and Radiation Division, Air Planning and Implementation Branch, Air Regulatory Management Section. About Region 4: Region 4 This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. Responsibilities You will: Integrate regional concerns in national program/policy development of issues related to the six criteria pollutants (i.e., that lead carbon monoxide, fine particulate matter, ozone, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide NAAQS), and related issues for interstate transport and visibility. Represent the Region in dealing with Headquarters, other Regions, other agencies (Federal and nonfederal), industry and the public at national and regional meetings, EPA/state negotiations, EPA/industry consultations, and at public meetings on issues related to the six criteria pollutants, visibility, and interstate transport. Serve as the regional expert on State Implementation Plan (SIP) issues regarding permitting, modeling, and monitoring, as well as impacts on the environment and the strategies for its abatement. Provide assistance in implementing responsibilities for SIPs which require the regulations and achievement of reductions in emissions for the attainment and maintenance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), and interstate transport and visibility requirements for all pollutants. Serve as the principal reviewer and technical expert/advisor to other reviewers of NAAQS control strategies and SIP revisions, as well as issues related intestate transport and visibility requirements for all NAAQS. You will spend 25%-50% of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements. One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position. Requirements Conditions of Employment #LI-DNI You must meet time-in-grade requirements no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement. 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. If you are selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure form within 30 days of your first day of employment and annually thereafter. 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 evaluating pollutant-specific State Implementation Plans; and reviewing scientific and/or technical documents for regulatory compliance: Planning and Evaluating. * Attention to Detail. Critical Thinking. * Technical Documentation. Written Communication. Oral Communication. Problem Solving. * Reading Comprehension. *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, 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: Part-Time Experience. Education 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. Additional Information Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information on the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): CTAP/ICTAP NOTE: To be entitled to selection priority, you must be rated well-qualified (i.e., you must have a score of 87 or higher--see the How You Will Be Evaluated section). 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. This position is not in the bargaining unit. Environmental Protection Agency