RELOCATION AUTHORIZED:
Relocation expenses reimbursed No

KEY REQUIREMENTS:
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If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required.

Position has educational/degree requirements (see Qualifications section).

EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.

You must submit resume and required documents (see How to Apply section).

You may be required to travel 1 to 5 days per month.

You must be a U.S. citizen.

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.

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.

If you are selected, you must complete a one year probationary period.

You need a degree or combination of education and experience as described below to qualify for this position.

Biology:  You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in one of the following:  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.

Entomology: You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in entomology; or a related discipline of the biological or physical sciences that included at least 16 semester hours in entomology; OR a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major, as listed

Plant Pathology: You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in plant pathology; or a related scientific discipline that included at least 20 semester hours in basic botany or plant science, and 10 semester hours in plant pathology

Horticulture: You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in horticulture; or a related discipline of basic plant science that included at least 30 semester hours in the basic plant sciences, of which at least 16 semester hours were in horticultural subjects such as those dealing with the breeding, care, management, production, and post harvest handling of horticultural crops; OR combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major as listed.

Agronomy: You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in agronomy; or related discipline of science that included at least 30 semester hours of course work in the basic plant sciences, including at least 15 semester hours in agronomic subjects, such as those dealing with plant breeding, crop production, and soil and crop management; OR combination of education and experience: at least 30 semester hours in the basic plant sciences, including a minimum of 15 semester hours in agronomic subjects, as listed.

As part of the application process, you are required to submit college transcripts or a list of courses as described in the Required Documents section of this announcement.  However, if you are selected, you must provide official educational transcripts before you start work with EPA.  More information on verification of education can be found here:  EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

In addition to the educational requirements, we are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as described below:

To qualify for the GS-12 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-11 level defined as developing and/or coordinating field, greenhouse, and/or laboratory studies related to agronomy, agriculture, weed science, entomology, horticulture and/or pest control; analyzing technical data related to health and ecological risk assessments.

Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:  1) Skill in developing scientific assessments related to weeds, insects, plant pathogens, and/or other pests; 2) Ability to analyze technical data; 3) Knowledge of agriculture, agronomy, weed science, entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, and/or related sciences; 4) Skill in collecting data related to herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and/or other types of pesticides; 5) Knowledge of pest control related to crop production practices ; 6) Ability to advise on matters related to pesticide use designated to mitigate risk; 7) Skill in written communication; 8) Skill in oral 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. 

See Qualifications Section

Earth Day is every day at EPA!  At EPA, you can protect human health and the environment of all Americans, and you’ll discover that EPA is one great place to work!  We offer great benefits and work flexibilities, and our diverse workforce connects to more than just a career--we share a common passion to promote a cleaner, healthier environment.  Discover how exciting safeguarding our natural resources and protecting human health can be.  Find yourself at EPA.

Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed above.

If selected, you must work at the location stated in this announcement.

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.

EPA participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information:  EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.

This position is in the bargaining unit.

If you have part-time work experience, read this:  EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.  

Position has portable work and selectee may be authorized to telework after meeting eligibility requirements if approved by the supervisor/manager.

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.

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You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. Your resume must address the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the Qualifications section. If you meet basic qualification requirements, your application will be further evaluated based on your answers to the online assessment. Your responses to the online assessment will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for the position.  You are being evaluated under the category rating method which means, if you are determined to be qualified, you will be placed into the ‘Best Qualified’, ‘Well Qualified’, or ‘Qualified’ category.

We will compare your resume and supporting documentation to your responses on the assessment questionnaire.  If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job.  We will evaluate your qualifications and eligibility and notify you if you meet minimum qualification requirements.  If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments.

NOTE:  We do not require a separate statement responding to the competencies, also referred to as Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).  However, your resume should clearly show possession of these competencies.

To preview questions please click here.

Read more Security clearance Not Required

Drug test required No