Biologist/Toxicologist | The Office of Water (OW) | Washington, DC
At the entry level of this position, you will:
- Develop technical and policy materials, publications and other supporting documents for aquatic life effects assessments for conventional and non-conventional pollutants. Develop assessments for chemical and non-chemical constituents for their effects or potential effects on water quality. Analyze potentially toxic substances, evaluates their toxicity to different ecological organisms, especially aquatic organisms.
- Provide support on scientific methodologies in public and scientific forums where national experts debate and question EPA’s ecological risk assessment methodologies. Assists in the development of aquatic effects assessments, aquatic risk assessments, or Ambient Water Quality Criteria in support of water quality standards.
- Work with the supervisor, guides and adjust work assignments to assure work plans are carried out and program goals are achieved. Advise and suggests possible solutions or new approaches which could be integrated into the total program. Develop periodic briefings and policy background material for developing of proposed regulations and standards for all management levels.
- Prepare, initiate, and supervise the execution of contracts and contract plans for professional services essential to criteria development and technical assistance. Services as the project officer for contracts.
When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses. NOTE: Career ladder promotions are not automatic, and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level.
You will spend 20% 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
- You must be a U.S. citizen.
- You must submit a resume and required documents–see How to Apply section.
- Position has education requirements–see Qualifications/Education section.
- EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.
To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to E.O. 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
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. 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 may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
