Environmental Protection Specialist

The incumbent (Environmental Protection Specialist) is responsible for performing a variety of analytical, research, report writing, and editing tasks on environmental subjects in support of APHIS' programs. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Environmental and Risk Analysis Services, or, at the Chief's discretion, to an Assistant Chief, but coordinates procedural and scientific aspects of the environmental work with others in ERAS, staffs in APHIS, the Department and other Federal agencies. The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Receives, reviews, organizes, analyzes, and prepares responses to comments submitted to APHIS on environmental analysis and compliance activities. Identifies and uses efficient and cost-effective applications of analytical methods for projects and environmental documentation. Provides specialized expertise on specific analytical methods (e.g., Geographic Information Systems) and/or Agency compliance with environmental statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders. Develops and presents training materials on environmental compliance issues pertaining to APHIS actions. Maintains and enhances overall quality of teamwork consistent with Agency policies, plans, procedures, goals and objectives. Ensures that environmental analyses are performed appropriately and contribute substantially to assigned team projects. Assembles appropriate databases or information layers from recognized authoritative sources. Ensures accuracy of information collected and that original authors and data sources are cited and credited for information provided. Establishes and maintains contacts and cooperative working relationships with individuals and organizations having common interests in projects and studies under APHIS review. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Planning, writing, and/or reviewing environmental compliance documents (e.g., registration data for pesticides, including knowledge of FIFRA guidelines, regulations, or other study requirements for product chemistry, environmental fate, ecological effects, and residue chemistry); Providing guidance regarding pertinent legislation, regulations, or standards related to environmental policy (e.g., NEPA, ESA, Tribal consultations, or FIFRA correspondence); Researching and synthesizing of complex data to support scientific analyses. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. This position does not have an education qualification requirement.