Environmental Protection Specialist, GS-0028-12/13 Job

Vacancy No. 24-2468-SE-BK-M Department U.S. Coast Guard
Salary $88,183.00 to $150,535.00 Grade 12 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 4/17/2024 Close Date 5/7/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Norfolk, VASeattle, WA


Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary


This position is located in DHS/U.S. Coast Guard, Shore Infrastructure Logistics Center, Facilities Design & Construction Center (FDCC), Project Execution Branch in Norfolk, VA and Seattle, WA

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Status Candidates, Merit Promotion, Current Federal Employees, Former Federal Employees, Overseas Employees, Former Overseas Employees, CTAP, ICTAP, VEOA, 30% Disabled, Schedule A, Individuals with Disabilities, Military Spouses, Land and Base Management, Peace Corps, Americorps, Vista For definitions of common terms found in this announcement: http://dhsconnect.dhs.gov/org/comp/mgmt/dhshr/hr/Documents/JOA_Common_Definitions.pdf

Duties

This position will serve as an Environmental Protection Specialist, and is responsible for assuring environmental technical adequacy of plans, designs, and specifications; Advising on the interpretations and implementation of (and compliance with) environmental policy, directives, and programs that embrace various Federal, State, and local environmental laws and regulations for all new construction and major renovation projects managed by the command.

Being a Coast Guard civilian makes you a valuable member of the Coast Guard team.

Typical work assignments include:

  • Monitoring changing environmental laws, regulations and policies to determine Coast Guard requirements for compliance.
  • Developing and implementing FDCC NEPA and environmental planning procedures as well as maintains a current working knowledge of all other related environmental mandates typically covered by the NEPA process such as the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Marine Mammals Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, RCRA, CERCLA, Clean Water Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, Clean Air Act, Noise Control Act, etc.
  • Serving as the technical authority for the development and revision of FDCC-wide procedures, and budgetary initiatives necessary to achieve compliance with such environmental planning requirements.
  • Ensuring sufficient effective agency wide project compliance with all environmental laws, prepare quality NEPA documentation and analysis and enable thorough review of drafted documents prepared outside the FDCC for complicated, complex as well as politically sensitive USCG projects.
  • Tracking the training requirements and completion of courses for the FDCC professionals for appropriate NEPA Warrant Program capability.
  • Maintaining collaboration and open communication with other organizations, government agencies, scientists, managers, and contractors to exchange ideas and remain current on developments in area or field of responsibility.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • The position requires a valid state driver's license.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. This includes Time-In-Grade requirements for current status employees applying through merit promotion procedures. Status applicants applying for a promotion must have 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade.

Qualifications

Applicant must have one year equivalent to at least next lower grade level (GS-12 or equivalent) in the Federal sector. Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience include: evaluating environmental programs for compliance with federal and state requirements; providing assistance to subordinate organizations regarding the management and disposal of hazardous wastes; conducting environmental audits and management surveys; assisting in the planning and review portions of engineering projects to evaluate potential environmental problems; serving as site assessment manager responsible for remedial activities at more complex sites, including investigation of potential hazardous waste and hazardous substance release sites and recommending appropriate remedial actions.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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.

The Office of Personnel management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule, C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Education

This position does not have a positive education requirement. If you are including education on your resume, report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Required Documents section for detail.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications click here

Additional information

Applicants will be required to complete questions contained on the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) at the time a tentative job offer is made. At the time of appointment, selectees will be required to update the OF-306. Certain responses on the form could pose a problem with suitability for employment determinations.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty.  False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, or imprisonment.

DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about e-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at click here

Recruitment incentives may be authorized.

Moving expenses may be be paid.

All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit.

For Veterans' preference eligibility, visit Veterans' Employment Resources.

Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility and to understand the documentation that would be required with your application, click on the links above and contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

More than 1 selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade, and unit occur within 60 days from the date the certificate was issued.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for the application and hiring process, please contact 202-795-6259. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Visit Reasonable Accommodation

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(K)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays.  Other benefits may include:  flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers.  DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and development opportunities.  For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select “Benefits”.  Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

You may be eligible to enroll dependent children residing with you in the U.S. Territory in primary and secondary Department of Defense (DoD) schools with tuition paid by Coast Guard.  All requirements of COMDTINST 12591.1, including submission of original documents verifying dependent status when asked, must be met. After five years of continuous enrollment, eligibility is on a space available basis.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

We will review your résumé and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education and training will be rated using the on-line self assessment questions that are based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job:

  • Knowledge and experience in one of the following disciplines: civil, mechanical, or environmental engineering, geology, biology, hydrology, or environmental science.
  • Knowledge of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Coast Guard program principles, concepts, practices, methods and techniques and an expert working knowledge of all Federal, State, and local environmental laws and regulations is required.
  • Ability to prepare all components of reports required on environmental issues and to support environmental strategies and decisions.
  • Knowledge of related disciplines (i.e. economics, environmental, civil engineering, construction, etc.) to ensure interdisciplinary considerations and total project objectives are met.
  • Skill in written and oral communication and mediation techniques sufficient to clearly explain and describe environmental issues, problems, and solutions to diverse audiences.
  • Knowledge of computer skills specifically MS Office Products, and a good working knowledge of graphic design and printing techniques sufficient to produce high quality and effective planning documentation and presentations.
Your resume and responses to the self-assessment questions are an integral part of the process for determining your qualifications for the position. Therefore, you must support your responses to the self-assessment questions by providing examples of past and present experience in your resume.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.

Consideration will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards as an indicator of quality of prior experience; no points will be assigned.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

1. Your resume
2. Your responses to the online questionnaire
3. Current or former federal employees, submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notice of Personnel Action, that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current/highest grade. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, with-in grade increases, appointments. Performance award are not acceptable.
4. If you are qualifying based on education, submit a legible copy of your unofficial college transcript from an accredited college/university. The transcript must reflect the college/university name and/or logo. Applicants are highly encouraged to proactively order a copy of their official transcripts to be delivered to their home address so transcripts will be readily available if selected. If selected, official transcripts are required prior to establishing your start date. Foreign education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet education requirements if you can show that it is comparable to education received in U.S. accredited institutions. Provide proof with your application. Please see click here.
5. If you are claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must submit a copy of your agency notice, most recent performance rating and most recent SF-50, noting your current position, grade level and duty location. If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. To be considered eligible, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position. Please see ICTAP eligibility.
6. If you are claiming veterans’ preference, submit the following documents. Please see Feds Hire Vets for detail.
a. Veterans claiming 5 point veterans' preference must submit legible Member 4 Copy DD214(s) indicating Character of Service. 5-point preference will not be granted if appropriate documentation is not submitted.
b. 30% Disabled Veterans must submit their Member Copy 4 DD-214(s), which includes Character of Service, and VA Disability Letter with percentage of disability OR documentation of disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces which reflects a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more.
c. Other 10 point Preference Eligibles must submit applicable Member Copy 4 DD-214(s), which includes Character of Service, and provide documentation of your other 10 point preference. If claiming 10 point preference, you must provide required documentation described on the back of the SF-15. 10-point preference will not be granted if appropriate documentation is not submitted with your application.
d. If you are a current active duty military member who does not have a DD214 and is claiming preference under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating that you will be discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. Certifications must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, character of service, military rank, type of discharge and date when terminal leave will begin. Certifications must be signed by, or by direction of military members’ military personnel offices, unit commanders or higher headquarters.
7. If you are requesting consideration under Executive Order 13473, you must submit proof of eligibility. At a minimum to confirm eligibility for purposes of appointment based on relocation under these provisions a spouse of a service member must provide a copy of the marriage certificate or other documentation verifying marriage and a copy of the military PCS orders assigning the service member to a certain post. The PCS orders must state the member's spouse was authorized on the military orders. Proof of eligibility based on disability and deaths resulting from active duty service is outlined here.
8. OPM must authorize employment offers for former or current Political Appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information. Submit proof of your former or current status, such as your SF-50. Please see here.

All documentation as outlined above must be received by the closing date of the announcement. If you are unable to submit your documents electronically, you may fax or mail the documents. A fax cover sheet will be provided to you from the system with fax number and instructions. Required documents will also be accepted by mail and must be received by the closing date of the announcement. The mailing address is COMMANDANT (CG-1211SE), ATTN OFFICE OF CIVILIAN HUMAN RESOURCES (JOBS), US COAST GUARD, 2703 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR AVE SE, STOP 7912, WASHINGTON, DC 20593-7912.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Complete applications for this vacancy must be received on-line by 11:59 p.m ET on the closing date of the announcement. To begin your online application, click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register or sign in to USAJOBS, take the online questionnaire and submit the required documents to provide proof of eligibility and qualifications. See Required Documents section for more detail regarding a complete application package.

There are two different methods to upload your required documents by following system prompts. First, you may transfer your saved USAJOBS profile documents by selecting them from your USAJOBS profile account. The second option is to upload your documents individually within the Coast Guard Hiring Management system. Please verify that your documents have uploaded within the Coast Guard application system prior to the closing date of the announcement. Click here (USAJOBS upload link) for uploading documents help.

High self assessment in the vacancy questions that is not supported by information in your resume and/or supporting documents may impact you or eliminate you from consideration.

If applying on-line poses a hardship to you, the Help Desk listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted on-line by the closing date. You must contact the Help Desk prior to the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance. Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, excluding Federal holidays.

Agency contact information

USCG Applicant Support

Phone

866-656-6830

Fax

000-000-0000

Email

mgshelp@monster.com

Address

United States Coast Guard
2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE
STOP 7120
Washington, District of Columbia 20593
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once the announcement is closed, we will conduct an evaluation of your application and qualifications to determine your ranking. The most qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. To check the status of your application, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." You may also opt to receive email notifications of application status changes by logging into your USAJOBS account and enabling notification alerts.

For more information on applying for federal employment click here


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.