Summary
This position is being filled under the Pathways Recent Graduate Program. This program provides recent graduates with work experience directly related to their degree and career goals while offering eligibility for conversion to permanent employment upon completion of the program requirements.
Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, Continued Service and Participant Agreements.
Click here for more information about the Department of Veterans Affairs's Recent Graduate Program.
Duties
TCF is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. The TCF career fields represent those technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is desirable for success in the field. Individuals selected follow a formal training plan for 2 years during which they are trained, coached, and supervised by a preceptor. Preceptors are selected annually, through an extensive application process, for their technical expertise, their commitment to training and the suitability of their facility as a training location. *Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements.
This is a developmental position leading to a GS-11 performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
The Environmental Engineer (TCF Trainee) position is in the Occupational Safety & Health Section at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical
Center, Milwaukee, WI. Duties include but are not limited to:
- Coordinates the efforts of facility staff involved with Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) program in order to ensure that the program is developed and implemented in accordance with organizational and facility policies and guidance; and applies environmental science and engineering practices and technology in order to demonstrate the relationships between the operation of the facility and human health, ecosystems, environmental media, and natural resources.
- Plans, organizes, implements, oversees, and provides technical assistance with projects in order to resolve environmental problems. Assignments include, but are not limited to, domestic and industrial wastewater treatment and disposal; safe drinking water requirements; treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste; air pollution control, etc.; and environmental regulatory oversight.
- Manages the environmental regulatory program(s) and coordinates the efforts of Milwaukee VA Medical Center (VAMC) organizations that relate to environmental matters; develops and implements environmental policies, procedures and systems, and advises management on how these items affect the operation of the facility; and evaluates, modifies, and implements pollution prevention alternatives in order to reduce the generation of waste.
- Develops and implements training and educational programs related to key environmental programs, safety, and industrial hygiene; develops and presents budgetary information related to environmental programs to upper level management; manages computer programs and databases; measures the effectiveness of existing environmental programs and recommends additions or modifications as needed;
- Interprets new or revised technical or management guidance and materials; reviews and comments on technical reports or studies.
Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. The grade progression for this position is .
Work Schedule: Full time, Monday through Friday
Compressed/Flexible: Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Environmental Engineer GEMS TCF- Recent Graduate;
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The work may require some physical effort with investigation of environmental systems at the facility and associated clinics (e.g. walking, standing, carrying light items such as manuals, or driving or traveling by motor vehicle).
RECENT GRADUATE REQUIREMENT: The Pathways Recent Graduates Program is open to recent graduates who are legally permitted to work in the U.S. To be eligible.. You must have obtained one of the following qualifying degrees, certificate, career, or technical education programs: associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctoral, or technical/vocational degree or certificate (which may include Registered Apprenticeship Programs, Job Corps, Climate Corps, AmeriCorps, and Peace Corps) from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two years
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- Required to sign a Pathways Program Participant Agreement and serve a one-year trial period.
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Qualifications
Preference eligible veterans who were precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their 2-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed 6 years from the date on which the degree (certification and/or career/technical program) was completed.
BASIC REQUIREMENT: (Transcripts and documentation required)
A Degree in Professional Engineering. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)3 as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
A combination of education and experience- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (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 - Current registration as a professional engineer by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Boards eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
- Written Test - Evidence of having successfully passed the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) examination, or the written test required for professional registration, which is administered by the Boards of Engineering Examiners in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico
-Specified academic courses - Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and in engineering that included the courses specified in the basic requirements. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of a professional engineering curriculum as described in paragraph A above.
- Related curriculum- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field, e.g., physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)
And, you must also meet one of the following Minimum Qualification requirements:
GS-7: Possess superior academic achievement gained at the baccalaureate level in engineering for graduates of a Professional Engineering Curriculum. Superior academic achievement is based on (1) Class Standing: Applicant must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; or (2) Grade-Point Average (GPA): Applicants must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (B or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (B+ or better) based on the average of required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (3) Honor Society Membership: Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies. Agencies considering eligibility based on any society not included in the following list must ensure that the honor society meets the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies. Membership in a freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this provision. NOTE: Grade-point averages should be rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 should be rounded to a 3.0 and 2.94 should be rounded to 2.9. (Transcripts Required) Or Possess one full year of graduate level education that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the General Engineer.
Or
Possess one (1) full year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular knowledge, skill, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the - Environmental Engineer - TCF Trainee. To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-05) level in Federal Service. Specialized experience includes: non-routine engineering work that required and was characterized by (1) professional knowledge of engineering; (2) professional ability to apply such
knowledge to engineering problems; and (3) positive and continuing development of professional knowledge and
ability. Professional knowledge of engineering is defined as the comprehensive, in-depth knowledge of mathematical,
physical, and engineering sciences applicable to a specialty field of engineering that characterizes a full 4-year
professional engineering curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree, or the equivalent. Professional ability to apply
engineering knowledge is defined as the ability to (a) apply fundamental and diversified professional engineering
concepts, theories, and practices to achieve engineering objectives with versatility, judgment, and perception; (b)
adapt and apply methods and techniques of related scientific disciplines; and (c) organize, analyze, interpret, and
evaluate scientific data in the solution of engineering problems. Professional work in engineering, like that in other
professions, is marked by continuing personal effort to keep abreast of the advancing and changing discipline.
Continuing education in engineering and related fields is an important element of full professional competence as an
engineer that should be considered in evaluating the qualifications of applicants for professional engineering
positions.
Or
You possess equivalent combinations graduate level education and experience. (Transcripts Required)
Education
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; religions; 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.
Full vs. Part-Time Employment: Full-time employment is considered to be at least 35 hours per week. Part-time experience will be credited on a pro-rated basis; when including part-time employment in your resume you must specify the average hours worked per week.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be credited towards qualifications. Provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
All education claimed by applicants will be verified upon appointment. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit.
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.
Review our benefits
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.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or an interview.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package to include the documents detailed below. Your resume and supporting documentation will be verified; errors, omissions, or failure to submit the documents as specified will affect your rating or result in loss of consideration for employment.
- Resume detailing specialized experience and competencies as they relate to this position
- For each position in your resume, you must specify the start and end dates (month/year) and a description of duties. If the position was Federal, you must also indicate the grade level. Resumes containing a general summary of all positions held, not specifying start/end dates, and/or not including Federal grade level(s) are insufficient to determine basic qualifications.
- Transcript that includes your coursework and date of graduation. A diploma is NOT sufficient to determine eligibility/qualifications.
- Veterans: Member-4 DD-214 and disability rating letter (if applicable)
- If you are currently on active duty to be released within 120 days, you may submit an armed forces certification in lieu of a Member-4 DD-214.
Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
How to Apply
Complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/19/2024 to receive consideration. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12438910.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
Click here for instructions on viewing your application status.
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
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