Job Announcement: US EPA Biologist/Ecologist, Gulf Breeze, FL

https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usajobs.gov%2FGetJob%2FViewDetails%2F553217000&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cb021464bb8a5466de63308d778a34ef6%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637110515155805809&sdata=LyzWsO%2B%2FGMGxACK7KUleOxlX1YhokAw7Rqz5Yf23O5A%3D&reserved=0

Application closing date: 12/09/2019

Summary

This position is located in Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Gulf Ecosystem Measurement and Modeling Division, Ecosystem Dynamics and Effects Branch, Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Responsibilities

You will:

– Conduct research on interactions between land-based nutrient pollution, natural environmental factors, and dynamics of harmful algal blooms in lakes and coastal ecosystems;

– Lead a team of researchers;

– Serve as a senior scientist and technical authority in innovative sensor technology development;

– Manage extramural research projects related to in-house research support contract(s).

Qualifications

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 Research GS-12 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-11 level defined as participating in team research (i.e., formulating hypotheses, developing research plans, adapting existing methods/techniques) to develop quantitative tools for coastal ecosystems; and analyzing or communicating research results – OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in the academic discipline as described below – OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

To qualify for the GS-13 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-12 level defined as conducting independent research to develop quantitative tools for coastal ecosystems; managing technical progress of contracted research in the area of emphasis or communicating research results in peer-reviewed publications.

Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Knowledge of quantitative sensor technology for coastal ecosystems; 2) Skill in interpreting scientific data; 3) Skill in written communication; 4) Ability to lead and train a team of researchers; 5) Skill in oral communication; 6) Ability to develop plans and program initiatives to support establishment of new scientific standards; 7) Ability to manage contracts including preparing procurement requests and monitoring technical performance.

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.

Education

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

Biologist: 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.

Ecologist: You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in biology or a related field of science underlying ecological research that included at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in ecology, and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences.

Environmental Engineer: All applicants must meet one of the following requirements to qualify for consideration for an engineering position:

Successful completion of a professional engineering degree at an accredited university or college OR

Have a combination of college level education or training AND technical experience that has furnished you with (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:

1.Professional registration as an engineer.

2.Evidence of passing the Engineer-in-Training written test.

3.Successful documented completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences as described by OPM.

4.Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field and at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance.

Please review the OPM page on specifics about required curriculum and for more information on qualifications, please visit GS-800: All Professional Engineering Positions qualifications.

Physical Scientist: You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in one of the following: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics; OR a combination of education and experience with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Please read the announcement on USAJobs for more details and to apply.