Biologist / Microbiologist U.S. Federal Government 480 reviews - Fort Meade, MD $81,548 - $126,062 a year - Full-time, Part-time Duties Summary Earth Day is every day at EPA! At EPA, you can protect human health and the environment of all Americans, and youll discover that EPA is one great place to work! We offer great benefits and work flexibilities, and our diverse workforce connects to more than just a career-we share a common passion to promote a cleaner, healthier environment. Discover how exciting safeguarding our natural resources and protecting human health can be. Find yourself at EPA. These positions are located in Region III, Environmental Assessment and Innovation Division, Office of Analytical Services and Quality Assurance, Laboratory Branch in Fort Meade, Maryland. For more information on this office, visit their website: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-3-mid-atlantic If selected, you must work at the location stated in this announcement. Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed above. One or more positions may be filled. Responsibilities You will: * Analyze routine and non-routine environmental samples for the determination of microbiological contaminants and biological parameters; * Develop, modify, and validate analytical methods; * Develop, implement, and adhere to Laboratory Quality Control system requirements; * Provide technical expertise, assistance, and advice based on the analysis of environmental samples; * Interpret and evaluate data to determine its significance, and communicate findings orally and in written reports. 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. You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements. Supervisory status No Promotion Potential 13 Who May Apply This job is open to U.S. Citizens Questions? This job is open to 1 group. * Job family (Series) 0401 General Natural Resources Management And Biological Sciences 0403 Microbiology Similar jobs * Microbiologists * Requirements Requirements Conditions of Employment * If you are selected, a pre-employment background check is required. * Position has educational/degree requirements (see Qualifications section). * EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings. * You must submit a resume and required documents (see How to Apply section). * You may be required to travel 1 to 5 days per month. * You must be a U.S. citizen. Participation in the medical monitoring program is required. If you are selected, you must complete a one year probationary period. 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. Qualifications 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. MICROBIOLOGIST: You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in one of the following: microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology or subjects related to microorganisms with 20 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences (organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra); OR a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major, as listed. As part of the application process, you are required to submit college transcripts or a list of courses as described in the Required Documents section of this announcement. However, if you are selected, you must provide official educational transcripts before you start work with EPA. More information on verification of education can be found here: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures . 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 GS-12 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-11 level defined as evaluating problems in laboratory operations, such as quality control or instrumentation issues; developing standard operating procedures; and providing technical assistance on environmental sample analysis. 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 resolving problems in laboratory operations, such as quality control or instrumentation issues; developing and implementing standard operating procedures; providing technical assistance on environmental sample analysis; and conducting laboratory audits on drinking water microbiological tests. Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: 1) Skill in using laboratory instruments; 2) Knowledge of biological contaminants and parameters; 3) Skill in written communication; 4) Knowledge of federal, state, local, or tribal environmental regulations, policies, and requirements associated with inspection, enforcement, and compliance; 5) Knowledge of biology-based quality control procedures and requirements; 6) Skill in oral communication. 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 See Qualifications section. Additional information This position is in the bargaining unit. Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures EPA participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures . If you have part-time work experience, read this: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures . Position has portable work and selectee may be authorized to telework after meeting eligibility requirements if approved by the supervisor/manager. If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility. 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 resume and required documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. Your resume must address the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the Qualifications section. If you meet basic qualification requirements, your application will be further evaluated based on your answers to the online assessment. Your responses to the online assessment will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for the position. You are being evaluated under the category rating method which means, if you are determined to be qualified, you will be placed into the Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified category. We will compare your resume and supporting documentation to your responses on the assessment questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. We will evaluate your qualifications and eligibility and notify you if you meet minimum qualification requirements. If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments. NOTE: We do not require a separate statement responding to the competencies, also referred to as Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). However, your resume should clearly show possession of these competencies. To preview questions please click here . Background checks and security clearance Security clearance Public Trust - Background Investigation Drug test required No