Environmental health scientist
Department of Health and Human Services
Location
Anchorage, AK | United States
Job description
Duties
As an Environmental Health Scientist, you will:
- Provide scientific expertise required to assess site-specific public health impacts of identified hazardous substances
- Evaluate environmental data for quality assurance/quality control, completeness, and relevance
- Provide environmental health and technical advice and appropriate recommendations regarding potential human health impacts resulting from exposure or potential exposure to hazardous substances
- Develop and assist with the development of public health assessments and/or consultations
- Develop, prepare, and present technical materials for publication and distribution to other Federal, state, and local agencies, and to the public
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Due to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) process enhancement to use Shared Certificates throughout the Agency, some of the requirements below may differ:
- US Citizenship required.
- Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (
- May be subject to a Background/Security Investigation. Security clearance level may differ from the position announced when certificates are shared .
- CDC participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). If selected, CDC will determine your employment eligibility using your social security number.
- Direct deposit is required.
- One-year probationary period may be required.
- This position may be subject to a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- This position may be subject to the OGE Financial Disclosure requirements of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-521). CDC inspires public confidence in its trust responsibilities and mission by maintaining high ethical principles. If selected, you may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency. If identified, this will be an annual requirement.
- In accordance with Executive Order 12564 of September 15, 1986, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is A Drug-Free Federal Workplace. This position may require a Drug Test and be subject to Random Drug Testing. The position may require the submission of a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and be subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing upon hiring. If required to submit to urinalysis, the appointment to the position will be contingent upon a negative test result.
Qualifications
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree: major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.
Minimum Qualifications:
GS-12:
To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, which must include the following experience: assessing environmental health data associated with hazardous waste sites and communicating environmental health findings to diverse groups (e.g., public health officials, governmental agencies, community leaders, scientific audiences and the public).
GS-13:
To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level, which must include the following experience: assessing environmental health data, identifying recommendations, and developing technical reports for environmental health issues related to hazardous waste sites.
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.
Promotion potential: Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your meeting qualifications and time-in-grade requirements, demonstrated ability to perform the higher-level duties, the continuing need for the higher-level duties, and administrative approval. Promotion to the next grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.
Education
A copy of your transcripts or equivalent documentation is required for positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying based on education or a combination of education and experience. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.
A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For more information, visit
Additional information
Telework: This position has been designated as telework eligible and:
- May include remote work or telework options, and/or flexible work scheduling. These options may be requested once you have become an employee and you will be required to sign a Workplace Flexibilities Agreement that details remote or telework working conditions and expectations in accordance with the CDC Workplace Flexibilities Policy
- May be eligible for inclusion in the Bargaining Unit. The name of the union, local, and BU Codes will be provided upon selection.
- For more information visit:
The Federal government, as the largest employer in the Nation, can and should show the way towards achieving drug-free workplaces through programs designed to offer drug users a helping hand, and at the same time demonstrating to drug users and potential drug users that drugs will not be tolerated in the Federal workplace if declared a drug-testing position. The use of illegal drugs, on or off duty, by Federal employees is inconsistent not only with the law-abiding behavior expected of all citizens, but also with the special trust placed in such employees as servants of the public.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Agencies must seek prior approval from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. 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 that to the Human Resources Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service. Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.
Incentives: - Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.
- Annual Leave for non-federal service may be authorized.
- Student loan repayment incentive may be authorized.
- Travel, transportation, and moving expenses may be paid.
- PCS Expenses may be authorized, subject to the terms of the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR).
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.
Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.
The utilization of shared certificates for additional selections within the same geographical area can be made from multiple Centers of the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
The category assignment is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the competencies required for this position. Qualified candidates will be ranked into one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified or Qualified. The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-9 level or higher).
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
- Customer Service
- Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Data Collection
- Needs Assessment (2)
- Oral Communication
- Public Health Knowledge
- Research Translation
Once the application process is complete, a review of the resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. Category rating procedures will be used to rate and rank candidates.
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.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you MUST submit a complete Application Package which includes the following. Note: All documents must be in English.
1. Resume - Must reflect name, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (month/year) of employment and duties performed.
Current/former Federal employee:
- Must reflect pay plan, series and grade, i.e., GS-0301-9.
Dos and Don'ts: Cover Letter is optional.
2. Transcripts (required) - You may submit an unofficial transcript. An official transcript from an accredited educational institution is required if you are selected.
3. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/ Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): - Supporting documentation i.e., Reduction in Force (RIF) notice or Certificate of Expected Separation (CES), AND most recent:
- Current annual performance appraisal
- SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action)
4. Veteran: - DD-214 (Member 4 copy) or other Armed Forces/Department of Veterans Affairs official documentation reflecting dates of service and type of discharge, AND if applicable:
- 10-point preference eligible :
- Application for 10-point Veteran Preference, SF-15, AND
- Any required documentation listed on the SF-15 - Veterans Affairs/Armed Forces certification must include the total percentage of the service-connected disability(s)
- Serving under Active Duty :
- Certification from Armed Forces reflecting rank, dates of service, and discharge/release will be within 120 days from date of certification under honorable conditions
- Visit FedsHireVets
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
For Resume and Application Tips visit:
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
PHS Officers:
- This is a Delegated Examining (DE) announcement. Current, active duty PHS officers applying to this announcement are expected to decommission from the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps if selected.
- Current, active duty PHS officers interested in performing the duties of this position while remaining active duty (not as a civilian) are encouraged to apply under the Merit Promotion announcement (MP) (if applicable).
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 02/23/2024 of this announcement to receive consideration. - To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account ( all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit:
If you are unable to apply online: - Applicants external to CDC - Contact the CDC Helpdesk by phone (770) 488-1725 or email [email protected].
- Applicants internal to CDC - Contact the OHR Service Desk.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online. Applying online, through your USAJOBS account, will expedite the application process and allow you to check your application. If you utilize the Alternate Application method, your USAJOBS account will not display this application or status updates related to this application.
To view the questionnaire, click on the following link:
Agency contact information
CDC HELPDESK
Phone
(770) 488-1725
Email
[email protected]
Address
ATSDR-OA-OD-OFFICE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH HAZARD ASSESSMENT
4770 Buford Highway, NE
Atlanta, GA 30341
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will receive notice via email once this process is completed (generally 4-6 weeks).
HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you MUST submit a complete Application Package which includes the following. Note: All documents must be in English.
1. Resume - Must reflect name, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (month/year) of employment and duties performed.
Current/former Federal employee:
- Must reflect pay plan, series and grade, i.e., GS-0301-9.
Dos and Don'ts: Cover Letter is optional.
2. Transcripts (required) - You may submit an unofficial transcript. An official transcript from an accredited educational institution is required if you are selected.
3. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/ Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): - Supporting documentation i.e., Reduction in Force (RIF) notice or Certificate of Expected Separation (CES), AND most recent:
- Current annual performance appraisal
- SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action)
4. Veteran: - DD-214 (Member 4 copy) or other Armed Forces/Department of Veterans Affairs official documentation reflecting dates of service and type of discharge, AND if applicable:
- 10-point preference eligible :
- Application for 10-point Veteran Preference, SF-15, AND
- Any required documentation listed on the SF-15 - Veterans Affairs/Armed Forces certification must include the total percentage of the service-connected disability(s)
- Serving under Active Duty :
- Certification from Armed Forces reflecting rank, dates of service, and discharge/release will be within 120 days from date of certification under honorable conditions
- Visit FedsHireVets
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. For Resume and Application Tips visit:
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.
Help
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Veterans
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