5394 ; it-^ / •»- ' • ' ['/ I / '-Vil'i ' - ' . *>-r * £. . :V| (;:^lli^^,, &*-*- _ I) , -'A-B* '* •* - 1- '-: • * | Personnel « April 1984 , Management Division (PM-212V Management Division (PM-212} Watefgton, DC 20460 c.l Q01K84100 US P,. ruction Agency ------- ------- Introduction General Information The task of the U.S. Environmental Protec- tion Agency (EPA) is to protect the health and welfare of the American people by controlling pollution hazards. EPA en- deavors to abate and control pollution sys- tematically, by proper integration of a vari- ety of research, monitoring, standard set- ting, and enforcement activities. As a com- plement to its other activities, EPA coor- dinates and supports research and anti- pollution activities by State and local gov- ernments, private and public groups, in- dividuals, and educational institutions. EPA also reinforces efforts among other Federal agencies with respect to the impact of their own operations on the environ- ment, and is specifically charged with mak- ing public its written comments and publishing its determinations from the standpoint of public health or welfare or environmental quality. In all, EPA is de- signed to serve as the public's advocate for a livable environment. EPA is a regulatory agency created through an executive reorganization plan devised to consolidate the Federal Gov- ernment's environmental regulatory activi- ties into a single agency. The plan was sent by the President to Congress on July 9, 1970, and the Agency began operation on December 2, 1970. Organizationally, EPA is headed by an Administrator, who is supported by a Dep- uty Administrator; two Associate Adminis- trators, one for International Activities and one for Regional Operations; and nine Assistant Administrators. The Assistant Administrators are responsible for Ad- ministration and Resources Management; Enforcement and Compliance Monitoring; Policy, Planning and Evaluation; External Affairs; Water; Solid Waste and Emergency Response; Air and Radiation; Pesticides and Toxic Substances; and Research and Development. In addition, there are sep- arate offices for the General Counsel and the Inspector General. The Agency also has several supporting offices including Administrative Law Judges, Civil Rights, Small and Disadvantaged Business Utiliza- tion and the Science Advisory Board. To insure that EPA is truly responsive to the American people, it has established a strong field organization with regional offices in ten major cities: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, Dal- las, Kansas City, Denver, San Francisco, and Seattle. These regional offices are the "cutting-edge" for the major EPA pro- grams. The Agency's research and development programs are centered at four environmen- tal research centers in Las Vegas, Nevada; Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Corvallis, Oregon. Each center is the location of one or more major research laboratories. In addition, the Agency operates a number of smaller research laboratories throughout the coun- try. The Agency's headquarters is in Wash- ington, D.C. It is the nerve center of EPA and exercises management control over the regional offices, research laboratories, and other field components of the Agency. The following is general information only. For specific employment inquiries call 800-338-1350. Qualifications Most jobs at EPA are in the competitive service, which means that applicants must compete with other candidates and be ev- aluated by the Office of Personnel Man- agement (OPM). OPM maintains lists of qualified candi- dates and makes referrals to government agencies, including EPA. In order to get on the appropriate lists, contact the nearest Federal Job Information Center (or State Job Service Office) to see whether applica- tions are being accepted in your area for the kind of work you want. If you are not sure what kind of work you want, a job in- formation specialist may be able to suggest the type of work for which you qualify, based on your education and experience. The qualifications information and application forms you will need can be obtained in person or by mail from the Federal Job Information Centers. For a useful guide to Federal employment, obtain a copy of the pamphlet, "Working for the USA," from the Federal Job In- formation Center of your local OPM. Federal Job Information Centers OPM maintains Federal Job Information Centers in several major metropolitan areas across the country. They are listed under "U.S. Government" in the white pages of local telephone directories. Citizenship Employment in EPA is restricted by law to U.S. citizens. ------- Career Opportunities With EPA Generally, there is a continuing need for scientists, toxicologists, engineers, com- puter specialists and environmental protec- tion specialists. There is always an urgent need for engineers, typists, and stenog- raphers in Washington, D.C. and most of our regional offices. Frequent changes in program direction make it difficult to make accurate state- ments about future vacancies. Neverthe- less, resignations, transfers, and retire- ments are just some of the factors which constantly influence the rate of employee turnover. Consequently, to find out about current openings, you should periodically contact the EPA Personnel Office which services the installation at which you de- sire employment. Cooperative Education Program The cooperative education program is de- signed to provide an alternate work and study curriculum for college students. Co- op students are usually enrolled in an aca- demic area closely related to their work assignment. When applicable, the work assignments developed by EPA are approved for academic credit by the uni- versity and the student's work supervisor completes an evaluation which is a factor in the student's course grade. The posi- tions are of a non-clerical nature; the level and salary depend upon the number of academic credits compiled. Most co-op students begin the program in their sopho- more or junior year and continue until graduation. Summer Employment Summer employment opportunities exist in clerical & technical positions, but the num- ber of positions varies from office to office. Apply for summer employment very ear- ly in the year. Information on eligibility and application procedures for summer employment is available from the nearest Federal Job Information Center or EPA Per- sonnel Office. Stay-in-School Program The stay-in-school program provides Federal employment to highly qualified students who need financial assistance in order to continue their education. Stay-in- school students work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic term, and may work 40 hours per week during vacation periods. The student positions are covered by one-year renewable appoint- ments. Part-Time and Temporary Employment Part-time and temporary positions exist at most EPA installations. However, oppor- tunities for such employment vary from in- stallation to installation. Obtain specific vacancy information from the appropriate EPA Personnel Office. Presidential Management Intern Program EPA's program is designed to bring into the Agency a small number of outstanding college graduates with potential to become top level career executives. This program is highly competitive and the potential for advancement is excellent. ------- How To Apply Pay and Benefits What to Submit Personal Qualifications Statement (Stan- dard Form 171) The determination of your eligibility and relative standing is based on the informa- tion contained in your application. It is im- portant therefore to prepare it as com- pletely and accurately as possible. Answer every question and be sure to sign and date it. You should indicate the locations where employment is desired, minimum salary acceptable, type of job sought, etc. College Transcript A college transcript or a list of college courses, grades and grade-point average is required for entry level positions (GS-5 & 7). The transcript or list must be included with your application. You should include the courses you expect to complete within nine months of the date the application is filed. Claim for 10-Point Veteran Preference (Standard Form 15) This documentary proof is required if you are claiming 10-point veteran preference (disability, widow, spouse, or mother's preference). Background Survey Questionnaire (OPM Form 1386) All forms may be obtained from your nearest Federal Job Information Center or one of the EPA Personnel Offices. Where to File Mail your Personal Qualifications State- ment (SF-171), list of College Courses and other appropriate forms to: National Recruitment Center (PM-212) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 401 M Street, S.W. Washington, DC 20460 or to one of the EPA Personnel Offices serving the location where employment is sought. Applicants with Reinstatement Eligibility Salaries Applicants who formerly occupied com- petitive positions in the Federal Gov- ernment and have reinstatement eligibility should submit proof of that employment along with their Personal Qualifications Statement (SF-171). Applicants for Attorney Positions Applicants for attorney positions should submit a Personal Qualifications Statement (SF-171) directly to the EPA Personnel Office that services the installation(s) where employment is sought. Attorney positions are in the excepted service; there- fore their qualifications are determined by the Agency rather than OPM. Volunteer Experience Unpaid experience or volunteer work in community, cultural, social service or pro- fessional associations will count the same as paid experience, if it is of the type and level acceptable as paid experience for the job you want. When you are filling out your application form, be sure to describe the work fully, showing the actual number of hours a week spent on the activity, in order to receive credit for it. For additional information concerning employment opportunities or the applica- tion process call our toll free number: (800) 338-1350 Like other government agencies, most salaries in EPA are paid under the "Gener- al Schedule." The grade level at which an individual enters a job depends on the specific position and the individual's quali- fications. For positions classified in the en- gineering occupations, grades GS-5 through GS-11, there are special advanced salary rates. Under the Federal Pay Com- parability Act, salaries are adjusted an- nually. Advancement is dependent upon the level of the position and the quality of individual performance and cannot be guaranteed. Specific information on salar- ies and career progression may be obtained from EPA Personnel Offices. Awards EPA has an incentive award program that is intended to encourage high productivity by acknowledging superior performance. The recognition may be by means of cash awards or special salary increases for per- formance, or a cash award for suggestions. Training Opportunities EPA considers employee training and de- velopment to be an essential management function. Thus, it pursues courses of action that will improve employee performance of current duties; develop skills among EPA employees not available through present recruitment sources; keep employees abreast of knowledge and new de- velopments in their respective fields; instill in employees the skills, knowledge and abilities necessary to deal effectively with current and changing programs, pro- cedures, technologies, ana mission require- ments; and provide opportunities for the upward mobility of lower-level employees. Benefits Most EPA employees are covered by the Federal Employees' Benefits Program, which features liberal fringe benefits and salaries comparable to those in the private sector. ------- Annual Leave is granted for vacations and personal business at the rate of 13 work days a year during the first 3 years of ser- vice, 20 days a year after 3 years and 26 days a year after 15 years. Some military and previous Federal service is counted in computing years of service. Annual leave may accumulate to a maximum of 30 days. Sick Leave is provided to employees as a salary protection during illness. It accumu- lates at the rate of 13 work days a year without limit. Sick leave accrued at the time of retirement provides service credit that augments retirement annuities. Federal employees receive nine (9) Paid Holidays a year. Hospitalization is provided through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Pro- gram, which helps protect employees and their families against the costs of illness or accident. The Federal Government pays part of the cost through one of several plans. Injury Compensation provides substantial payments for job-connected injuries through disability payments, indemnities, medical services and death benefits. The Retirement Program is financed by payroll deductions and matching con- tributions from the Federal Government. It provides annuities at retirement, including provisions for death and disability benefits. Additional information on any of these benefits may be obtained from any of the EPA Personnel Offices. ------- Major EPA Programs Research and Development Air and Radiation In order to effectively establish and enforce environmental standards, a sound scientific base is required. Information regarding the impact of pollutants on ecology and on human health, as well as on the transport and control of pollutants is necessary. One of EPA's principal functions, therefore, is research. Conducting scientific studies on the causes and effects of pollution and techniques of pollution control enables the Agency to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's environmental problems. There are fourteen Environmental Re- search Laboratories located across the country which are responsible for con- ducting the majority of EPA's research and development programs. These laboratories conduct research which is concentrated in- to five major programs. They are Health Effects; Environmental Processes and Effects; Environmental Engineering and Technology; Monitoring Systems and Qual- ity Assurance; and Health and Environ- mental Assessment. Most career possibilities in Research and Development are in the health and en- vironmental fields. This would include: chemical and environmental engineers; en- vironmental scientists; epidemiologists; geneticists; environmental health scientists; pathologists; pharmacologists; toxicologists; and veterinary and medical officers. Under the authority of the Clean Air Act, EPA has made tremendous strides in the control of air pollution. Our air is appreci- ably cleaner than it was at EPA's concep- tion in 1970, and these improvements have been a factor in the public health. EPA has established national ambient air quality standards specifying the maximum tolerable levels of the six principal air pol- lutants. The Agency has also established and enforces standards for exceptionally hazardous pollutants, such as beryllium and mercury, for new sources of pollu- tants, and for emissions from stationary and mobile sources. EPA also regulates the manufacture and sale of fuels or fuel addi- tives that counteract the effectiveness of pollution control devices. Our air quality management approach is centered around State planning, regulation, permitting, and enforcement and is directed at the attain- ment and maintenance of national air qual- ity standards. Additionally, EPA bears responsibility for regulation, control, and assessment of airborne radioactive emissions. Throughout history, man has been exposed to cosmic and other naturally-occurring radiation. Ex- posure, however, has increased with the introduction of man-made, low-level radia- tion sources, including x-rays, radioactive materials, and electronic devices. Health effects which may result from ex- posure to relatively large doses of ionizing radiation are well known and include leukemia and other types of cancer, reduc- tion in fertility, cataracts and other types of eye damage, acceleration of the aging proc- ess, and damage to the reproductive cells. Long-range effects from repeated exposure to radiation at low levels are yet to be fully determined. EPA offers technical assistance to States and agencies having radiation protection programs and a national sur- veillance and inspection program for measuring radiation levels in the environ- ment. Now well into our second decade of con- certed Clean Air Act initiatives and having, in our first decade, made substantial in- roads in pollution abatement and control, we find ourselves on the threshold of a new era. Today's challenge, as well as tomorrow's, is that of developing im- proved control technology and keener risk assessment as we continue to discover new hazardous and toxic pollutants as the prod- ucts of our advanced technological society. To meet this challenge, the Air and Radiation Program needs career pro- fessionals such as chemical, environmental, radiation, and mechanical engineers; meteorologists; environmental protection specialists; environmental scientists; and health physicists. ------- Solid Waste and Emergency Response Water The United States generates an estimated 150 million metric tons of hazardous in- dustrial wastes annually, while its citizens and businesses produce another 130 mil- lion tons of non-hazardous waste. These waste streams pose a variety of environmental problems from scenic blight caused by litter to public health hazards caused by toxic contamination of groundwater. The hazardous waste man- agement issue is particularly important, and has emerged as one of the leading en- vironmental concerns of the 1980s. Today, EPA is committed to protecting public health and the environment from the dangers of hazardous wastes. The Agency addresses the issue from two approaches: regulating the management of current and future hazardous waste streams, and responding to environmental contamination caused by past mis- management of hazardous wastes. Under its regulatory program, EPA has developed cradle-to-grave rules designed to manage hazardous wastes from the points where they are generated to those where they are ultimately disposed. Key elements of the program include the issuance of permits for hazardous waste management facilities and the enforcement of rules and permits as they apply to those who generate, transport, store, treat and dispose of regulated wastes. The Agency's emergency and remedial response programs are aimed at identifying sites where hazardous wastes pose threats to public health and the environment, and taking steps to eliminate those threats. The program consists of two main components: removal actions designed to stabilize dangerous sites and minimize immediate risks; and remedial actions to design and implement long-term solutions for those sites deemed to pose the greatest threats to professional public health and the environ- ment. A variety of technical professionals in- cluding environmental scientists; chemists; chemical, civil, environmental, and mecha- nical engineers; environmental protection specialists; biologists; geologists; hydrolo- gists; and others with technical skills in the physical and biological sciences are needed in this Program. The battle to stem the continuing deteriora- tion of our fresh water resources is being fought on many fronts. Our streams and fresh water lakes, and salty bays and es- tuaries are swallowing bacteria-laden human wastes, massive quantities of organic industrial wastes and toxic pesti- cides in increasing quantities. These wastes may be composed of a variety of pollutants including toxics, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and nutrients, such as phosphorus. The impact of these wastes on our en- vironment is dependent on the volume and toxicity of the pollutant discharged. EPA's mission is to reduce the volume of pollutants discharged into our Nation's wa- ters so that public health and aquatic life are protected. This involves a wide range of Agency responsibilities including de- veloping water quality criteria, setting dis- charge limitations for municipalities and in- dustries, assisting the States in developing a technically sound approach toward pollu- tion control, and providing funding assis- tance to States and localities to ensure that control activities are adequately funded. The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 gave EPA the responsibility of ensuring that the Nation's drinking waters are free from contamination which may pose threats to public health, and protecting underground sources of drinking water from contamination due to underground injection practices. In doing this, the Agen- cy has established maximum contaminant levels for certain constituents found in drinking water and also has established minimum requirements for underground injection practices. Reviews of the existing requirements are mandated and revisions, as warranted, are made. In order to assure safe drinking water for the Nation now and in the future, much needs to be done. More research is needed to shed light on health effects on man of bacteria, viruses, or chemicals in drinking water. New injection technologies need to be evaluated, the States and water supply operators and injection well operators need more training and technical assistance, and we need to raise the public consciousness regarding our Nation's sources and sup- plies of drinking water. ------- Pesticides and Toxic Substances Career potential in the Water Program is available for biologists; chemists; environ- mental engineers; environmental protection specialists; environmental scientists; hydro- logists; geologists; and toxicologists. The goal of EPA's Pesticides Program is to provide health and environmental protec- tion while permitting a steady supply of pesticide products. EPA is charged with this responsibility under the Federal In- secticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and portions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The Agency's pesticide regulation strategy focuses on four broad program areas: (1) registration of new pro- ducts; (2) review and reregistration of ex- isting products; (3) enforcement of pesti- cide use rules; and (4) research and de- velopment to support and improve EPA's ability to evaluate the risks and benefits of pesticides. The tolerance program makes careful re- views and evaluations of residue chemistry and toxicology data to ensure that the max- imum residue levels likely to be found in foods are safe for human consumption. The special registration program issues permits to allow experimentation with new products or uses and emergency ex- emptions for uses of pesticides not pre- viously approved, when benefits exceed the risk. Enactment of the Toxic Substances Con- trol Act (TSCA) of 1976 gave EPA the re- sponsibility to protect human health and the environment by requiring testing and, when necessary, use restrictions on chem- ical substances. This mandate under TSCA establishes Agency jurisdiction over some 60,000 chemicals currently in commerce while also requiring review of all new chemicals before entry into the market- place. The Agency undertakes risk man- agement actions on numerous chemicals, including asbestos and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), currently in one of several stages of regulatory development. The toxic substances enforcement program inspects and develops cases for the PCB and asbestos-in-schools rules. EPA is also initiating a program for coverage of com- mercial uses of genetically engineered materials. In an effort to further understand and more accurately estimate the risks posed from exposure to new and existing chem- icals, EPA is developing exposure monitoring methods and quality assurance techniques to generate reliable data. Sim- ilarly, we are beginning research to assess areas where epidemiology data can be ap- plied to measure health effects from chem- ical exposure, and new research programs will develop methods to evaluate the risks associated with bioengineered organisms. Careers for biologists; chemical and en- vironmental engineers; chemists; environ- mental scientists; pharmacologists and tox- icologists are available in this Program. ------- Enforcement and Compliance Management EPA has regulatory responsibility for es- tablishing and enforcing environmental standards in a wide range of areas affecting the quality of life. Its programs encompass the prevention and cleanup of pollution in air and water through the regulation of pesticides, waste, toxic sub- stances and radiation. Enforcement aimed at achieving compliance with the Agency's standard-setting activity for each media is a vital facet of EPA's operations. EPA's enforcement philosophy is to en- courage voluntary compliance by com- munities and private industry and, as man- dated by Federal laws, to oversee direct enforcement activities performed by State and local governments to meet environ- mental standards. The Agency initiates en- forcement actions to protect the public health if State and local agencies fail to produce effective plans, or if they do not enforce the programs they do develop. A national criminal investigation unit has been formed to crack down on the illegal discharge of wastes into waterways, "mid- night" dumping of toxic substances, and the deliberate destruction or falsification of vital environmental reports. This new unit will speed up the resolution of potential criminal cases and make better use of crim- inal sanctions when they are warranted. Willful violators may be subject to im- prisonment and personally liable for fines. Career potential for attorneys; criminal investigators; and environmental protection specialists is available in the Enforcement and Compliance Program. The management program is responsible for the overall administrative and planning activities of the Agency. It develops, in- itiates, monitors and evaluates EPA pro- gram operations and objectives; coordin- ates program plans; and administers the Agency's resources and administrative sup- port functions. Headquartered in Washing- ton, D.C., the program exercises functional management with respect to all phases of administration of EPA as a Federal agency, including finance, program planning, per- sonnel, contracts, computerized data proc- essing, general support services, public affairs, Congressional relations, inter- national activities, civil rights and general counsel. Careers in this area are extremely lim- ited, but do include management and pro- gram analysts; public information spe- cialists; contract specialists; personnel spe- cialists; budget analysts; computer spe- cialists; and other similar positions. ------- DUE EPA Headquarters EPA-HQ Employment Center PM-212 401 M St., S.W. Phone: (202) 382-3144 EPA Regional Office EPA Region 1 Personnel Office John F. Kennedy Office Bldg. Boston, MA 02203 Phone: (617) 223-7215 EPA Region 2 Personnel Office 26 Federal Plaza, Rm. 937C New York, NY 10007 Phone: (212) 264-0016 (also services San Juan, Puerto Rico Office) EPA Region 3 Personnel Office 6th & Walnut Sts. Philadelphia, PA 19106 Phone: (215) 597-8921 (also services Science Center, Annapolis, MD) EPA Region 4 Personnel Office 345 Courtland St., N.E. Atlanta, GA 30365 Phone: (404) 881-3486 (also services Mississippi Test Facility, Bay St. Louis, MS) EPA Region 5 Personnel Office 230 S. Dearborn St. Chicago, IL 60604 Phone. (312) 353-2026 EPA Region 6 Personnel Office 1201 Elm St. Dallas, TX 75270 Phone. (214) 767-2712 EPA Region 7 Personnel Office 324 E. llth St. Kansas City, MO 64106 Phone: (816) 374-2366 EPA Region 8 Personnel Office 1860 Lincoln St. Denver, CO 80295 EPA Region 9 Personnel Office 215 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94111 Phone: (415) 974-8016 EPA Region 10 Personnel Office M/S-301 1200 Sixth Ave. Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: (206) 442-1240 Research & Development Laboratories Personnel Office MD-29 Environmental Protection Agency Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 Phone: (919) 541-3014 (also services Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility, Montgomery, AL) Personnel Office Environmental Protection Agency 26 W. St. Clair Cincinnati, OH 45268 Phone: (513) 684-7801 Personnel Office Environmental Protection Agency P.O. Box 18417 Las Vegas, NV 89114 Phone: (702) 798-2414 (also services installations in Corvallis, OR; Duluth, MN; Ada, OK; Narragansett, RI; Athens, GA; Gulf Breeze, FL; College, AK; Ely, MN; Johns Island, SC; Grosse Isle, MI) Other EPA Field Offices National Enforcement Investigation Center EPA Personnel Office Building 53, Box 25227 Denver, CO 80225 Phone. (303) 234-4065 Mobile Source Air Pollution Control Personnel Office Environmental Protection Agency 2565 Plymouth Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Phone: (313) 668-4308 An Equal Opportunity Employer The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is dedicated to achieving excellence in its technical mandates and missions. EPA recognizes that its most valuable re- source in accomplishing these tasks is its employees. The Agency is equally dedi- cated to achieving a representative work force. To this end, EPA's policy is to pro- vide equal employment opportunity for all persons; to prohibit discrimination in em- ployment because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or handicap, and to promote the full realization of equal em- ployment opportunity on the basis of merit and fitness through a continuing affirma- tive action program. ------- -*" to. ------- |