Summary Environmental Protection Specialists (EPS) play a vital role in planning and administering environmental programs at the Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System. Environmental Protection Specialists support VA's Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) implementation and apply specialized knowledge of one or more programs or functional areas of environmental protection work. GEMS is the VHA's environmental compliance program. Responsibilities Duties Include but are not limited to: Manages the facility's Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) program, including policy development, implementation, evaluation, and internal reporting. Leads environmental initiatives, ensures alignment with federal, state, and local regulations, and serves as an advisor on complex environmental issues. The GEMS Program is the VHA's comprehensive environmental compliance program, designed to ensure that medical centers and clinics comply with state, federal, and local environmental laws, supporting uninterrupted delivery of high-quality care to Veterans. Ensures facility compliance by interpreting and applying environmental laws, policies, and regulations; develops new methods to address emerging challenges; and conducts and leads environmental audits, self-assessments, site inspections, data analysis, and reporting. Provides technical guidance, recommends corrective actions, and coordinates with VA officials and regulatory agencies The work requires ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to prepare and conduct briefings or training programs, lead group conferences, and draft reports and letters. Some positions require knowledge of contracting or grants management procedures sufficient to oversee and/or monitor contracts or program grants; some require knowledge of regulatory development and implementation procedures to assist in developing regulations or other guidance. The Environmental Protection Specialist (EPS) will meet the needs of all customers, both internal and external, in support of VA's mission. Consistently communicates and treats customers (prospective and current employees, Veterans, their representatives, and visitors) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. The EPS play a vital tole in the planning and administering environmental programs. Environmental Protection programs deal with the environmental impacts of human activities and facility operations on the air, land, water, and other environmental media. The EPS obtains and evaluates environmental data and supports facility-wide program planning and implementation activities. The EPS applies working knowledge and a general understanding of environmental laws and regulations to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations (e.g., for air emissions, wastewater discharge, solid and hazardous waste, fuel and oil storage, and spill prevention, among other areas) The incumbent physically inspects compliance sites, which may involve walking or climbing over rough terrain and prolonged standing. The EPS uses practical knowledge of one or more environmental sciences or related fields (e. g.) biology, ecology, chemistry, hydrology, or environmental law) to assist in collecting and verifying environmental data, correlating results, and discussing technical aspects with scientists, engineers, and other professionals while seeking guidance, as necessary. Skill is required in applying standard data gathering and analysis techniques to collect and review technical information on environmental activities or quality, and to identify straightforward procedural or factual issues. Provides customers with consistent information via established policies and procedures. Manages conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Willing to work cooperatively as a member of a team in all assignments. The work requires management, administrative, or coordinative knowledge and skill sufficient to provide advisory, reviewing, evaluating, educating and/or training, negotiating, or problem solving services (as a "troubleshooter," specialist, or coordinator) on specific problems, projects, programs, or functions (e.g., developing, coordinating, reviewing, and evaluating the implementation of work plans, including estimates of staffing needs, equipment, and supplies, and detailed instructions necessary to carry out the plans, for complex long-term projects). 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. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework: This position may be authorized for telework on an Ad-Hoc basis only. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Environmental Protection Specialist/PD148400, PD148410, PD148420, and PD148430 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: Work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as prolonged standing, bending, or stooping to observe work operations and identify leaking containers in a treatment, storage, or disposal area. The incumbent physically inspects CERCLA or other clean up sites which may involve walking over rough terrain and prolonged standing. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/04/2026. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-7 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-5. For a GS-9 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-7. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-9. For a GS-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: GS-7 Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-5 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: The EPS applies working knowledge and a general understanding of environmental laws and regulations to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations for air emissions, wastewater discharge, solid and hazardous waste, fuel and oil storage, and spill prevention. The EPS collects and evaluates environmental data using appropriate analytical methods and techniques. The EPS recommends necessary changes, control measures/best practices. The EPS assists with hazardous waste and non-hazardous waste shipping. The EPS prepares and conducts briefings and authors reports and letters. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 1 full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education and a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree. GS-9 Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-7 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: The EPS applies specialized knowledge and a deep understanding of environmental laws and regulations for one or more program areas to assist the facility in meeting its compliance obligations. The EPS prepares portions of environmental plans, permits, and reports for air emissions, wastewater discharge, solid and hazardous waste, fuel and oil storage, and spill prevention and maintains proper recordkeeping. The EPS supports GEMS program administration, management, and internal reporting activities. The EPS participates in environmental audits and incident investigations; helps with root case analysis, development of corrective actions, and tracking incidents to closure. The EPS assists with training employees and lower-grade safety staff in specific program requirements. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B or J.D., if related. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education and 1 full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement. GS-11 Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-9 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: The EPS completes permits and leads facility self assessments, inspections, and investigations. The EPS administers the GEMS program and is responsible for management of GEMS activities and internal reporting activities. The EPS advises senior level management officials within the facility on the status of environmental programs and recommends changes in the design of facility work programs to meet new environmental requirements. The EPS interacts with federal, state, and local environmental agencies with respect to facility environmental issues. The EPS independently schedules and leads environmental audits to identify and evaluate program implementation and compliance activities. The EPS conducts site inspections, collects data, reviews documents, analyzes evidence, evaluates results, authors reports, recommends corrective action for compliance. The EPS trains other employees and lower grade environmental staff, providing instruction on a variety of subjects related to specialized environmental topics. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education and a Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. Or J.D., if related. GS-12 Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-11 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: The EPS will independently manage and oversee the facility's GEMS program, including development, implementation, and evaluation of policies, procedures, and operating guidance for major environmental activities. Serves as principal advisor to facility senior management, providing authoritative guidance on complex environmental issues, regulatory changes, and strategic planning. The EPS develops and recommends new or substantially modified methods, criteria, and policies to address emerging environmental challenges and ensure compliance. The EPS conducts and leads complex environmental audits, inspections, and investigations, resolving conflicts and issues. The EPS represents the facility in interactions with federal, state, and local environmental agencies, industry representatives, and community stakeholders. The EPS participates in public meetings and hearings, responds to public comments, and prepares reports, briefings, and position papers for key agency officials. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Education There is no educational substitution at the GS-12 grade level. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. Receiving Service Credit for 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. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
