BiologistEntomologistToxicologistPhysical ScientistChemist

At the advertised grade you will:

• Gather evaluate and analyze data and other information to evaluate human health ecological and economic assessments to support regulatory decisions.
• Issue data requirements and prepare regulatory recommendations that include evaluation of the available data and assessments of exposure hazard economic impact and risk from exposure to pesticide chemicals.
• Provide regulatory and technical support to other scientists supervisors and higher management officials in Pesticide Programs to support regulatory decision efforts.
• Communicate risk analyses risk assessment characterization and other technical information both orally and in writing.

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. NOTE: Career ladder promotions are not automatic and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level.

You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts grants/cooperative agreements and/or interagency agreements.

One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations) if appropriate to the position.

#LI-Onsite

You must be a U.S. citizen.

If you are selected you may be required to 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. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.

REAL ID requirements became effective on 05/07/25. If you are selected for this position and plan to use your drivers license or identification card during the onboarding process (i.e. for employment eligibility verification or to obtain your EPA identification card) the document must be a REAL ID-compliant state-issued drivers license or identification card that includes the REAL ID-compliant star marking or must be an Enhanced Drivers License (EDL). You will receive information about alternative acceptable documents (e.g. passport) prior to onboarding. For more information about REAL ID see Dept. of Homeland Security and REAL ID FAQs.

If you are selected you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure form within 30 days of your first day of employment and annually thereafter.

NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements including any requirements described in the Education section by the closing date of this announcement.

In addition to the basic entry education requirements you must have specialized experience and/or directly related education as described below:

To qualify for the GS-09 level you must have one of the following:

• 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level defined as evaluating scientific data related to environmental and/or human health; identifying solutions to scientific data anomalies from data collected.
• 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a masters degree; or masters or equivalent graduate degree; the education must be directly related and provide the knowledge skills and abilities necessary to do the work of the position
• equivalent combination of education and experience

NOTE: 1 year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study; if that number cannot be obtained from the school 18 semester hours is considered an academic year of graduate study.

You will need the following competencies in order to perform the duties of this position successfully:

• Critical Thinking
• Manages and Organizes Information
• Technical Documentation*
• Attention to Detail
• Decision Making
• Planning and Evaluating*
• Teamwork
• Stakeholder Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Written Communication
• Oral Communication
• Scientific Research*
• Self-Management

*You will be evaluated on these critical competencies.

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.

*If you have part-time work experience read this: Part-Time Experience.