Social Scientist

In addition to the mandatory education requirement, all applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: GS-9: Assisting project managers in the design and appropriateness of audits and evaluations of environmental programs; Participate in teams to make observations, gather data, and accomplish work activities; Ensuring compliance with environmental standards or regulations; AND Contributing to writing drafts, final reports, or other environmental documents. -or- 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master’s degree or master’s or equivalent graduate degree -or- An appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (only graduate education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. GS-11: Assisting project managers in the design and execution of evaluations, performance audits, and/or reviews of programs, policies, and procedures; Participating in teams to make observations, gather data, and accomplish work activities; Analyzing data and evidence gathered though interviews, background research, observations, and document reviews to develop findings and recommendations; AND Contributing to writing sections of oral presentations, written reports, and other written documents that contain findings and recommendations. Evidence of the above specialized experience must be supported by detailed documentation of duties performed in positions held. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience or based on job titles alone. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). 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. Applicants must meet the qualifications for this position within thirty (30) days of the closing date of this announcement.
The Office of Inspector General is an independent office within the EPA that helps the agency protect the environment in a more efficient and cost effective manner. We perform audits, evaluations, and investigations of the EPA to promote economy, efficiency, and to prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse. We strive to provide solutions to problems that ultimately result in making America a cleaner and healthier place.