Environmental Protection Specialist - Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement : Job Details

SummaryThe Bureau of Safety & Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) works to promote safety, protect the environment, and conserve resources offshore through vigorous regulatory oversight and enforcement. For information about our bureau go to: This job is open to

• Federal employees - Competitive serviceCurrent or former competitive service federal employees.
• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)Federal employees who meet the definition of a surplus or displaced employee.
• Veterans
• Individuals with disabilities
• Military spouses
• Special authoritiesIndividuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.
• Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
• Family of overseas employeesFamily members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas.
• Land and base managementCertain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.

Clarification from the agencyThis is a Merit Promotion announcement for Government employees and those who are eligible under the hiring paths listed. For further clarification please click here: VideosDutiesThis position is located within the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), Environmental Compliance Division in Sterling, VA or Hadley, Massachusetts.The incumbent serves as an Atlantic Region Environmental Protection Specialist and is responsible for BSEE Atlantic Region environmental compliance through National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other federal environmental statutes and regulations, BSEE regulation, policy and guidance as well as provide advice on technical matters relating to offshore energy activities in theAtlantic OCS region.At the full performance level (GS-13) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:1. Provide analysis of environmental laws, regulations, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) offshore energy lease stipulations, consultations, and plan approval terms and conditions in support of the Atlantic region energy processes, integrating environmental protection, safety management systems, inspections, investigations, vital statistics, decommissioning, and systems and reporting data.2. Collaborates with Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and other federal, State officials as well as NGOs and Tribes on offshore energy environmental activities and processes, including development of lease stipulations and plan approval terms and conditions, and coordinates knowledge transfer and sharing strategies between BOEM and BSEE.3. Maintains a thorough understanding of BSEE environmental compliance processes and applies to Atlantic Region OCS energy policy and program development, ensuring proper liaison with impacted BSEE national program offices. Works closely with field personnel, legal advisors, resource managers, and others involved with the Bureau's environmental compliance program. Provides recommendations and supporting data analysis for regulatory development.4. Analyzes Atlantic Region OCS energy environmental program and policy issues. Works collaboratively within BSEE and other agencies and organizations to develop memoranda of understanding, memoranda of agreement, or interagency agreements related to OCS energy environmental protection activities.5. Works with BSEE and BOEM offices and groups on a variety of functions including rules and regulations, lease stipulations, Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTL), communication to the regulated community, Incidents of Non-Compliance (INCs)/Notice of Non-Compliance (NONC), safety management system (SMS) audits, investigative reports, Lessee submittals, and collaborates to identify and implement methods to monitor effectiveness of environmental compliance efforts for OCS energy activities.6. Participates in task forces, workgroups and other meetings with other agencies, states; lessees, and other interested parties where issues involving offshore energy environmental impact require resolution, and knowledge of BSEE's environmental protection programs is required. Recommends and drafts policy documents and guidance, directives, proposed legislation and regulations, reports, budgetary proposals, etc. relating to ECD's Atlantic region offshore energy program.7. Reviews relevant OCS energy industry regulations and standards and participates in meetings on environmental issues related to Atlantic Region OCS offshore energy exploration and development.8. Analyzes OCS offshore energy incident and marine, trash, and debris reports for environmental impacts, adhering to BSEE Environmental Compliance Division (ECD) policies and processes and in coordination with the ECD Atlantic Region staff and other Regional Program staff. Recommends and drafts enforcement actions when warranted in collaboration with other BSEE offices for consideration and approval by the Atlantic Regional Environmental Officer.9. Ensures Atlantic Region offshore energy operator performance, incident reporting, and compliance reporting databases and reports are maintained. Develops and executes implementation, monitoring, and analysis of data and provides recommendations for BSEE environmental policy and program options and procedures as it applies to the Atlantic Region's offshore energy programs.BSEE has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework with supervisory approval.Salary Range Information (Per Annum): *First time hires to the federal government typically start at the beginning salary in the range for their respective grade level.Sterling, VA Salary Rate Range:GS-13: $117,962 - $153,354Hadley, Massachusetts Salary Rate Range:GS-13: $116,510 -$151,467This vacancy may be used to fill additional positions as vacancies become available. Requirements Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen.

You will be subject to a background/suitability investigation/determination.

You will be required to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit.

You must submit ALL required documents and a completed questionnaire.

Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service system, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See

QualificationsMinimum Qualification Requirements:To qualify for this position you must meet the (1) Basic Educational Requirements AND/OR (2) Specialized Experience for the series to which you are applying.Specialized ExperienceTo qualify for the GS-13, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:1. applying knowledge of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to ensure programs and procedures are consistent and/or legal?2. providing recommendations, technical guidance, and/ or assistance on the interpretation of environmental requirements?3. navigating and engaging with processes related to environmental protection?4. in fostering and maintaining collaboration to advance environmental protection goals?Must meet all.Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualification Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions and is available at OPM's website: All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.Merit Promotion candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements by the closing date of the announcement.EducationThere is no education requirement for this position.Additional informationApplicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for and performance of higher-level duties.The application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment, and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361.Important Note: All Department of the Interior (DOI) employees are subject to the conflict of interest restrictions imposed upon all employees of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government and may be required to file a Financial Disclosure Report. In addition, DOI employees, GS-15 and above, who work in the Office of the Secretary; along with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) employees (at ALL grade levels), are further restricted concerning their interests in Federal lands and resources administered or controlled by the Department of the Interior. This includes holding stock in energy corporations which lease Federal lands (e.g.: oil, gas, coal, alternative energy resources, etc.). If you have any such investments you should contact the DOI, BOEM or BSEE Ethics Office before accepting employment. DOI employees are held to the highest level of integrity. Employees must be objective and impartial in the performance of their work. All potential issues (e.g.: work-related interactions with friends, family members, or previous employers) must be disclosed at the time of application or during the interview process.NOTICE: This employer participates in E-Verify and will utilize your Form I-9 information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work with the U.S. Department of the Interior. The preliminary background check consists of a search of Office of Personnel Management and Department of Defense background investigation files and an FBI National Criminal History Fingerprint Check; it may take up to 3 weeks to complete. If selected for this position, you will be extended a tentative offer of employment pending a satisfactory background check. Current Federal employees or individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check; these will be handled on a case-by-case basis in coordination with the Bureau security office.

• BenefitsA 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 benefitsEligibility 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 EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.Once the application process is complete, we will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume, supporting documentation and responses to the online questionnaire will be made. Your responses to the online assessment will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for this position. However, your resume must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. The best qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.Your answers to the on-line assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:Regulations and Guidance - Knowledge of principles, laws, regulations, policies, practices, and guidelines.Written Communication - Expresses facts and ideas in writing in a succinct and organized manner.Analytical - Ability to collect, analyze and interpret information or data.Technical Competence - Understands and appropriately applies procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies related to specialized expertise (for example, engineering, physical science, law, or accounting); maintains credibility with others on technical mattersDUE WEIGHTDue Weight Consideration is a review process used to provide consideration to performance appraisals and awards submitted with each application on a used merit promotion certificate and factoring the results into the merit promotion selection process.Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process.If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.It is your responsibility to obtain and upload your performance appraisal/evaluation and/or list of awards prior to the closing of the vacancy announcement.To preview the assessment questionnaire click:

• BenefitsA 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 benefitsEligibility 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 DocumentsAs 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.Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.Your resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the specialized experience requirements as stated in this vacancy announcement and OPM qualification standards for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. It is strongly recommended that you use the USAJobs Resume Builder as it was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. The Resume Builder is available atYour application package must include: (1) Resume showing relevant experience as written in your own words; (2) Completed online Assessment Questionnaire; (3) SF-50's showing (1) your highest FPL, and (2) most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station. Please note that all SF-50's submitted must show that you are a status candidate or eligible under this announcement. Please refer to the eligibility in the online questionnaire for more information; (3) College transcript (if applicable) for verification of qualifying education. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; (4) Certificates, license, etc. (if applicable); (5) Form DD-214 OR VA letter and Standard Form 15, if eligible under VEOA or VRA; (6) Proof of eligibility if applying under a special appointing authority; (7) Current or former Government employees are strongly encouraged to submit a recent performance appraisal.NOTE: Applicants claiming eligibility under VEOA or VRA, must submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, (Member 4 copy is preferred), showing the dates of active duty, type of discharge, and character of service (must be honorable); OR acceptable proof of verification of your preference (i.e., official document, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying that the veterans total combined serviced-connected disability rating is 10% or more).NOTE: Applicants claiming eligibility based on 30% or more service connected disability, you are required to submit documentation that is indicated on the SF-15 as acceptable proof of verification of your preference (i.e., official document, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying that the veterans total combined serviced-connected disability rating is 30% or more.You will find additional information on the following topics: (1) e-Verify; (2) Selective Service; (3) CTAP/ICTAP; (4) Education - accreditation; (5) Foreign education; (6) Veterans preference; (7) Special appointing authority documentation; and more can be found on our web site: OR If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, you must submit proof by the closing date of the announcement that you meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP or you will not receive priority consideration. The proof includes a copy of the agency notice, your most recent Performance Rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty station. To be considered well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, you must earn a minimum score of 85 or above (prior to the assignment of veteran's preference) on the rating criteria for this position.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 fromschools 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 ApplyYour complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents.To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at www.usajobs.gov and click on Application Status. Click on the position title, and then select Apply Online to continue.Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.Agency contact informationKelly SouzaPhone703-###-####[email protected] of Safety and Environmental Enforcement45600 Woodland RoadSterling, VA 20166USNext stepsYou can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgment from USAJobs that your submission was successful, once we have received your on-line assessment questionnaire, resume and any supporting documentation.You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJobs account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package.You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required.Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration.We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education.If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement.
• Fair and TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required DocumentsDo not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.Your resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the specialized experience requirements as stated in this vacancy announcement and OPM qualification standards for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. It is strongly recommended that you use the USAJobs Resume Builder as it was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. The Resume Builder is available atYour application package must include: (1) Resume showing relevant experience as written in your own words; (2) Completed online Assessment Questionnaire; (3) SF-50's showing (1) your highest FPL, and (2) most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station. Please note that all SF-50's submitted must show that you are a status candidate or eligible under this announcement. Please refer to the eligibility in the online questionnaire for more information; (3) College transcript (if applicable) for verification of qualifying education. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; (4) Certificates, license, etc. (if applicable); (5) Form DD-214 OR VA letter and Standard Form 15, if eligible under VEOA or VRA; (6) Proof of eligibility if applying under a special appointing authority; (7) Current or former Government employees are strongly encouraged to submit a recent performance appraisal.NOTE: Applicants claiming eligibility under VEOA or VRA, must submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, (Member 4 copy is preferred), showing the dates of active duty, type of discharge, and character of service (must be honorable); OR acceptable proof of verification of your preference (i.e., official document, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying that the veterans total combined serviced-connected disability rating is 10% or more).NOTE: Applicants claiming eligibility based on 30% or more service connected disability, you are required to submit documentation that is indicated on the SF-15 as acceptable proof of verification of your preference (i.e., official document, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying that the veterans total combined serviced-connected disability rating is 30% or more.You will find additional information on the following topics: (1) e-Verify; (2) Selective Service; (3) CTAP/ICTAP; (4) Education - accreditation; (5) Foreign education; (6) Veterans preference; (7) Special appointing authority documentation; and more can be found on our web site: OR If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, you must submit proof by the closing date of the announcement that you meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP or you will not receive priority consideration. The proof includes a copy of the agency notice, your most recent Performance Rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty station. To be considered well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, you must earn a minimum score of 85 or above (prior to the assignment of veteran's preference) on the rating criteria for this position.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 fromschools 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 ApplyYour complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.To apply on-line, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents.To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at www.usajobs.gov and click on Application Status. Click on the position title, and then select Apply Online to continue.Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s), including within the same metro/commuting area. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.Agency contact informationKelly SouzaPhone703-###-####[email protected] of Safety and Environmental Enforcement45600 Woodland RoadSterling, VA 20166USNext stepsYou can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgment from USAJobs that your submission was successful, once we have received your on-line assessment questionnaire, resume and any supporting documentation.You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJobs account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package.You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required.Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration.We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education.If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement.Fair & TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request