IT Specialist (APPSW)

Summary

We are an independent office within the EPA that helps the agency protect the environment in a more efficient & cost effective manner. We perform audits, evaluations, & 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.

One or more positions made be filled using this vacancy announcement. This is not a remote position.

This job is open to

• Recent graduates
  
  Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.
• The public
  
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Recent graduates from a qualifying educational institution having completed an academic program within the preceding two years. Note: Veterans who were precluded by their military service obligation from applying for Pathways Recent Graduate jobs will have up to six years from date of graduation and two years from date of separation from the military to apply.

Duties

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) provides the OIG with a wide range of products and services in the areas of application development, infrastructure services, technical support, web development and information security. OIT oversees and manages both the IT security and records management programs. Additionally, OIT performs all information management functions, including but not limited to overseeing information technology purchases and acquisitions.

Responsibilities

At the GS-5 level, the ideal candidate will perform the following duties:

• Aid in designing and developing routine low-code applications and solutions using technologies like the Microsoft Power Platform;
• Utilize basic functionalities to craft routine, user-centric solutions that satisfy business needs;
• Aid in the design and implementation of data fields that are the foundation of robust applications;
• Participate in the development, modernization, and migration of information systems and data into Cloud Infrastructure;
• Support the embedding of business rules that align with business strategies and objectives.

At the GS-7 level, the ideal candidate will perform the following duties:

• Participate in designing and developing low-code applications and solutions using technologies like the Microsoft Power Platform;
• Utilize basic functionalities to craft general, user-centric solutions that satisfy business needs;
• Participate in the design and implementation of data fields that are the foundation of robust applications;
• Utilize documentation skills to contribute to evolving data management and maintaining data integrity and coherence across the organization;
• Assist with embedding and managing business rules to ensure they align with business strategies and objectives;
• Review web usage and performance statistics provided by Google Analytics and other tools to assist in the preparation of metric reports and narratives;
• Assists in the development, modernization, and migration of information systems and data into Cloud Infrastructure.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required.
• Background Investigation Required.
• Must meet education requirements.

This is an appointment under the EPA OIG Recent Graduate program. You must have graduated within the past two years, from a qualifying educational institution or certificate program. The program duration is one year (or two years for STEM positions). Upon successful completion of the program and at the agency's discretion, the appointee may be converted to a permanent position in the competitive service. Appointee must sign a Participant Agreement. Recent Graduates will enter a formal training program with a mentor and execute an Individual Development Plan outlining training requirements and program expectations. The entire duration of the Recent Graduate Appointment constitutes a trial period.

This is a Public Trust Position. Employment in this position requires a background investigation. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed or undisclosed background issues, the tentative employment offer may be withdrawn.

Selectees will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment", (OF-306), prior to being appointed to determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on your resume or questionnaire can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.

If you are a male 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.

The selectee will be required to complete a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the I-9 Form. We will compare information provided on the I-9 Form to records available from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The system confirms employee's identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Learn more about e-verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to participate in this program:

• You must have a final cumulative Grade Point Average of at least a 2.0.
• Current Students may apply up to 90 days prior to their graduation date.
• Recent graduates who have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution.
• Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree, due to military service obligation, have as much as six years after degree completion to apply.
• May submit unofficial transcript(s). Official transcript(s) will be required, if applicant is
  selected for a position.

In order to be creditable under the provision, superior academic achievement (SAA) must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled. SAA is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.

Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses. Applicants must have a grade-point average of:

• 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR
• 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.
• These honor societies are listed by the Association of College Honor Societies.

In addition to meeting one of the above series basic qualification requirements, applicants must have a degree in: computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks.

GS-5: Bachelor's degree, or 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-4.

GS-7: 1 full year of graduation level education, or superior academic achievement, or 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-5.

Education

All applicants must meet one of the following requirements to qualify:

Education can be substituted for specialized experience for the following:

Undergraduate or Graduate Education: Degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks.

GS-5: Bachelor's degree, or 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-4.

GS-7: 1 full year of graduation level education, or superior academic achievement, or 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-5.

You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable during the application process. Official transcripts will be required upon appointment.

All materials must be submitted by the closing date of this announcement.

All education claimed by applicants will be verified.

Additional information

EPA OIG provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed in this vacancy announcement.

Payment of relocation expenses is NOT authorized.

All the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application, by checking reference and through other means, such as the interview process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for not hiring you or for firing you after you begin work.

Additional selections may be made through this vacancy announcement.

• Benefits
  
  A 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.
  
  A 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. Learn more about federal benefits.
  
  EPA OIG offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: paid vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays per year, life and health insurance, Long Term Care insurance, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending account program, and retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan).
  
  EAPA OIG also offers a broad array of work-life flexibilities and services to employees such as, flexible work schedules, teleworking, transit subsidies, fitness center, and employee assistance and wellness programs.
  
  Eligibility 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.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility 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 Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. After the vacancy closes, we will review your application package to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your responses to the questionnaire, resume and supporting documentation will then be reviewed. You will be placed in one of the three pre-defined categories. Your responses to the questionnaire will serve as the basis for your initial rating in one of three pre-defined categories: "best qualified", "well qualified", and "qualified". Within each category, those eligible through veterans preference will be listed at the top of the category. Your resume must support your answers to the questionnaire, or your category may be changed. The candidates in the highest category will be certified for referral to the selecting official and may be invited to an interview.

CTAP/ICTAP candidates will be eligible if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a category rating of best qualified.

Please ensure that your resume contains specific information such as position titles, beginning and ending dates of employment for each position, average number of hours worked per week, salary, duties performed for each position, and if the position is/was in the Federal government,
you should provide the position series and grade level/pay band.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

• Benefits
  
  A 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.
  
  A 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. Learn more about federal benefits.
  
  EPA OIG offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: paid vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays per year, life and health insurance, Long Term Care insurance, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending account program, and retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan).
  
  EAPA OIG also offers a broad array of work-life flexibilities and services to employees such as, flexible work schedules, teleworking, transit subsidies, fitness center, and employee assistance and wellness programs.
  
  Eligibility 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.
  
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility 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 Documents
  
  As 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.
  
  Your package must be complete and submitted in the manner specified in this section. Packages that are submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the agency point of contact will not be considered.
  
  In addition to your resume, the following documents are required for this position:
  
  If you are a Veteran claiming 5-point Veterans' Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof of eligibility. If you are a Veteran claiming 10-point Veterans' Preference, you must submit a SF-15, Application for 10-point
  Veterans' Preference, plus the proof required by that form. You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference.
  
  You must submit your college transcripts (unofficial are acceptable).
  
  If you are graduating in the Spring of 2024, you must provide proof of graduation before appointment.
  
  All supplemental documents must be submitted electronically before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. You have three choices for submitting your supplemental documents:
  
  
  1. Download from your USAJOBS account; or
  2. Upload your file(s); or
  
  
  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 from schools 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.
  
  
  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 from
  schools 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 Apply
  
  Your application must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. Uploaded resumes must include the following: applicant contact information and educational and professional background information including dates of employment and education, salary (and Federal grade level, if appropriate), and work schedule (i.e., FT/PT). Incomplete applications will not be considered and you will not be contacted to provide any missing information.
  
  To begin the application process, select the "Apply On-line" button to the right on this screen. Then follow the prompts to login/register, submit all required supplemental documents, and complete the application process.
  
  If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, including error messages received when submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by email at mgshelp@monster.com. The help desk is available for technical support questions Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Cassie Hayden
  
  Phone
  
  202-360-9181
  
  Email
  
  EPA_OIG_Recruiting@epa.gov
  
  Address
  
  Environmental Protection Agency
  
  US Environmental Protection Agency
  
  1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
  
  MC: 2450T
  
  Washington, District of Columbia 20460
  
  United States
  
  Next steps
  
  After the closing date of the announcement, your package will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Best qualified candidates will be forwarded to the selecting official for consideration and may be interviewed.
  
  You may check the status of your application at any time after the announcement closes by logging onto USAJOBS and selecting "Application Status."
  
  You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable.
  
  The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The 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 Documents

Your package must be complete and submitted in the manner specified in this section. Packages that are submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the agency point of contact will not be considered.

In addition to your resume, the following documents are required for this position:

If you are a Veteran claiming 5-point Veterans' Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof of eligibility. If you are a Veteran claiming 10-point Veterans' Preference, you must submit a SF-15, Application for 10-point
Veterans' Preference, plus the proof required by that form. You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference.

You must submit your college transcripts (unofficial are acceptable).

If you are graduating in the Spring of 2024, you must provide proof of graduation before appointment.

All supplemental documents must be submitted electronically before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. You have three choices for submitting your supplemental documents:

1. Download from your USAJOBS account; or
2. Upload your file(s); or

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 from schools 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.


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 from
schools 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 Apply

Your application must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. Uploaded resumes must include the following: applicant contact information and educational and professional background information including dates of employment and education, salary (and Federal grade level, if appropriate), and work schedule (i.e., FT/PT). Incomplete applications will not be considered and you will not be contacted to provide any missing information.

To begin the application process, select the "Apply On-line" button to the right on this screen. Then follow the prompts to login/register, submit all required supplemental documents, and complete the application process.

If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, including error messages received when submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by email at mgshelp@monster.com. The help desk is available for technical support questions Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.

Agency contact information

Cassie Hayden

Phone

202-360-9181

Email

EPA_OIG_Recruiting@epa.gov

Address

Environmental Protection Agency

US Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

MC: 2450T

Washington, District of Columbia 20460

United States

Next steps

After the closing date of the announcement, your package will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Best qualified candidates will be forwarded to the selecting official for consideration and may be interviewed.

You may check the status of your application at any time after the announcement closes by logging onto USAJOBS and selecting "Application Status."

You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable.

The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent.

Fair & Transparent

The 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