Physical Scientist (Environmental)

BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. -or- Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: GS-11: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-9 in the Federal service.

Specialized experience is defined as: Experience; 1) Assisting with scientific field sampling and monitoring programs as part of a pollution prevention and abatement program; and 2) applying knowledge of Federal, State, or other environmental regulations to assist with at least one of the following; pollution prevention and abatement programs, natural resources protection and management issues, coordinating and developing environmental clearances (categorical exclusions, biological assessments, waste characterization, and/or disposal permits), or implementing environmental requirements in the field on construction/maintenance projects.

Substitution of education for experience: GS-11: Three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, or Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. -OR- Combination of education and experience as described above.

Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first two years of full-time study may be credited). GS-12: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-11 in the Federal service.

Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Experience; 1) Drafting designs and carrying out scientific field sampling and monitoring programs as part of a pollution prevention and abatement program; and 2) applying knowledge of Federal, State, or other environmental regulations to provide scientific and technical advice, and guidance to at least one of the following; pollution prevention and abatement programs, natural resources protection and management issues, coordinating and developing environmental clearances (categorical exclusions, biological assessments, waste characterization, and/or disposal permits), or implementing environmental requirements in the field on construction/maintenance projects.

There is no substitution of education for experience at the GS-12 grade level. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations.

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. Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration.

CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

As a Physical Scientist (Environmental), you will: Collect and evaluate environmental samples (including soil, groundwater, surface water, and concrete) across active utility projects, transforming raw scientific data into actionable environmental assessments. Serve as the lead technical authority overseeing investigations and site remediations across BPA facilities.

• Coordinate emergency on-scene responses, guide spill-containment and cleanup efforts, notify regulatory authorities, and ensure complete environmental restoration.
• Provide scientific counsel and technical guidance to engineering teams, regional managers, and leadership.
• Ensure regional transmission operations adhere to major environmental statutes (such as the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, CERCLA/Superfund, and RCRA).

Track and analyze evolving federal, state, and local environmental rules across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Provide technical oversight and quality assurance for external environmental consulting, testing, and remediation contracts.