Environmental Protection Specialist Trainee (TCF)

The Technical Career Field (TCF) is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. Environmental Protection Specialists support VA's Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) implementation and apply specialized knowledge of one or more programs or functional areas of environmental protection work, but do not require full professional competence in environmental engineering or science.

The TCF career fields represent those technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is desirable for success in the field. Individuals selected follow a formal training plan for two years during which they are trained, coached, and supervised by a preceptor. Preceptors are selected annually, through an extensive application process, for their technical expertise, their commitment to training and the suitability of their facility as a training location. *Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements.This is a developmental position leading to a GS-11, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.Major duties include but are not limited to: Obtains and evaluates environmental data and supports GEMS program planning and implementation activities. Applies working knowledge and a general understanding of environmental laws and regulation to assure compliance with applicable laws and regulation (e.g.,for air emissions, wastewater discharge, solid and hazardous waste, fuel and oil storage, and spill prevention, among other areas) Collects and evaluates environmental data and compliance using appropriate analytical methods and techniques Recommends necessary changes, control measures, best practices, etc. Assists with hazardous waste and residual shipping Prepares and conducts briefings and writes reports and letters. Supports environmental sustainability initiatives Applies specialized knowledge and a deep understanding of environmental laws and regulation for one or more program areas to assist the facility in meeting its compliance Prepares portions of environmental plans, permits, and reports (e.g., for air emissions, wastewater discharge, solid and hazardous waste, fuel and oil storage, and spill prevention, among other areas) and maintains proper recordkeeping Manages with hazardous waste and residual shipping activities Supports GEMS program administration, management, and internal reporting activities Participates in environmental audits and incident investigations; helps with root case analysis, development of corrective actions, and tracking incidents to closure Assists with training employees and lower-grade safety staff in specific program requirements Provides support for the facility GEMS committee Conducts site inspections, collects data, reviews documents, analyzes evidence, evaluates results, writes reports, recommending corrective action or procedures for compliance, and coordinating with VA officials. Schedules and leads environmental audits to identify and evaluate program implementation and compliance activities. Interacts with federal, state, and local environmental agencies with respect to facility environmental issues. Advises senior level management officials within the facility on the status of environmental programs and recommends changes in the design of facility work programs to meet new environmental requirements. Work schedule: 7:00am to 3:30pm, Monday thru Friday Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available Position Description Title/PD#: Environmental Protection Specialist Trainee (TCF)/PD99441S

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Training-Service Agreement and Mobility Agreement required Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.