Environmental Compliance Specialist

U.S. Coast Guard•New Orleans, LA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a GS-1801-13 Environmental Compliance Specialist position with the U.S. Coast Guard, Sector New Orleans Inspections Division, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The specialist serves as a subject matter expert on the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) and related environmental compliance initiatives, including MARPOL, the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), Emission Control Areas (ECA), ballast water, and the Vessel General Permit (VGP). The role provides policy and regulatory guidance to Coast Guard managers, inspectors, examiners, and the marine industry, and supports implementation and enforcement of requirements for commercial vessels. The position develops local policy using risk management principles, evaluates proposed alternatives to existing requirements, and works with state and industry partners to introduce newly promulgated regulations and help ensure vessel owners, operators, charterers, and agents understand and meet applicable requirements. The vacancy also describes federal employment conditions, including a required background investigation and clearance, a valid state driver's license, and successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination. Moving expenses will be paid in accordance with applicable regulations.

Requirements

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the federal sector, for qualification at GS-12.
Specialized experience may include conducting vessel inspections, investigations, or assessments for compliance with environmental requirements covering ballast water, air emissions, sewage, gray water, or bio-fouling.
Experience providing guidance on marine safety and pollution-prevention treaties, laws, policies, and regulations.
Experience applying risk management principles and evaluating alternatives to existing requirements.
Experience providing environmental pollution training to the mariner community and compliance enforcement personnel.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
Must successfully pass a background investigation and obtain a clearance.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license.
Must successfully complete a pre-employment medical examination.
Must meet the time-in-grade requirement by the announcement closing date.
All qualification requirements must be met by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

Serve as a subject matter expert on VIDA and related environmental compliance initiatives, including MARPOL, APPS, ECA, ballast water, and VGP.
Provide guidance to Coast Guard managers, inspectors, and examiners, and to the marine industry, on the development, applicability, interpretation, and enforcement of treaties, laws, policies, and regulations concerning marine safety and pollution prevention on commercial vessels.
Develop local policy based on risk management principles for new programs and evaluate proposed alternatives to existing requirements.
Work with state and industry partners to introduce newly promulgated regulations and ensure vessel owners, operators, charterers, and agents understand and meet requirements.