Environmental Protection Specialist

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Eugene, OR

18d

About The Position

As Project Environmental Compliance Coordinator (ECC), the Environmental Protection Specialist advises project managers for the Willamette Valley Project and Rogue River Basin Project and serves as a technical expert on regulatory compliance. The role uses knowledge of federal and state regulations—including RCRA, CERCLA, and Federal Code of Regulations requirements—to guide the handling of hazardous materials and disposal of hazardous waste. It also applies organic and inorganic chemistry knowledge to hazardous and toxic waste situations, including advising on how compounds interact and their effects on people and the environment.

The specialist coordinates environmental reviews and spill response, maintains asbestos-removal certification, supports safe management of toxic and flammable substances, and trains staff on safety procedures and protective equipment. The position requires periodic physical examinations and a valid state driver's license. It may be filled at GS-09 or GS-11, subject to the applicable education, specialized experience, and time-in-grade requirements.

Requirements

• Meet the qualifications for GS-09 or GS-11 through the specified specialized experience, education, or an allowable combination of education and experience.
• For GS-09 specialized experience: one year assisting with implementation of environmental rules and regulations, conducting routine inspections of hazardous-material and waste accumulation areas, and participating as an active team member in hazardous-substance spill containment and emergency response.
• For GS-09 education substitution: a master's or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a relevant field; qualifying combinations of education and experience are also accepted.
• For GS-11 specialized experience: one year managing collection, compliant storage, inspection, transportation, and manifest documentation for hazardous and toxic material disposal; planning, leading, and coordinating oil and hazardous-substance incident and spill response; and overseeing environmental compliance programs involving drinking water, sewage treatment, stormwater runoff, and groundwater.
• For GS-11 education substitution: a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a relevant field; qualifying combinations of education and experience are also accepted.
• Meet the applicable time-in-grade requirement if currently or recently employed in a General Schedule position: 52 weeks at GS-07 for GS-09, or 52 weeks at GS-09 for GS-11.
• Obtain and maintain asbestos removal or abatement certification.
• Complete a pre-employment physical examination and annual examinations thereafter; asbestos-worker duties also require enrollment in the medical surveillance program with periodic examinations based on exposure.
• Possess and maintain a valid state driver's license at appointment.
• Meet any suitability or fitness determination based on a completed background investigation.
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Meet an eligible employment-authority category listed in the announcement.

Responsibilities

• Advise project managers for the Willamette Valley Project and Rogue River Basin Project on environmental compliance.
• Provide technical expertise on regulatory compliance issues and activities, including hazardous-material handling and hazardous-waste disposal.
• Apply organic and inorganic chemistry knowledge to hazardous and toxic waste situations and advise on chemical interactions and effects on people and the environment.
• Serve as Project ERGO Coordinator, receive and provide information, and maintain communication with the District ERGO Coordinator.
• Serve as Incident Commander for spills affecting the project.
• Train First Responders annually to perform safe and effective spill-containment actions.
• Maintain asbestos-removal or abatement certification; supervise asbestos-removal contracts or ensure the District Team properly removes and disposes of asbestos-contaminated materials and fibers.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute assignments in compliance with state and federal environmental and safety regulations.
• Ensure proper use, handling, labeling, and storage of toxic chemicals and flammable substances.
• Train personnel on safety procedures, protective equipment, and other requirements.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs may be authorized, subject to the Joint Travel Regulations.
• Advanced-in-Hire, Enhanced Leave Accrual, Student Loan Repayment, and/or Recruitment/Relocation incentive may be authorized if determined to be in the government's best interest.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level