Environmental Protection Specialist (PFAS Cleanup Program Manager)

Office of the Secretary of Defense•Arlington, VA

About The Position

This position is within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War (Energy, Installations, and Environment) and provides policy development, strategic planning, requirements determinations, oversight of program implementation, and advocacy for the Department of War’s environmental cleanup program, with a focus on PFAS cleanup. It is being recruited under Direct Hire Authority through a public notice; applications may be collected for potential vacancies, and submission may not result in referral or selection. The position is aligned with the Business and Technical Management Professional Career Path and requires a Program Management, Level 2 Practitioner acquisition certification within 60 months. The selectee must agree in writing to remain in Federal service in the position for at least three years. A one-year probationary period applies.

Requirements

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the NH-03 (GS-12/13) level in Federal service, or equivalent experience in the private sector, demonstrating the required environmental cleanup and program management capabilities.
Experience executing and ensuring compliance with national and local environmental cleanup laws and regulations.
Experience directing investigation, risk assessment, containment, and cleanup of chemical contaminants, specifically PFAS, across large-scale facilities and impacted communities.
Experience establishing organizational goals, allocating resources, guiding long-term environmental restoration priorities, evaluating project performance, and optimizing cleanup operations.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
Must be determined suitable for Federal employment and participate in direct deposit.
Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
Must obtain a Program Management, Level 2 Practitioner acquisition certification within 60 months.
Must execute a written agreement to remain in Federal service in the position for at least three years.
All qualification and education requirements must be met by the announcement closing date and documented in a resume of no more than two pages.
Education cannot be substituted for experience.

Responsibilities

Advise the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Energy, Installations, and Environment on policies, procedures, and courses of action concerning sensitive environmental issues.
Provide policy guidance and strategic direction for defense environmental restoration plans, especially the investigation, mitigation, and cleanup of PFAS.
Represent the office and coordinate on complex challenges with Congress, GAO, CBO, federal executive agencies, state and local authorities, tribal governments, and industry organizations.
Conduct complex studies and analyses concerning the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP).
Review and interpret proposed legislation, standards, and emerging environmental criteria, particularly those concerning PFAS, to ensure cleanup policies comply and align with Congressional intent.
Execute and ensure regulatory compliance with national and local environmental cleanup laws and regulations.
Direct investigation, risk assessment, containment, and cleanup of chemical contaminants, specifically PFAS, across large-scale facilities and impacted communities.
Establish organizational goals, allocate resources, guide long-term environmental restoration priorities, evaluate project performance, and optimize cleanup operations.