Environmental Protection Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Saint Louis, MO

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Environmental Protection Specialist (EPS) plans and administers environmental programs within the Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) office at the VA St. Louis Healthcare System. The role focuses on developing and implementing a Green Environmental Management Systems (GEMS) Program to support ongoing compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and permits. The specialist leads facility self-assessments and inspections and serves as a key member of the VA STLHCS GEMS Committee.

The position applies specialized knowledge of environmental protection program areas to help ensure compliance with requirements concerning air emissions, hazardous and non-hazardous waste, oil spills, water quality, and regulated-substance storage, among other areas. The specialist advises hospital services on compliance, coordinates environmental audit and inspection responses, manages designated environmental programs and waste disposal, and provides environmental information and training to staff.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework may be authorized and eligibility will be discussed during the interview. This is not a virtual position. The position is permanent; relocation, recruitment, critical skills, and permanent change-of-station incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements if a current or former federal employee subject to them; for GS-11, 52 weeks at GS-9 is required.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-9, such as providing technical support for facility and infrastructure work to ensure environmental regulatory compliance, advising management on the effects of environmental policies and systems on hospital operations, and using computer programs and databases to manage environmental protection programs; OR qualifying graduate education; OR a qualifying combination of education and experience.
• If qualifying based on education, submit transcripts; qualifying education must be from an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Register for Selective Service if applicable to male applicants born after December 31, 1959.
• Complete the required application, questionnaire, online assessment, background/security investigation, onboarding, and pre-employment identification requirements.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
• Complete a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Ability to perform regular and recurring physical exertion, including prolonged standing, bending, walking, stooping, and climbing to observe work and identify leaking containers.

Responsibilities

• Recommend changes to facility program designs to meet new environmental requirements and assist hospital services with compliance.
• Participate in and assist with response plans and activities for VA and external environmental audits, surveys, and inspections.
• Manage the Spill Prevention Control Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan and Storm Water Plan.
• Manage pharmaceutical waste and hazardous waste disposal for the Jefferson Barracks Division.
• Share environmental information with staff and develop and implement environmental training and educational programs using onsite training, newsletters, annual training, and correspondence as appropriate for the audience.
• Measure the effectiveness of existing environmental programs and recommend modifications to management as needed to meet changing environmental requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to eligible employees and their families.
• VA may, upon request and approval before appointment, credit qualifying job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual rate; this is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree