US Western Area Power Administration

Environmental Protection Specialist (NEPA Coordinator)

Phoenix, AZ

full time, part time

$73,939-$127,712

On-site

Oil and Gas

About This Job

Summary

This position is part of the WAPA-UGP-Upper Great Plains. As an Environmental Protection Specialist (NEPA Coordinator), you will act as a NEPA Compliance and Document Management Coordinator, Environmental Protection Specialist (NEP A Coordinator). You will plan, implement, advise, and participate in Upper Great Plains environmental protection operations and activities.

THIS IS NOT A REMOTE POSITION. YOU MUST REPORT TO ONE OF THE DUTY LOCATIONS LISTED IN THE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens

Duties

As an Environmental Protection Specialist (NEPA Coordinator), some of your duties will include but are not limited to:

- Serve as project manager for environmental planning activities within the Western Area Power Administration, Upper Great Plains region.

- Serve as the Department of Energy's NEPA Document Manager and completes project administrative records.

- As part of NEPA compliance for regional construction and maintenance activities, and interconnect requests, prepares or reviews environmental impact statements (EIS) and environmental assessments (EA), and Categorical Exclusions (CX)

- Advise management about assigned environmental quality, preservation, and enhancement activities.

- Collaborate with State, local, Tribal, and other Federal government agencies, private industry, contractors, and public to ensure compliance with environmental standards and requirements.

THIS IS A DEVELOPMENTAL POSITION WITH THE FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL AT THE GS-12.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.

- This employer participates in the e-Verify program.

- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.

- Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.

- May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period. Employees serving on a probationary or trial period may be terminated at any time during the probationary or trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service.

- In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration.

- A valid State driver's license is required. Incumbent must be able to operate a government vehicle and obtain and maintain Defensive Drivers certification. Defensive Driver's Training will be completed upon employment.

- Same day and/or overnight travel up to 20% may be required.

- The wear of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required.

- The incumbent may be required to work during inclement weather conditions such as high temperatures, rain, sleet, snow, and extreme cold.

- Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications.

Qualifications

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. The experience need not have been in the federal government.

To qualify for the GS-11:

Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service. This experience includes ALL the following:

- Providing advice on natural resources management and protection, regulatory compliance, and project review and planning.

- Interpreting environmental protection regulations for endangered species, cultural, environmental justice, clean air, clean water, and other requirements for programs and activities.

- Preparing environmental impact statements (EIS), environmental assessments (EA), supplemental analyses (SA), categorical exclusions (CX), and other documentation to implement the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: Three (3) full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

A combination of education and experience to successfully perform the duties of the position.

To qualify for the GS-12:

Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. This experience includes ALL the following:

- Applying environmental laws and regulations to develop and administer environmental planning, compliance, and quality assurance programs.

- Evaluating proposed and alternative actions, alternative mitigation measures, and recommends appropriate environmental impact mitigation strategies

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is primarily sedentary but may require visits to the field to conduct studies, which may involve some climbing, walking, stooping, etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed primarily in an office setting with occasional field trips to project sites. Fieldwork may expose the employee to adverse weather, high temperatures, rugged terrain and walking.

Education

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. You may submit a copy of your informal transcripts denoting coursework and degree earned; however, if selected, a final job offer will not be extended until you submit your formal transcripts.

Additional information

- This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.

- For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov.

- Applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) when applying or competing for a job due to a medical condition or to exercise religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this vacancy announcement.

- If selection is made at a lower grade, promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition. However, promotion(s) will depend on the performance of the incumbent and are not guaranteed.

- Promotion Potential: The full performance level of this position is the GS-12.

- The selectee for this position may be eligible to receive a recruitment or relocation incentive. You will need to sign an employment agreement to be eligible for this incentive.

- Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized.

- This position may be eligible for creditable service towards annual leave. Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. DOE may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

- Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service.

- Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement is based on the Rest of US salary and will be adjusted to include locality payment for selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.

ADDITIONAL PAY INFO:

These locations are under the Rest of US salary: Billings, MT; Bismarck, ND; Ft Peck, MT; Huron, SD; Watertown, SD; Montrose, CO; Salt Lake City, UT: GS-11: $73,939-96,116/GS-12: $88,621-$115,213 Lakewood, CO/Loveland, CO:GS-11: $82,440-$107,167/GS-12: $98,811-$128,460 Phoenix, AZ: GS-11: $77,343-$100,541/GS-12: $92,702-120,518 Folsom, CA: GS-11: $81,960-$106,543/GS-12: $98,236-$127,712

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

# Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the application process is complete, the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications.

Structured Resume Review: Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required competencies. SMEs will review ONLY the first two (2) pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume).

The competencies for the Environmental Protection Specialist (NEPA Coordinator) are:

- Contracting/Procurement
- Influencing/Negotiating

- Technical Competence

- Technical Documentation

Application of Veterans' Preference: If you are a preference eligible candidate, you will be listed at the top of whichever quality category your rating places you in. CP/CPS veterans are placed at the top of the highest category for all positions except professional and scientific positions at GS-9 and higher.

Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria; and 2) be rated "well-qualified".

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (10/20/2025) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12812298

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you MUSTprovide a complete application package which includes:

- Your two (2) page RESUMEshowing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).

- Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement.Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.

- Veterans' Preference documentation,if applicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.

- Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable(e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.

Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.

The application process is as follows:

- You must have a login.gov account to sign into USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/.

- To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.

- Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.

- You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.

You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/

If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.

Agency contact information

PMA Careers

Email

PMACareers@wapa.gov

Address

WAPA-UGP-Upper Great Plains

12155 W. Alameda Pkwy Lakewood, CO 80228 US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.

You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.

You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.

Multiple selections may be made from this vacancy announcement.