Environmental Health Specialist SISSETON, SD

Job Title:Environmental Health Specialist

Department:Department Of Health And Human Services

Agency:Indian Health Service

Job Announcement Number:IHS-14-AB-1111823-DE

$39,179.00 to $62,297.00 / Per YearFriday, May 02, 2014 to Thursday, May 15, 20141 vacancy in the following location:
Sisseton, SD
Public Trust - Background Investigation

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is the principal federal health care provider and health advocate for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). The IHS goal is to raise Indian health status to the highest possible level. IHS provides leadership and direction to programs and activities designed to improve health outcomes to over 1.9 million AI/AN through a system of IHS, Tribal, and Urban operated facilities and programs.

The IHS is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified applicants who meet the Secretary of the Interior's definition of Indian for appointment to vacancies within the IHS in accordance with established IHS policy as outlined in the Indian Health Manual Part 7, Chapter 3. The IHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This position is being announced concurrently under Excepted Service Examining Plan/Merit Promotion Plan (ESEP/MPP) procedures.  Please review vacancy announcement number IHS-14-AB-1111755-ESEP/MP; for eligibility requirements. NOTE: Applicants must apply separately for each announcement in order to be considered

This position is located In the Division of Environmental Health Services (DEHS), Sisseton Service Unit, Sisseton. SD within the Aberdeen Area Indian Health Service. The purpose of this position Is to develop, Implement and promote a comprehensive environmental health services program within the Sisseton Service Unit and to provide onsite technical assistance to other Aberdeen Area service units as directed by the Area DEHS.

Occasional TravelTravel may be required for training and/or other work related duties.The selected applicant will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation, which will include a fingerprint check.If applicable-Selective Service registration (Males born after 12/31/59)U.S. Citizenship is required·         Coordinates environmental health activities with other functions of IHS and federal, state, local, and tribal agencies or councils to secure maximum utilization of resources.

·         Conducts comprehensive environmental health surveys in accordance with IHS guidelines (hospitals, health centers,  health clinics, schools, detention facilities, etc.).

·         Develops and implements the Safety Management Program.

·         Actively participates in designated community Injury Prevention Program (IPP) activities as assigned.

To qualify for this position, your resume must reflect sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the position for which you are applying. Your resume is key in evaluating your experience, as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your work experience.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

Degree: major study in an academic field related to the health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position.

Examples of qualifying degrees: environmental health (such as sanitary science, public health, chemistry, microbiology, or any appropriate agricultural, biological, or physical science).

Applicants who meet the basic requirements described above are fully qualified for the specified entry grade (generally grade GS-5). Applicants who wish to qualify for positions at higher grade levels (generally grade GS-7 and above) must also meet the requirements shown below, in addition to meeting the basic requirements.

Experience and education requirements for GS-7 and above

In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have specialized experience and/or directly related education in the amounts shown below.

GS-7: One (1) year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement OR one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-5 grade level.

GS-9: Two (2) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree OR one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-7 grade level.

Education and experience may be combined for all grade levels for which both education and experience are acceptable.

SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (SAA):   SAA is based on (1) class standing - applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; (2) grade point average - applicants must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on 4 years of education, or on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR (3) honor society membership - election to membership in a national scholastic honor society.

Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Graduate Education: Completion of graduate level education in the amounts shown in the table, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, is qualifying for positions at grades GS-7 through GS-11, and GS-12 research positions if it provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. If that number cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours should be considered an academic year of graduate study. Part-time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study at the school attended.

Combination of Graduate Education and Professional Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience may be used to meet total experience requirements. Only graduate level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with experience. For example, an applicant with 6 months of appropriate experience equivalent to GS-7 (50 percent of the experience requirement for GS-9) and 27 semester hours of appropriate graduate education (50 percent of the education requirement for GS-9, in excess of that required for GS-7) would be qualified for a GS-9 position (assuming that there is no evidence that the attended college or university requires more than 18 semester hours as equivalent to a year of graduate study).

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE DEFINED:

For GS-07: Ability to utilize Environmental Health references, guidelines, policies, regulations, precedents, in conducting work activity and apply these resources appropriately to specific cases or problems. Experience in working with word processing, spreadsheets, database and PowerPoint presentation, statistical analysis, GIS and other software used in the environmental health field. Possess the basic understanding of biology, microbiology, chemistry and scientific methods and be able to apply that knowledge to public health issues. Ability to compile and present scientific & public health material to community leaders and the general public in an effective manner. Ability to plan and carry out work activities, this skill would be demonstrated through current or past work activity or by completion of advanced course work culminating in a degree.

For GS-09: Independently conducting environmental health facility surveys, special environmental health investigations, developing effective environmental health training resources, and conducting environmental health/injury prevention data analysis are required elements. Working knowledge of Environmental Health practices by \\in-training" status for professional registration from a recognized entity like National Environmental Health Association (NEHA); Knowledge of policies and procedures of the Division of Environmental Health Services. Utilize Environmental Health references, guidelines, policies, regulations, precedents in conducting work activity and apply these resources appropriately to specific cases or problems. Skill in working with word processing, spreadsheets, database and PowerPoint presentation, statistical analysis, GIS and other software used in the environmental health field.

You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: Thursday, May 15, 2014

You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume (your resume must state specific duties that relate to this position) and your responses to the assessment questions will be evaluated against the duties you provided in your resume, along with your submitted documentation to determine your ability to demonstrate the following: 

·         Technical Competency - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues

·         Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

·         Planning and Evaluation - Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.

·         Written Communication - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material that is appropriate for the intended audience.

If you meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, your application will be rated based on Category Rating and Selection procedures, you will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within each of these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-preference eligibles. If after reviewing your resume and responses to the assessment questions, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration.

The following links below provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities. If you are a Veteran, qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligible, or an individual with a disability, please refer to the following links below for additional guidance:

Click here to view vacancy questions: View Assessment Questions. All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of, Thursday, May 15, 2014, to be considered.

Additional selections of candidates may be possible within 90 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement, for filling additional or similar positions. However if there are no qualified Indian Preference candidates on the Certificate the vacancy must be re-announced.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

·         A one/two-year probationary/trial period may be required upon selection/placement.

·         Bargaining Unit Position

·         Position covered under P.L. 101-630

·         The incumbent may be required to travel and must possess a valid driver’s license.

·         Security Clearance: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a fingerprint check. Fingerprint results must be cleared prior to hire. You will receive instructions on how to obtain and submit fingerprints. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges.

·         Males over the age of 18, and born after December 31, 1959, are required to be registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) in order to be eligible for employment with the Federal Government.

·         Selectee(s) are required to have a viable bank account at a financial institution for electronic direct deposit of salary payment.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

All information provided by the candidate will be verified, reference checks will be conducted from current and past supervisors on the tentative selectee.

The law prohibits public officials from appointing, promoting, or recommending their relatives.

Federal annuitants (military and civilian) may have their salaries reduced.  All employees must pay any valid delinquent debt or the agency may garnish their salary.

http://www.hhs.gov/careers/jobs/tips/

IHS - Operated Properties are tobacco free

Required Documentation for Eligibility and Preference:

·         Resume:  You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder.

·         Indian Preference Applicants: - If claiming Indian preference for the first time, or if you have no previous documentation of preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432 (expiration date 11/30/2014), “Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only.” Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. You must also complete the family history chart if necessary. Current IHS employees with a BIA form on file in their Official Personnel Folder are required to submit a copy of that form with their application. Refer to BIA-4432 link: http:/www.bia.gov/cs/groups/xbie/documents/text/idc015515.pdf

·         Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) or other Veterans preference (VRA and 30%or more disabled) – include a copy of your DD-214, if you're claiming Vet preference. For more information please see link at: http://fehb.opm.gov/StaffingPortal/vetguide.asp

·         Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) – If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf.

·         Current or former Federal employee: Include your most recent SF-50: Notice of Personnel Action.

·         Addendum to OF-306 - Childcare Addendum form must be included for this position and is available for downloading at: http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/DHR/Documents/ChildcareAddendumOMBApprovedForm.doc. Under P.L. 101-630 Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, persons who have been arrested for or charged with a crime involving a child, or violent crime against a person, may not be eligible for employment with IHS.

·         Transcripts: Transcripts must be provided if substituting education for experience and/or if education is required for this position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable but official transcripts will be required before entrance on duty.

Your application package MUST be complete by 11:59  pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Thursday, May 15, 2014, the closing of this announcement.

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. Applicant MUST verify the completeness and successful submission of their applications by logging into the USAJobs Application Manager to check the “Status”. Your qualifications for the job will be reviewed against other applicants to determine, if you will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps have been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

You will no longer need to call the HR Office to determine your application status. USAJOBS has added an alert setting to their system to provide status updates for applicants. You can elect to activate the status updates from your USAJOBS profile at any point during the application process.

If all required documentation is not submitted with your application you will lose consideration. It is the applicant’s responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

~ ~ ~ Indian Health Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~ ~ ~

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