Physical Scientist

Summary

The position is located at the George

E. Wahlen Salt Lake City VA. The VA has adopted an environmental management system framework to help facilities achieve their environmental goals through continual review, evaluation, and improvement of environmental performance. The consistent review and evaluation process will identify opportunities to improve a facility's environmental performance and ultimately reduce its environmental impacts. This program is the Green Environmental Management System.

• Responsible for the VASLCHCS Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) program to include planning and implementation of program policy and procedures ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations, tracking of regulatory deadlines and completing permit applications and all required actions to avoid violating permit requirements.
• Develop and implement VASLCHCS environmental policies, procedures, process improvements, and systems for environmental compliance and environmental management systems focusing on meeting compliance requirements while reducing generation of wastes and increasing overall sustainability of the facilities.
• Independently schedule and conduct environmental audits to identify and evaluate program implementation and compliance activities in preparation for external audits. Develop corrective action plans to address findings.
• Review how expansion, modification, closures of existing facilities and infrastructure and new construction of structures and infrastructure will impact the environmental footprint of the medical center and primary care clinics. Provide sustainable solutions to minimize adverse impacts to human health and the environment.
• Trains or advises other scientists, clinicians and engineers regarding environmental compliance and protection programs. Coordinates environmental compliance training for all staff.
• Serve on regional and national committees and work groups developing policy to address emerging issues, new or amendments to Executive Orders, Federal Mandates or environmental laws that have the potential to impact operations at VA facilities.
• Leads a multi-disciplinary, cross-functional committee that evaluates environmental regulatory compliance issues and works to incorporate environmental management principles of stewardship and pollution prevention into the VASLCHCS planning and sustainability process.
• Serves as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for assigned environmental projects. Prepares contracting packinges to include performance work statements, independent government cost estimates and market research.
• Author reports documenting any regulatory non-compliance issues; negotiate agreements on corrective action plans, potential monetary fees and non-compliance orders with Federal and non-Federal agencies.

Friday; 8:00am to 4:30pm.

This position may be authorized for ADHOC telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

This is not a virtual position.

Physical Scientist/PD134620

Physical Requirements:

The employee must be able to travel by air, and surface vehicle, and undergo periodic physical examinations when there is potential for exposure to toxic and hazardous materials and waste. During audits and inspections, there is regular exposure to all of the hazards and discomforts to which the workers are subjected. This may include toxic chemicals, physical stresses, and safety hazards.

The employee must use a variety of protective equipment and clothing. Inability to meet these qualifications could result in endangerment of the incumbent and co-workers.

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL  cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Required Documents" below for details.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment…