Environmental Protection Specialist

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 53,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA APHIS in Fort Collins, CO seeks an Environmental Protection Specialist to perform analytical, research, report writing, and editing tasks on environmental subjects in support of APHIS programs. The position reports to ERAS leadership and coordinates with APHIS, the Department, and other Federal agencies.

The role involves preparing environmental documentation, coordinating with ERAS and other agencies, and ensuring compliance with environmental statutes and Executive Orders.

Responsibilities

• Prepare environmental and analytical documents to support decision-making and compliance with environmental statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders.
• Develop environmental compliance documents and related work products.
• Assist with data acquisition to improve environmental compliance.
• Assist with establishing and maintaining contacts and cooperative working relationships with stakeholders in APHIS reviews.

Job description

Find Your Future With Us at USDA – Animal Plant Health Inspection Service

Job Summary

The Environmental Protection Specialist is responsible for performing a variety of analytical, research, report writing, and editing tasks on environmental subjects in support of APHIS' programs. The position reports to the Chief of Environmental and Risk Analysis Services or, at the Chief's discretion, to an Assistant Chief, but coordinates procedural and scientific aspects of the environmental work with others in ERAS, staffs in APHIS, the Department and other Federal agencies.

Qualifications

To qualify, you MUST meet all program and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements; Completed all requirements for an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two (2) years. or Individuals who, due to military service obligation, were precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period described above shall have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. This eligibility period cannot extend more than 6 years from the date on which the requirements for the academic course of study were met. IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE: Applicants must meet the following specialized experience and/or education requirements listed below: FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-5 grade level) that: Demonstrates the ability to write parts of, or entire science based analytical documents or research papers. Demonstrates the ability to use credible sources for data collection and literature reviews to inform scientific analysis and documentation while completing project tasks to make sure all documents meet required scientific standards of accuracy and are of high quality. Demonstrates the ability to communicate scientific information in writing and orally using appropriate citation styles and software to ensure a clear understanding of information. OR: 1 full year of graduate level education leading to a degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources Management, or other related fields. OR: Superior Academic Achievement: To qualify based on superior academic achievement, you must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution AND 1) have a class standing in the upper third of the graduating class, 2) membership in a national scholastic honor society (excluding Freshman honor societies), or 3) must meet certain GPA requirements. GPA requirements: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on official transcripts or as computed based on 4 years of education, or courses completed during the final 2 year of the curriculum; OR 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required course completed in the major field or courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum (GPA will be rounded to one decimal place, e.g., 2.95 rounds to 3.0 and 2.94 rounds to 2.9). TRANSCRIPTS are required. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-7 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed graduate education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Major Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.The duties may include, but are not limited to:Preparation of environmental and analytical documents to support informed decision-making and Agency-compliance with environmental statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders.Develops environmental compliance documents and related work products.Assists with data acquisition to improve environmental compliance.Assists with the establishment and maintenance of contacts and cooperative working relationships with individuals and organizations having common interests in projects and studies under APHIS review.Performs other related duties as assigned.

Position Start Date

09/03/2026

Position Close Date

09/10/2026

Salary Offered

52693 - 73142 USD Per Year

You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team! To learn more about what it's like to work at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, what the agency does, and the types of careers, please visit the APHIS careers site. APHIS is an emergency response agency. This means that all Agency employees may be asked or assigned to participate in rotating temporary duty assignments to support emergency programs at some time during their careers with APHIS. For details click: APHIS Emergency Response