Become an Environmental Protection Specialist with the VA
Are you looking to make a meaningful difference while advancing your career in environmental science? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring an Environmental Protection Specialist in Battle Creek, Michigan. This role is essential for ensuring that our healthcare facilities operate safely, sustainably, and in compliance with critical federal environmental standards.
Job Responsibilities
As an Environmental Protection Specialist, your duties will be diverse and highly impactful:
- Program Management: Administer the Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) and provide internal reporting.
- Strategic Advising: Advise senior management on environmental program status and recommend facility design changes.
- Compliance: Lead facility-wide environmental inspections and audits to ensure strict adherence to federal, state, and local regulations.
- Waste Management: Oversee the identification, collection, and manifesting of hazardous waste materials.
- Training: Educate and train staff on specialized environmental topics and pollution prevention.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal criteria:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Ability to pass a rigorous background and security investigation.
- Completion of a mandatory online assessment.
- Must be able to perform physical tasks such as bending, stooping, and standing for inspections.
- Commitment to the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Salary and Comparison Table
This position offers a competitive salary based on the General Schedule (GS) pay scale.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $74,678 - $97,087 |
| Location | Battle Creek, MI |
| Employment Type | Permanent/Full-Time |
| Clearance Level | Moderate Risk (MR) |
Benefits
The VA provides a comprehensive benefits package that supports both your professional and personal life, including health insurance, retirement planning, and generous leave policies.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
- Be Specific: Quantify your experience by including hours worked per week.
- Formatting: Upload your documents as PDFs to maintain formatting integrity.
- Monitor Your Inbox: The hiring process relies on email notifications for assessments.
Serving those who served our country is a noble pursuit. If you are a skilled environmental professional ready to step into a role that combines regulatory rigor with a mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply to the Battle Creek VA today.
Why This Environmental Protection Specialist Job Matters
Protect our environment while supporting those who served. Join the VA as an Environmental Protection Specialist and turn your expertise into a mission-driven career.
Environmental Protection Specialist Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Environmental Protection Specialist for the Veterans Health Administration in Battle Creek, Michigan. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the administration and oversight of the Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) program. This position offers the unique opportunity to combine environmental compliance, hazardous waste management, and facility safety to ensure a safe, sustainable environment for the Veterans we serve.
Requirements for Environmental Protection Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Completion of a mandatory online assessment.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Ability to pass a background and security investigation.
- One-year probationary period of employment.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Valid driver’s license or state-issued ID that is REAL ID compliant.
Preferred Qualifications for Environmental Protection Specialist
- Extensive experience in environmental program administration and green management systems.
- Proven background in planning, implementing, and evaluating environmental compliance programs.
- Proficiency in identifying, packaging, and manifesting hazardous waste.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to conduct environmental inspections and audits.
- Experience in technical training and public speaking regarding environmental topics.
- Graduate-level education (Master's or Ph.D.) in an environmental or related science field.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health Insurance
- ✓Generous Paid Time Off and Federal Holidays
- ✓Stable Work-Life Balance
- ✓Federal Retirement Benefits
- ✓Predictable and Flexible Scheduling Options
💡 How to Apply Environmental Protection Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Environmental Protection Specialist Job
- Create or update your account on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume no longer than two pages to comply with federal merit hiring plans.
- Complete the mandatory online application questionnaire.
- Submit required documents, including transcripts and any veterans' preference documentation.
- Check your email for instructions regarding the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment.
- Complete the assessment within the specified timeframe.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise and focused on results; it must not exceed two pages.
- Explicitly state your hours worked per week for every position listed on your resume.
- Ensure your transcript is attached if you are using education to meet qualifications.
- Monitor your junk and spam folders for communications from the agency.
- Use a professional font like Lato, Arial, or Calibri for your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is not a virtual position. Candidates must live within or be willing to relocate to a commutable distance of Battle Creek, Michigan.
How long should my resume be?
Federal agencies now require resumes to be no longer than two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit may result in disqualification.
Is a background check required?
Yes, all selected applicants are subject to a background and security investigation.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By joining the VA, you become part of an honorable, welcoming community focused on service, compassion, and professional growth.