Leading the Future of Water: Deputy Director of the Office of Wastewater Management at the EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently seeking a highly skilled and experienced leader to join the Office of Water as the Deputy Director of the Office of Wastewater Management (OWM). This Senior Executive Service (SES) position is a unique opportunity for a dedicated professional to influence national strategies, environmental regulations, and critical infrastructure projects that ensure the health and safety of communities across the United States. If you are ready to take the next step in your public service career, read on to understand this significant leadership role.

Job Responsibilities

The Deputy Director shares responsibility with the Office Director for providing national direction for major Clean Water Act initiatives. Key duties include:

Regulatory Oversight: Managing the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, pretreatment, and sewage sludge management.
Infrastructure Finance: Overseeing large-scale funding, including the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) programs.
Policy Development: Leading the creation of effluent limitation guidelines and national water conservation strategies.
Team Leadership: Supervising a large staff of managers and specialists to execute office missions.
Stakeholder Relations: Representing the agency in interagency meetings and maintaining strong partnerships with state, tribal, and professional organizations.

Requirements

This position requires a high level of executive competency. Applicants must:

Be a U.S. citizen.
Undergo a High Risk background investigation.
Submit a financial disclosure (OGE-278).
Adhere to a strict 2-page limit on their resume.
Demonstrate proficiency in the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and the mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQ).

Salary Overview

Position Level	Compensation Type	Annual Salary Range
Senior Executive Service (ES)	Per Year	$197,201 - $228,000

Benefits

Working for the EPA provides more than just a paycheck. Employees enjoy:

Work-Life Balance: 26 days of paid vacation and comprehensive sick leave.
Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Health/Insurance: Extensive health and life insurance options.
Development: Exposure to high-level policy-making and opportunities to lead national environmental change.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Your resume cannot exceed two pages. This is the most common reason for disqualification.
Align to ECQs: Ensure your resume explicitly describes how your leadership experience maps to the five mandatory ECQs.
Be Specific: Use data, metrics, and clear examples of your past successes to demonstrate your qualifications.
Check Your Status: Use your USAJOBS account to track your application as it moves through the rating and interview phases.

Serving as the Deputy Director of the Office of Wastewater Management is a chance to leave a lasting legacy on the nation’s water infrastructure. With a focus on innovation, environmental protection, and public service, this role is perfect for a leader capable of driving complex programs toward success. If you possess the required skills and a passion for environmental stewardship, submit your application today.

Why This Deputy Director, Office Of Wastewater Management Job Matters

Lead the nation’s clean water future at the Environmental Protection Agency as the Deputy Director of the Office of Wastewater Management.

Deputy Director, Office Of Wastewater Management Job Overview

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking a visionary senior executive to serve as the Deputy Director of the Office of Wastewater Management (OWM). In this high-impact SES role, you will help direct critical national programs under the Clean Water Act, manage substantial infrastructure financing initiatives, and provide leadership for technical and regulatory strategies that protect our water resources. This is an onsite, mission-critical position located in Washington, D.C.

Requirements for Deputy Director, Office Of Wastewater Management

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must undergo a High Risk background investigation.
Submission of a financial disclosure statement (OGE-278) is required upon selection.
Possession of a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license or equivalent identity documentation for onboarding.
Successful completion of a one-year SES probationary period, if not previously fulfilled.
Application must include a resume limited to exactly 2 pages, addressing all ECQs and TQs.

Preferred Qualifications for Deputy Director, Office Of Wastewater Management

Proven track record of leadership within complex scientific or technical organizations.
Demonstrated expertise in implementing environmental compliance and regulatory programs.
Extensive experience managing financial assistance programs, such as Clean Water State Revolving Funds.
Ability to foster high-performance, accountable cultures during periods of organizational change.
Exceptional ability to align organizational operations with overarching strategic goals.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓26 days of annual paid vacation leave.
✓Generous sick leave accrual and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional growth within a mission-driven agency.
✓Potential for situational telework as permitted by agency policy.

💡 How to Apply Deputy Director, Office Of Wastewater Management Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Deputy Director, Office Of Wastewater Management Job

Review the full vacancy announcement on USAJOBS carefully.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed the mandatory 2-page limit.
Draft concise, specific responses to the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and the mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQ).
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation, ensuring sensitive personal information is redacted.
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Adhere strictly to the 2-page resume limit; exceeding this will result in immediate disqualification.
Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to frame your responses to the ECQs and TQ.
Ensure your resume clearly maps your experience to the duties mentioned in the announcement.
Review your uploaded documents via the USAJOBS portal to ensure they were captured correctly.
Contact the HR specialist early if you require reasonable accommodations for the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an office-centered position. You must report to the duty station in Washington, D.C., on a regular basis.

What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?

Your application will be disqualified. The two-page limit is a strict requirement for this SES announcement.

Are travel or relocation expenses paid?

No, the EPA does not provide travel, transportation, or relocation reimbursements for this position.

Job from Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency is committed to protecting human health and the natural environment. From the water we drink to the air we breathe, the EPA’s work touches the lives of every American. By joining the EPA, you become part of a diverse team of scientists, engineers, policy experts, and administrative leaders dedicated to solving the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.