Chemical Review Manager 

How did you get your current job?
Thru the EPA listings on a phone job line – internet opm.gov is the newer way.

What was the application process?
submit a 171 – application for Federal Job to the position number mentioned in the posting.

Did you have to interview for your current job? If yes, what did the interview process entail?
yes, they called me in and I spoke to the mgr hiring for the job. I have also moved around in my agency and have had multiple interviews with folks doing the work as well as the boss hiring me.

If you can remember, what questions were you asked during the interview?
Can’t remember but I bet they asked what skills I can bring to the workplace and why I chose that field.

Do you feel your employer properly prepared you for your job? Explain.
I was prepared and having the mentor made all the difference.

Was there training for your current position? If yes, what did it entail?
There is always more training to do the work here, but for my current job I had a one-on-one mentor and I have subsequently mentored many others after me. It was very helpful to go thru the work piece by piece and learn the ropes as the work came in. It’s the best way, I think.

Do you feel your educational background prepared you for your job? Explain.
Yes, I had a bachelors in geology degree, and a masters in environmental science. I had learned the various EPA regualtions and to put them to work was fascinating.

If applicable, do you feel your internship experience helped you prepare for your job?
I didn’t have an internship.

If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?
Complete college in a scientific field. Where I work at EPA you need a science degree and perhaps some policy. I also went to grad school and got a master’s in environmental science.

What skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a position like yours?
My job requires social skills, like ability to communicate verbally and in writing. Also negotiating skills are helpful. Having tact is a must as I am required to work with the regulated community and convince them to submit required items to stay in business. You’d think they’d want to comply but it’s just not that easy.

Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?
Yes – a bachelors and a Masters degree.

What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?
Got to college, consider grad school and try to get a chance to do a stay in school program. Colleges team up with the Federal Gov’t to ascertain postitions for summer and during the semester to “try out” jobs in fields before they graduate to a) get a foot in the door, b) decide if they like the work and c) to get the folks in the desired office to know you. We hired many stay-in-schools here in DC and it’s worked out well.