Environmental Protection Agency Work Values

Daily Duties at Environmental Protection Agency:

Evaluate the efficacy of pesticide chemical agents. Develop and update efficacy guidelines and testing protocols for antimicrobial pesticides. Perform technical reviews and evaluation of laboratory and field data that is submitted as part of application for registration of a pesticide product with the EPA. Represent antimicrobial division at meetings with registrants (EPA customers), state and local officials and other public groups as the efficacy testing scientific expert. Provide input on the Worker Protection Safety Policy Document that is meant for State Departments to use for policy guidance. Review the antimicrobial registration applications and testing data submitted to the EPA to determine it is in scientifically sufficient and in accordance with the EPA Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA) and regulatory requirements such as Federal Insecticide Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), Federal Food Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and other required legal regulations. Execute the EPA PRIA registration process for antimicrobial pesticides in accordance with FFDCA, CFR and FIFRA regulations and laws. Provide technical and scientific support for the registration, efficacy and acute toxicology PRIA actions to the EPA customers [Registrants]. Develop or assist in the development of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for antimicrobial efficacy review, antimicrobial labeling, and pesticide import processes. Provide compliance assistance to customers that have concerns about antimicrobial efficacy and toxicological testing, laboratory Quality Control and Quality Assurance plans, and pesticides runoff associated concerns. Participate in the design of pesticides testing parameters and protocols to be used in the EPA public guidance or policy documents. Recommend additional studies necessary for data gaps. Provide support for the pesticide programs targeted for Farmers including collaborative ventures with other Agencies including Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Analyze major public health policy issues, coordinate and lead public health projects, and conduct policy studies and evaluations. Stay current on laboratory techniques, equipment, and practices by attending bi-yearly training (Internal and at Fort Meade Laboratories). Participate in annual training on Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Quality Assurance, Quality System and Quality Management. Review quality assurance and quality management plans that have been applied to GLP standard laboratory studies to render them appropriate in accordance with CFR and FIFRA guidelines as part o the EPA pesticide registration process. Participate in Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC), American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM), Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) scientific/public health organizations conferences/meetings. Serve as the technical expert of pesticides including their effects on target and non-target organisms that may impact public health and/or the environment. Provide expert advice on issues of public health concern as it relates to emerging and infectious diseases. Participate in the writing of the EPA public guidance or policy documents pertaining to pesticides. Review microbiological and acute toxicological health criteria and experimentation documents, position and science policy papers. Participate on internal and external panels and working groups that address concerns related to FIFRA, CFR, and FFDCA efficacy and toxicological regulations of applied chemical agents (pesticides and the end resulting effects on human, endangered species, and the environment. Build partnerships to advance public health goals. Perform customer relationship services with the public and other agencies in relation to the EPA agency policies, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the EPA agency guidelines. Use statistical analysis, graphs, charts, and models when needed to analyze data submitted in suppor of registration of a product with EPA. Present scientific findings and/or pertinent information in scientific, branch, inter- and intra- divisional meetings and cross agencies. Manage projects. In managing projects, I set priorities, design a strategy/plan and implement a comprehensive project plan to accomplish the goal. Within EPARegion 4: Life Scientist (Pesticide Technical Expert, FIFRA Enforcement Officer and Pesticide Import Team Lead) Perform FIFRA inspections to ensure pesticide laboratories Quality Control measures are met, antimicrobial and other pesticide labeling requirements are in compliance, and storage of the antimicrobials and pesticides are appropriate. Lead as the Minimal Risk Pesticides per FIFRA Section 25b technical expert and point of contact. Provide the States guidance on the use of minimal risk pesticides for agricultural purposes. Lead as the point of contact and expert for the Pesticides Section on antimicrobial efficacy testing procedures/policies, antimicrobial registration process, and labeling requirements. Work with the States to develop criteria for minimal risk pesticides and to resolve any problems that arise within the States from pesticides with minimal risk pesticides use. Provide EPA Region 4 customers with FIFRA and PRIA registration, Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA), and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) process information. Review NOAs for pesticides imported into the U.S. to determine compliance with FIFRA pesticide import regulations/laws, RCRA, and/or TCSA. After the review of the NOA, provide a recommendation of either the release or denial of release of the imported pesticide shipment. Act in the pesticide section role as FIFRA and FIFRA pesticide registration process expert. Participate in Farmers Association, United States Department of Agriculture, and States Department o Agriculture meetings and conferences. Provide members of the pesticide section with FIFRA regulatory information that aid in captivating a FIFRA enforcement action. Participate in Bi-annual State meetings to learn of any problems that exist with pesticide use and the agricultural community within the States and provide guidance on how to resolve the problems. Develop enforcement civil cases in accordance with the Enforcement Response Policy, as a case development officer, for FIFRA and 40 CFR pesticide statutes and regulatory violations. Take FIFRA enforcement actions against violators of FIFRA import and export regulations. Provide compliance assistance to the public and the EPA customers [Registrants] with the laws and regulations governing pesticides registration and importation/exportation of pesticides in accordance with FIFRA and 40 CFR. Collaborate with the EPA Region 4 attorneys in developing and drafting Consent Agreements and Final Orders. Participate in applicator certification and worker protection standards training. Train new [or otherwise necessary] pesticide staff members of the policies and procedures associated with FIFRA pesticide registration, import/export, and enforcement actions. Assist upper management when asked with any act necessary to achieve the EPA mission.

What they like about Environmental Protection Agency:

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Tags

Toxicology, Management, Quality Assurance, Research, Project Manager, Senior Scientist, Program Manager, Regulatory Affairs

Skills

Management, Team Lead, Senior Scientist, Problem Solving, Project Management, Project Management, Research, Data Analysis, Regulatory Affairs

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