Environmental Protection Agency Is Hiring a Director, Office of International Affairs in Washington, District of Columbia — $197,201 to $228,000 per year

If you've been looking to break into federal service — or take the next step in your government career — here's one worth paying attention to. Environmental Protection Agency just posted an opening for a Director, Office of International Affairs in Washington, District of Columbia, with a salary range of $197,201 to $228,000 per year.

Mark your calendar: the deadline is February 19, 2026. Federal applications take time to prepare, so start early.

Position Details at a Glance

Before we dive deeper, here are the essentials:

About the Position

In this role, you'd be working with Environmental Protection Agency under the Other Agencies and Independent Organizations. Here's how they describe the position:

This Senior Executive Service (SES) position is in the Office of International and Tribal Affairs, Office of International Affairs. About the Office of International and Tribal Affairs. This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis.

What the Day-to-Day Looks Like

This position is located in the Office of International Affairs (OIA), Office of International and Tribal Affairs (OITA) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Director is responsible for providing the Assistant Administrator, Office of International and Tribal Affairs, with policy and programmatic expertise on environmental and geopolitical matters of importance to the U.S. in priority countries and regions of the world. Under the Director's leadership, OIA is responsible for maintaining current environmental, cultural, political, and economic information for use in developing Agency programs and policies in countries and regions. This information includes extensive knowledge of specific government ministries, officials in power, the changing political landscape, non-governmental organizations, negotiating positions, activities, and policies. The Director manages the design and implementation of international technical assistance programs, ensuring their effectiveness....

Qualifications

Don't be intimidated by the requirements — read them carefully and apply if you're close. Here's what the announcement specifies:

The work of this position is classified in the Program Management, 0340 series where the qualifications include both general management skills and characteristics that are applicable to all SES positions and technical or program responsibilities specific to this position. Applicants must have substantive general experience which provides a good basic or general knowledge of the principles of organization, management and administration; and substantive specialized (operating administrative or managerial) experience in a type of work or a combination of functions directly related to this position. All applicants must have one year of specialized experience at a level close to the work of this job that demonstrates the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform in this role. Typically this experience can be found in work within this field or a field that is closely related. As a basic requirement for entry into the Senior Executive Service, applicants mus...

Compensation Breakdown

Let's talk numbers. This Director, Office of International Affairs role comes with a salary range of $197,201 to $228,000 per year. It's classified at the ES-00 level. But the salary is really just the starting point — federal benefits add significant value on top of that.

You'll get access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, a FERS retirement pension, the Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency matching, and between 13 and 26 days of paid annual leave depending on your years of service. Plus 13 sick days and 11 federal holidays every year. When you add it all up, the total compensation picture is quite strong.

Submitting Your Application

Here's the process to get your application in:

First, make sure you have a USAJobs.gov account set up with a complete profile. If you don't have one yet, that's your first step — and it's free.

Next, read the full job announcement carefully. Pay special attention to the "Who May Apply" section and the list of required documents. Missing even one document can knock you out of the running.

Then, prepare your federal resume. This is not the same as a private sector resume — it needs to be detailed, typically 3-6 pages, with specific information for each position you've held.

Submit everything before February 19, 2026. Don't wait until the last day.

View the full job announcement and apply here →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this Director, Office of International Affairs position pay?

This position pays $197,201 to $228,000 per year. Keep in mind that this is base pay — locality adjustments could push the actual number higher depending on where you're located. The role is classified at the ES-00 level.

What qualifications do I need to apply?

You'll need to meet the specialized experience requirements outlined in the full announcement for the ES-00 level. Federal positions have specific qualification standards — review the announcement carefully to make sure your experience aligns before applying.

What's the application deadline?

Applications are due by February 19, 2026. We always recommend submitting at least a few days early — last-minute technical problems with USAJobs are not uncommon.

Can I work remotely?

This position is based in Washington, District of Columbia and is currently listed as an on-site role. Telework and remote policies can vary, so it's worth asking about during the interview process.

Do federal employees get good benefits?

The benefits are one of the best parts of federal employment. You get comprehensive health insurance through FEHB, a defined-benefit pension (FERS), TSP with a 5% match, generous leave accrual, and 11 paid holidays. Many people find the total package more valuable than a higher private-sector salary with fewer benefits.

Do I need a security clearance?

Yes, this position requires a Top Secret clearance. You don't need to have one beforehand — the agency will sponsor your investigation after making a conditional offer. The process involves a background check, financial review, and potentially interviews with your references. It can take a few months, so factor that into your timeline.

Is this open to the public?

This position is open to: United States Citizens. Check the "Who May Apply" section of the full announcement for specific hiring paths. If you're a veteran, make sure to include your DD-214 and any applicable preference documentation.

Is there promotion potential?

Yes — this position has a promotion potential to 00. That means with satisfactory performance, you can advance to that level without competing for a new position. Career ladder promotions in the federal system are one of the best paths to higher pay.