How to Apply: Sharing Information from Your Job Application

EPA and other federal agencies need information about applicants for positions to process their applications. Federal agencies rate applicants for Federal jobs under the authority of Title 5, sections 1104, 1302, 3301, 3304, 3320, 3361, 3393, and 3394 of Title 5 of the United States Code. EPA needs the information requested in the online resumé and in the associated vacancy announcements to evaluate your qualifications. Other laws require EPA to ask about citizenship, military service, etc.

Why do we need your social security number?

EPA requests your social security number (SSN) under the authority of Executive Order 9397 in order to keep your records separate from others who may have the same name or even the same birth date. As allowed by law or presidential directive, EPA uses your SSN to seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who know you. Your SSN may also be used in studies and computer matching with other government files such as files on unpaid student loans. If you do not provide your SSN or any other information requested EPA cannot process your application. In addition, incomplete addresses and zip codes will slow processing.

Do we share information you give us in your job application?

Yes, EPA may give information from your records to:

• training facilities; organizations deciding claims for retirement, insurance, unemployment or health benefits;
• officials in litigation or administrative proceedings where the federal governmentt is a party;
• law enforcement agencies concerning violations of law or regulation;
• federal agencies for statistical reports and studies; officials of labor organizations recognized by law in connection with representing employees;
• federal agencies, or other sources requesting information for federal agencies, in connection with hiring or retaining, security or suitability investigations, classifying jobs, contracting, or issuing licenses, grants, or other benefits;
• public and private organizations including news media that grant or publicize employee recognition and awards; and
• the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Office of Special Counsel, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Federal Labor Relations Authority, the National Archives and Records Administration, the Federal Acquisition Institute, and congressional offices in connection with their official functions.

We may also give information from your records to:

• prospective nonfederal employers concerning tenure of employment, civil service status, length of service, and date and nature of action for separation as shown on personnel action forms of specifically identified individuals;
• requesting organizations or individuals concerning the home address and other relevant information on those who might have contracted an illness or been exposed to a health hazard; authorized Federal and nonfederal agencies for use in computer matching;
• spouses or dependent children asking whether the employee has changed from self-and-family to self-only health benefits enrollment;
• individuals working on a contract, service, grant, cooperative agreement or other job for the Federal Government; nonagency members of an agency's performance or other panel; and
• agency-appointed representatives of employees concerning information issued to the employee about fitness-for-duty or agency-filed disability retirement procedures.