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The EPA National Student Services Contract has an immediate opening for a full time Ecological Field Research support position with the Office of Research and Development at the EPA facility in Duluth, MN.

The Office of Research and Development at the EPA supports high-quality research to improve the scientific basis for decisions on national environmental issues and help EPA achieve its environmental goals. Research is conducted in a broad range of environmental areas by scientists in EPA laboratories and at universities across the country.

What the EPA project is about

The Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE) supports ORD by providing solutions-driven research to rapidly evaluate the potential human health and environmental risks due to exposures to environmental stressors and ensure the integrity of the freshwater environment and its capacity to support human well-being.  CCTE researchers are developing and applying cutting edge innovations in methods to rapidly evaluate chemical toxicity, transport, and exposure to people and environments.  Within CCTE, the Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED) focuses on freshwater ecotoxicity and freshwater coastal ecology. The Division encompasses traditional and predictive toxicity using advanced scientific tools to produce science to inform ecological risk assessments of chemicals by EPA’s Program Offices and Regions.

What experience and skills will you gain?

As a team member, you will assist with a project that collects field samples for laboratory analysis for the development of functional indicators in a variety of ecosystems. You will provide field sample and data collection, laboratory analysis, and data analysis services. You will also have the opportunity to learn field and analytical techniques as it relates to physical and environment stressors, including climate change.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to attending meetings, collection of field samples, preparing for and conducting laboratory assays and analyses, generating and analyzing field and laboratory data, and may assist in background research, writing, and dissemination of results.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Work Experience, and Education

• Demonstrate education and/or experience in ecological field research and qualitative/quantitative laboratory analysis of environmental samples (water, plant, and/or soil);
• Have experience conducting research on a broad range of ecological topics such as microbiology, environmental chemistry, microbial ecology, water and soil sciences;
• Have introductory knowledge of field sampling techniques and general laboratory procedures;
• Demonstrate organizational skills and ability to work independently, as well as have experience working in teams; and
• Possess strong written, oral, and electronic communication skills.

Location: This job will be located EPA’s facility in Duluth, MN.

Salary: Selected applicant will become a temporary employee of ORAU and will receive an hourly wage of $22.68 for hours worked.

Hours: Full-time.

Travel: Travel related to this position will be regional, within a few hours of the City of Duluth, MN by government owned vehicle.

Expected start date: The position is full time and expected to begin July 2023. The selected applicant will become a temporary employee of ORAU working as a contractor to EPA. The contract renews each May through 2025.

For more information, contact EPANSSC@orau.org. Do not contact EPA directly.

• Be at least 18 years of age and
• Have earned at least a Bachelor’s Degree in biology, ecology, chemistry, environmental sciences, or a related field of the natural sciences from an accredited university or college within the last 24 months and
• Be a citizen of the United States of America or a Legal Permanent Resident.

EPA ORD employees, their spouses, and children are not eligible to participate in this program.

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 24 month(s).
• Minimum Overall GPA: 2.00
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (1 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (2 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (2 )

I certify that I am at least 18 years of age; a recent graduate with at least a Bachelor’s Degree in biology, ecology, chemistry, environmental sciences, or a related field of the natural sciences from an accredited university or college within the last 24 months; a citizen or a Legal Permanent Resident of the United States of America; and not a current employee of EPA ORD or the spouse or child of an EPA ORD employee.