EPA Hazardous Waste Characterization Fellowship

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-OLEM-ORCR-2020-0003
How to Apply

A complete application consists of:

  • An application
  • Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
  • A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
  • Two educational or professional recommendations

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to EPArpp@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Application Deadline
6/12/2020 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

Two full-time paid opportunities are available with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery (ORCR) in the Arlington, Virginia and Washington, DC area.

ORCR works with state and regional partners to implement the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Our mission is to protect human health and the environment by ensuring responsible management of hazardous and nonhazardous waste. ORCR's goals are to conserve resources by reducing waste, prevent future waste disposal problems through regulations, and clean up areas where waste may have spilled, leaked, or been improperly disposed.  

The goal of this research project is to expand knowledge and methods associated with waste characterization. Waste characterization is an important part of waste management. Reliable analytical and sampling methods are required to identify and quantify analytes present in varying media in order to properly manage disposal when hazardous chemicals may be present.

ORCR participates in a diverse range of waste characterization activities that would provide excellent research opportunities for the selected participants interested at the interface of science and environmental policy/regulations including:

  • The development and validation of novel analytical methods (SW-846)
  • Collaborating with states and other federal agencies on waste management issues
  • Development and validation of air and ground-based sampling for measuring emissions from open detonation of waste munitions
  • Development of policies, regulations, and guidance in the areas of hazardous waste reuse and recycling

The participants will have the opportunity to become familiar with ORCR and the RCRA program and will develop a strong understanding of RCRA, Testing Guidance in support of RCRA programs and policies, and their implementation.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected participant(s) may:

  • Participate in federal work groups dealing with chemical analytical method development and validation, quality assurance, and/or hazardous waste identification and waste characteristics
  • Review environmental monitoring methods to assess the presence of hazardous constituents in waste materials 
  • Evaluate existing test methods against new technologies or technological advancements. to ensure they remain valid, current or need revisions
  • Review reports received from waste characterization programs the affected community including state agencies, industry, contractor laboratories, and other EPA regulatory units
  • Conduct research related to current petitions submitted to EPA

The mentor for this opportunity is David Hockey (hockey.david@epa.gov).

The coordinator for this opportunity is Rachel Horton (Horton.rachel@epa.gov).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Summer/Fall 2020

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and EPA. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of EPA and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. At this time bachelor's degree ~$48K/year, master's degree ~$59K/year, doctoral degree ~$72K/year. Funding may be made available to reimburse the participant’s travel expenses to present the results of his/her research at scientific conferences. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. There are multiple full-time appointments in the Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, DC, area. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required for an applicant to be on-boarded at EPA.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees and will reach completion by the start date of the appointment. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

  • Knowledge and experience in analytical chemistry
  • Environmental science background
  • Attention to detail and strong teamwork and communication skills
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 8/31/2020 11:59:00 PM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).