EPA Summer Internship in Sustainable Waste Management

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-OLEM-ORCR-2021-02
How to Apply

Connect with ORISE...on the GO!  Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!

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
3/27/2021 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

Several undergraduate summer opportunities are available with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery (ORCR). The appointments will be served remotely but are associated with the office located in the Arlington, Virginia (in the Washington, DC area).

ORCR encourages applicants with a diverse range of educational backgrounds and experiences for these learning opportunities. 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 project is to study environmental science, economics and/or policy related to waste management and/or recycling. Project(s) will be selected based on the participant's background and interests and would focus on one or more aspects of:

  • hazardous/non-hazardous waste management including disaster debris
  • environmental justice and tribal issues associated with waste management
  • economic, financial, and data mangement issues associated with waste management
  • sustainable materials management and recycling including life cycle impacts
  • communicating waste management issues to nontechnical audiences
  • cleanup of contaminated sites and storage containers
  • beneficial use and disposal of coal combustion residuals and other residuals
  • landfill science and policy issues
  • other topics related to implementation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

The selected individuals will collaborate with EPA professionals in conducting research on environmental science, economics and/or policy related to ongoing national or international waste management activities in EPA's ORCR. As part of this project, the participant will have the opportunity to become familiar with EPA regulatory, guidance, or policy development. The research participant will interact closely with national experts in hazardous and non-hazardous waste treatment and management, sustainable materials management, corrective action, or other aspects of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

The coordinator for this opportunity is Shawna Bergman (bergman.shawna@epa.gov).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Summer 2021

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 appointment length is for four months. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. We anticipated the stipend to be approximately $2,960 per month. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. 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 be currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Communications and Graphics Design (5 )
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (4 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (7 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (10 )
    • Other Non-Science & Engineering (1 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (5 )
ORISE
ORISE ORISE GO
ORISE

The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!