EPA Water Quality Policy and Regulations Research

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-OW-IO-2021-01
How to Apply
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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. Click here for detailed information about recommendations.
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
Application Deadline
6/8/2021 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting could close before the deadline. Click here for information about the selection process.

EPA Office/Lab and LocationA research opportunity in water policy and regulation currently is available in Washington, D.C. in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Water (OW), in the Immediate Office (IO) of the Assistant Administrator for  Water. OW guides implementation of the national water program under statutory authorities such as the Clean Water Act (CWA),  Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA).(https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-water).

Research Project: The goal of the project is to research, evaluate, and organize data and information on clean water and drinking water issues, programs, regulations, guidance, and Executive Orders. This office analyzes policy data related to: drinking water contaminants such as lead and copper and other environmental contaminants; environmental equity; climate resiliency and adaptation, and other water quality research projects.

Learning Objectives:
  • Learn how national environmental programs are managed, how environmental policies are researched, evaluated and  implemented, and how federal programs interact with state, local and tribal partners
  • Learn how to review regulations, guidance, policies, Executive Orders, and other key water actions and how to organize these actions for evaluation and publication
  • Learn how to develop an online reference and resource reference center for information OW can use in crafting regulations and other policy actions
  • Collaborate with EPA teams on high priority topics including researching methods to help build resilience against the water-related impacts of climate change; researching methods to measure and reduce risks to drinking water consumers from lead, copper and other water contaminants; examining the environmental impacts of high priority contaminants to surface waters

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July 19, 2021.  All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year and may be renewed up to three additional years upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. At this time, undergraduate degree stipends are ~49,157 per year and master's degree stipends are ~$60,129 per year. Click here for detailed information about full-time stipends.

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

ORISE Information: 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. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: Please see the FAQ section of our website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.EPA.OW@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion by July 1, 2021. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Strong writing and organizational skills, with the ability to conduct research and communicate results to technical and non-technical audiences are strongly desired.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 7/1/2021 11:59:00 PM.
  • Academic Level(s): Graduate Students, Post-Bachelor's, Post-Master's, or Undergraduate Students.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (2 )
    • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (4 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (7 )
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
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