EPA Source Water Data Science Internship

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-OW-OGWDW-2020-0004
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
12/30/2020 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 Location: A research opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Water (OW), Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (OGWDW) Drinking Water Protection Division (DWPD), Prevention Branch located in Washington, DC. The DWPD implements national policy and regulations for the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).

Research Project: The objective for the source water team is to protect sources of drinking water from contamination and help ensure reliable supplies of drinking water. This opportunity will focus on building out insight into source water projects, using data sources across Office of Water, as well as information gathered from federal, state, and NGO partners. This opportunity will communicate the magnitude of source water investments presence in the US and elevate the importance of protecting sources of drinking water. Source water protection is a cross-program, collaborative, multi-benefit program. As such, implementation of projects that benefit sources of drinking water occur across many different programs (e.g., SWDA and Clean Water Act), Federal and State agencies (e.g., USDA), Tribes, and national drinking water organizations (e.g., ASDWA).

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of the mentor, the participant will have the opportunity to be involved and trained in the following team activities:
  • Learn how to summarize data meaningfully to large audiences, and bring that data together with GIS to communicate effectively
  • Learn how to make value out of data, by proactively gathering information from various sources and analyzing it for better understanding about how the program performs
  • Learn about collaboration-building from their mentor across a multitude of SDWA and Clean Water Act programs to improve intra-agency data-sharing and highlight shared goals

The participant will also gain experience in data analytics, change management, communication, strategic planning and project management. They will learn aspects of the SDWA, the Clean Water Act, EPA's source water program and develop a deeper understanding of the issues that face drinking water systems; and how to coordinate outreach efforts with internal and external stakeholders. The participant will have the opportunity to be trained with a dynamic, results-driven multi-disciplinary team that includes staff with expertise in watershed science, biology, economics, ecology, GIS, water policy, and communications.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Kara Goodwin (Goodwin.Kara@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 1, 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 three to four 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, bachelor's degree stipends are ~$48,670 per year, master's degree stipends are ~$59,534 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 EPArpp@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 and will reach completion by January 1, 2021. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:
  • Experience analyzing data or policies related to the environment, particularly water resources and/or watersheds
  • Good analytical skills for analyzing complex data sets (using R or MS Access)
  • Critical thinking skills (e.g. interpreting regulatory policies)
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through presentations, papers, or manuscripts
  • Interest in collaborative teamwork and comfort reaching out to new partners
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 1/1/2021 11:59:00 PM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (4 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (46 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (3 )
    • Other Non-Science & Engineering (1 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (4 )
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
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