*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 postgraduate research project training opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water (OW), in its Office of Science and Technology (OST) located in Washington, D.C.
The Standards and Health Protection Division (SHPD), located in EPA’s OST, directs the national water programs for water quality standards (WQS) to protect the quality of lakes, rivers, estuaries, and other water bodies, and directs programs regarding advisories for safe fishing and swimming. Research and analysis experience will focus on the science and policy questions surrounding the implementation of water quality criteria in WQS, primarily criteria to protect aquatic life.
Research Project: The primary goal of this research project is to support science and policy analysis on water quality standards program issues that have national implications, particularly those pertaining to the implementation of water quality criteria for pollutants such as metals and PFAS.
Learning Objectives: The ORISE participant will be trained in SHPD’s National Branch, the branch that develops national guidance on implementation of ambient water quality criteria and provides technical support on implementation of WQS to EPA, regions, states, and tribes. The participant will learn about the role of water quality standards in achieving the goals of the Clean Water Act, and the relationship between standards and related core Clean Water Act programs such as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program and the Section 303(d) listing and Total Maximum Daily Load programs. The participant will learn how to evaluate state-developed criteria to determine their protectiveness in light of Clean Water Act requirements. In addition, the participant will gain familiarity with relevant EPA regulations and guidance documents.
This opportunity will provide excellent exposure to:
The participant will be exposed to decision-making discussions with EPA managers, including opportunities to brief those managers. The participant will also be able to meet and collaborate with EPA employees and managers across a wide range of disciplines and EPA offices. The participant will also hone the skill of communicating complex scientific or technical information to a non-technical audience.
Mentor(s)/Coordinator: The mentor for this opportunity is Lars Wilcut (wilcut.lars@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s) or program coordinator.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 2022. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.
Appointment Length: The appointment initially may be for one year and may be renewed 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. The current stipends for this opportunity are $61,947/year (MS) and $74,950/year (Ph.D.). Funding may be made available to reimburse the participant’s travel expenses to travel to workshops, trainings, or conferences related to their participation with the EPA. 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.
ORISE offers all ORISE EPA graduate students and Postdocs a free 5 year membership to the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA).
The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).
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.
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.
ORISE GO
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!
You gave a rating of 0 star(s)
SECURITY/PRIVACY NOTICE
By continuing to use this system you indicate your awareness of and consent to the following terms and conditions of use. LOGOUT IMMEDIATELY if you do not agree to the conditions stated in this warning.
SECURITY NOTICE
This system is part of a Federal information system. This system is monitored for security purposes to ensure it remains available to all users and to protect information in the system. The system employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized activities. By accessing this system, you are expressly consenting to these monitoring activities. Unauthorized attempts to defeat or circumvent security features; to use the system for other than intended purposes; to deny service to authorized users; to access, obtain, alter, damage, or destroy information; to upload or change information; to otherwise cause system or information damage; or otherwise to interfere with the system or its operation, is prohibited. Evidence of such acts may be dis-closed to law enforcement authorities and result in prosecution under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 and the National Information Infrastructure Protection Act of 1996, or other applicable laws.
PRIVACY NOTICE
This system is for authorized use only. Use of this system constitutes consent to security monitoring and testing. All activity is logged with your host name and IP address. Users (authorized or unauthorized) have no explicit or implicit expectation of privacy. Any or all uses of this system and all files on this system may be intercepted, monitored, recorded, copied, audited, inspected, and dis-closed to authorized site and law enforcement personnel, as well as authorized officials of other agencies, both domestic and foreign. By using this system, the user consents to such interception, monitoring, recording, copying, auditing, inspection, and disclosure at the discretion of authorized site or law enforcement personnel. Unauthorized or improper use of this system may result in administrative disciplinary action and civil and criminal penalties.
You have been inactive on this page for . You will be logged out after 03:00:00.
Select an icon below to visit the website and download an appropriate browser.
For help, please email Zintellect@orau.org.
Question: What is the deadline for submitting an application?
Answer: Not all opportunities have application deadlines. Some opportunities remain open until they are filled. If an opportunity has an application deadline, then it will be listed in the opportunity details or in the opportunity catalog.
Question: How do I reset my password?
Answer: If you have forgotten your password or wish to reset your password, use the "Forgot password or username?" tab on the login to reset it.
Question: I forgot my username. How do I retrieve it?
Answer: Use the "Forgot password or username?" tab on the login. You will receive an email containing your username.
Question: What do I need to submit an application?
Answer: Typically, applicants are required to submit a resume or CV, an official copy of their transcripts or academic record, and a minimum of two references at the time they apply. Additional requirements such as a writing sample, thesis or dissertation, etc. may be required. Review the opportunity details for additional information about the requirements for applying for an opportunity.
Question: Where do I upload my transcripts?
Answer: If required, you will be asked to upload your transcript as a part of the application process.
Question: Where do I submit a writing sample?
Answer: If required, you will be asked to upload a writing sample as part of the application process.
Question: Can a family member serve as a reference?
Answer: No; family members may not serve as references. References must be able to speak to your educational and/or professional experience. At least one academic reference is preferred.
Our Zintellect A.I. is constantly learning how to Match you to our opportunities! So, we want to know when we get it right or when we get it wrong. This will help us make our better! Plus, as a potential applicant to one of our many opportunities across the country, we value you and want to help you on your career path!
