EPA Fellowship in Ocean and Coastal Research and Management

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-OW-OWOW-2023-03
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
9/29/2023 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: Multiple postgraduate research training opportunities are available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA), Office of Water (OW) in Washington, DC. The internship will be served with the Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds (OWOW). ORISE participants are expected to reside within the facility commuting area and should report to their designated facility upon on-boarding.

Research Project The participant will be located in the Oceans and Coastal Management Branch (OCMB). The work of this branch involves a range of activities related to maintaining the health, resilience and sustainability of the oceans and coasts. The topic areas covered by the branch include, but are not limited to, protecting coral reefs, regulating discharges from vessels, developing tools and information materials regarding pollution from marinas and ports, mitigating the effects of coastal acidification, assessing the vulnerabilities of estuaries to climate change, and protecting coastal wetlands.

The focus of the research will support EPA’s ocean and coastal protection efforts. The participant’s research will focus on assisting with the development of research (including literature review, analysis, evaluation, etc.) or tools to support the national ocean and coastal programs. The goal of this project is to conduct research on coastal wetlands conservation and restoration. This research will help inform future OCMB work. Specifically, the participant may also have the opportunity to contribute to research related to practices or policies to promote wetland migration and floodplain management as well as contributing to larger branch research efforts related to ocean and coastal management and research to inform interagency workgroups.

Learning ObjectivesUnder the guidance of a mentor, the participate will have the opportunity to:
  • Learn how EPA works to protect ocean, coastal, marine, estuarine and wetland resources via regulatory and non-regulatory approaches.
  • Learn firsthand about the interaction between the various levels of government and the private sector on these issues.
  • Develop research projects to support EPA’s role in working with federal agencies and state and local governments on ocean and coastal management.
  • Research and write reports, analyze data, create outreach materials, and have opportunities to submit/present research and project results to interagency groups, professional societies and conferences.
  • Learn how to collaborate with partners in accomplishing protection goals, including interagency workgroups.
  • Learn how to communicate results of scientific analysis to diverse audiences of wetland scientists, managers, and policy makers.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Summer 2023. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.
 
MentorThe mentor(s) for this opportunity is Katherine Weiler (weiler.katherine@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
 
Appointment LengthThe appointment initially may be for one year and may be renewed upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.

Level of ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.

Participant StipendThe participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The current yearly stipends for this opportunity are ~$64,957 (MS) and ~$78,952 (Ph.D.). Click here for detailed information about full-time stipends.

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

ORISE InformationThis 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).

QuestionsPlease 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 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.

  • An understanding of ocean and coastal science and management is desirable as well as a background in wetland ecology, aquatic science, marine biology, soil science, hydrology, watershed management, climate change, and/or resource conservation/restoration/planning.
  • Skills/experience with writing, research, and communication would enhance the research experience.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Earth and Geosciences (5 )
    • Engineering (1 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (11 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (5 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (2 )
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