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.

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A postgraduate research opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA), Region 10, Water Division. The appointment will be served in Seattle, Washington.

The mission of the Water Division is to restore, maintain, and enhance the overall quality of the Region 10's water resources to protect the health and diversity of the environment for present and future generations.

This opportunity will provide the participant with exposure to a broad range of technical and policy issues surrounding watershed protection and restoration programs. The participant will be trained in the various components of EPA's water quality programs, observe how the programs fit together to support EPA's water quality goals and reporting requirements, learn how EPA informs and engages with its broad range of stakeholders, and gain experience in program development and implementation.

The participant will learn about TMDLs (watershed restoration plans), the nonpoint source pollution control program (Clean Water Act 319), impaired and threatened waterbodies (Clean Water Act 303d list), and coastal nonpoint pollution control program (Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments, Section 6217). The participant will also learn about water quality standards, drinking water, water quality permits, watershed restoration and protection, and tribal relations with respect to water quality.

Under EPA mentorship, the participant may:

• Review and make recommendations on various documents or plans for consistency with regulations, EPA policy and/or accepted technical practices
• Participate in technical support for agency decisions or actions
• Review data using appropriate data analytics to make recommendations on agency actions or decisions
• Conduct research or investigations on technical topics to support agency actions or decisions
• Contribute to the preparation of technical and scientific documents related to litigation

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 1, 2019 or earlier

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 initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of EPA and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program.  The appointment is full-time at EPA in the Seattle, Washington, area.  Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

The qualified candidate should have received master's degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree and will reach completion by the appointment start date. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

• Experience or familiarity with databases, R, Excel, ACCESS, GIS and/or modeling
• Knowledge of Clean Water Act Programs and nonpoint source pollution
• Interest, knowledge and/or experience with environmental policy, law and regulations
• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 10/1/2019 11:59:00 PM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (2 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (5 )
  • Engineering (2 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (4 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (1 )