*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 (EPA), Region 3 Office, Water Division located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Research Project: EPA Mid-Atlantic Region works with federal, state, and local partners to reduce nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) and sediment loads from agricultural cropland and livestock operations to meet obligations under the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). In the Mid-Atlantic Region, the areas with the greatest agricultural nutrient loadings to the Chesapeake Bay are Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia; and the Delmarva Peninsula which includes parts of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. EPA Mid-Atlantic Region’s Water Division formed an Agriculture Workgroup to coordinate EPA activities in these priority agricultural areas. The group is working to identify and develop specific projects to reduce agricultural pollution loads to improve the quality of drinking water, local streams, and the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to these focus areas, the Agricultural workgroup is also focused on updated program assessments previously completed that highlight best practices in each state agricultural program.
EPA conducts periodic reviews of state programs as part of its oversight responsibilities under the Clean Water Act. The most recent agricultural program assessments were published in 2015 and focused on evaluating federal and state regulatory and voluntary programs that address nutrient and sediment pollution reductions (e.g., Federal National Pollution Discharge and Elimination System for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, state animal agriculture permitting programs, state nutrient management programs, and state voluntary, incentive based programs). The final reports identify strengths of the programs and recommendations for remedying program weaknesses.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected participant will: 1) conduct research on state animal agriculture regulatory and voluntary programs for effectiveness in reducing agricultural nutrient and sediment pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; 2) conduct data searches for information on animal agriculture program implementation from state environmental and agricultural agencies and local partners, such as the county conservation districts.
Learning Objectives: The participant will develop knowledge in the STEM fields of environmental science, natural resource management, agricultural sciences (agroecology, agronomy, livestock management), and soil sciences. The participant will learn about environmental impacts of farming on drinking water, local streams, and the Chesapeake Bay; agricultural practices that reduce pollution; Federal and state programs and funding to reduce agricultural pollution; and technical network of local partners assisting farmers in reducing pollution.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Kelly Shenk (shenk.kelly@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: November 2020. 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. The annual stipend will be up to $60,000. 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.
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 November 2020. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.
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