Water Quality Analysis Research

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-SSP-0022-12
How to Apply

Submit application and supporting documents by clicking on Apply Now button.

For more information, contact EPAjobs@orau.org.

Check out our website at:  orau.org/epa/

Description

The EPA Environmental Research and Business Support Program has an immediate opening for a full-time Water Quality Analysis Research position with the EPA facility in Ada, OK.

What the EPA project is about

The Office of Research and Development at the EPA supports high-quality research to improve the scientific basis for decisions on national environmental issues and help EPA achieve its environmental goals. Research is conducted in a broad range of environmental areas by scientists in EPA laboratories and at universities across the country.

The Groundwater, Watershed, and Ecosystem Restoration Division (GWERD) located in Ada, Oklahoma conducts basic and applied research to understand processes that affect the quality and availability of ground water and to evaluate and develop strategies and technologies to protect ground water resources.  Scientists conduct research to evaluate ground water flow and factors influencing the fate and transport of anthropogenic and naturally occurring contaminants in the subsurface.  Scientists also conduct research focused on ecosystem processes and manipulations that can be used to achieve restoration goals.  Additionally researchers provide technical support to federal and state environmental regulators on issues regarding subsurface contamination, contaminant fluxes to other media (such as surface water and air), and ecosystem restoration.

To support these activities, GWERD laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation for chemical characterization of ground water and surface water.  The analytical function of the Division is critical to supporting the research and technical assistance mission of the laboratory.  This project involves analytical support for the analysis of water to support research to protect surface water resources, field support for collection of samples from selected streams and reservoirs included in the study, spreadsheet and database support for file organization, and additional project support as needed.

What you will be doing

As a team member, you will provide field sample collection, laboratory sample analysis, data management, data curation and data analysis support to the SHC 2.61 project, the SHC RA 8 project and the SHC RARE Dairy Farm Project. You will be split between the laboratory, field and administrative desk duties.  Primary duties shall be assisting the PI with data collection and input of that data into electronic formats, performing quality assurance checks on data, analytical support, and any associated administrative duties such as HASP/QAPP development or revisions.  You will assist with data collection activities, data checking/verification activities, and data analysis for water quality analyses conducted by ORD.  You will be required to assist with preparation for field trips and log in/receipt of samples for processing after field trips and glassware washing processes.  Limited travel to field sites and assistance with sample collection may also be required.  You will be trained to collect data, verify data, input data, and generate reports.

As a team member, you will maintain careful and accurate records in a laboratory notebook, following the requirements of an approved quality assurance project plan (QAPP), document electronic file contents and locations, and will make entries as necessary into permanent laboratory instrument logbooks.  These notebooks and all other data produced under this order shall be the property of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  You will receive training on basic safety requirements before he or she begins work in the laboratory.    

Depending upon experience, you may be trained and pass a proficiency test on analytical equipment, sample preparation, and standard operating procedures for the specific equipment.  Analytical and research equipment may include, but not be limited to Spectroscopy, fluorometry, Hach Kits, and hydrolabs. 

Required skills

  • Experience with general laboratory techniques, such as using pipets, balances, preparation of solutions, etc.;

  • Documented course work with laboratory credit in biology and chemistry;

  • Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and tolerate hot/cold/wet field conditions during field trips for sample collection;

  • Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Products Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook;

  • Proficiency in oral, written and electronic communication in English;and

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently. 

Desired skills

  • Experience doing water quality analysis; and

  • Demonstrated experience with Access and EndNote X7 preferable.

How you will apply your skills

  • Receiving, monitoring, and coordinating incoming administrative support requests; determining from instructions and guidelines those that should be personally addressed;

  • Developing, managing, and maintain systems and databases to track administrative and scientific research;

  • Developing procedures to maintain the data current and accurate; and utilizes automated systems to enter, search, edit and extract data and information;

  • Developing briefing and presentation materials, prepares spreadsheets, charts, and narrative information for management as well as scientists; and

  • Performing miscellaneous activities, when requested.

Location: This job will be located EPA’s facility in Ada, OK.

Salary: Selected applicant will become a temporary employee of ORAU and will receive an hourly wage of $20.95 for hours worked.

Hours: Full time

Travel: Field travel will be required, including overnight.

Expected start date: The position is full time and expected to begin November 2019. The initial project is through May 14, 2020, with potential optional periods.

Working conditions: You will be supervised by a mentor who will provide direction, as well as coach, advice and counsel the student, and review the student contractor’s work.  The mentor for this position will be a federal EPA employee.

You will primarily be involve in work in a laboratory setting and may involve exposure to hazardous elements.  Limited travel to field sites and assistance with sample collection may also be required.  Work will be performed in an office or laboratory setting at the GWERD and at select field sites.  During work in the laboratory, you will wear safety glasses, a laboratory coat (provided by GWERD), and closed-toed shoes.  Work performed at field sites may require HAZWOPER training, life jackets, hearing protection, safety glasses, and other specialized safety equipment (provided by GWERD) as dictated by the Health and Safety Plan for the field site.  The work day will be eight hours Monday through Friday unless otherwise agreed to by you and EPA mentor.

Qualifications

 

  • Be at least 18 years of age and

  • Have Bachelor of Science degree in ecology, biology, limnology, environmental science, chemistry, environmental engineering, or closely related scientific field of study from an accredited university or college within the last 24 months and

  • Be a citizen of the United States of America or a Legal Permanent Resident.

EPA ORD employees, their spouses, and children are not eligible to participate in this program.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 24 month(s).
  • Overall GPA: 2.00
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (13 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
Affirmation

I certify that I am at least 18 years of age; a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in ecology, biology, limnology, environmental science, chemistry, environmental engineering, or closely related scientific field of study from an accredited university or college within the last 24 months; a citizen or a Legal Permanent Resident of the United States of America; and not a current employee of EPA ORD or the spouse or child of an EPA ORD employee.

ORAU is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability); visit the ORAU website for required employment notices.


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