Decentralized (Septic) System & Underserved Community Infrastructure Program Development & Outreach

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-Water-2019-0038
How to Apply

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.

Application Deadline
8/1/2019 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A research opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water (OW). The appointment will be served within the Office of Wastewater Management (OWM), Water Infrastructure Division of the Sustainable Communities and Infrastructure Branch located in Washington, D.C.

The selected participant will gain practical skills and knowledge in the areas of decentralized wastewater systems, federal funding programs, permitting, collaborative partnerships, wastewater infrastructure programs, and website management. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be involved in the following activities:

  • Learn about the primary activities for the Decentralized Program which are designed to promote effective management of septic systems, collaborate with stakeholders to share information on technology, and encourage homeowner involvement in maintaining septic systems to protect water quality; learn about the primary activities for Tribal, Alaska Native Village, and Mexico Border Program wastewater infrastructure programs
  • Participate in special projects ranging from data analysis and performance measures, to public education campaigns, such as Septic Smart week, and marketing and outreach projects
  • Learn about website maintenance and identify opportunities to improve the content and delivery of materials to target audiences, including states, tribes, industry groups and the general public, through web redesign and augmentation
  • Receive training in the research, development and revision of technical and outreach materials to better serve customers accessing information through the web and through EPA clearinghouse systems

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 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. 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 Washington, DC area. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills/experience:

  • Basic knowledge of decentralized wastewater systems, also known as septic or onsite systems
  • Familiarity with how Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) work between federal, private and public industry entities
  • Experience conducting effective public outreach and education campaigns to engage the public sector in federal events and activities
  • Developing website material designed to educate and share information with the public and scientific communities
  • Knowledge of the Clean Water Act permit program that controls the discharge of water pollutants from municipal and industrial point sources of pollution
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (2 )
    • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (4 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (3 )
    • Engineering (5 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (13 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (4 )
    • Other Non-Science & Engineering (1 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (11 )