Research Support for the Water Quality Framework

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-Water-2019-0042
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
9/3/2019 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

The goal of this project is to involve the participant in activities integrated with the Water Quality Framework that increase the utility of water quality data. The Water Quality Framework is an Agency strategy to integrate water quality information to better enable science based water resource decisions in support of water program goals related to nutrients, non-point sources, national surveys, and assessed and impaired waters.  Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be trained to:

  • build relationships with EPA Regional Offices, federal, state and tribal agencies and volunteer monitoring groups
  • increase the utility of water quality data
  • collaborate with EPA researchers to contribute to the development of and observe the conduction of training modules for tribal agencies and volunteer monitoring programs
  • collaborate with state and tribal agencies in the implementation of their ambient water monitoring programs
  • use new tools that submit or utilize water quality data including WQX Web, Water Quality Portal, How’s My Waterway, ESRI GIS, and other analytical tools
  • apply water tools to answer watershed and water policy questions
  • apply strategic planning to align water program IT development activities to the EPA Enterprise Architecture

Based on skills and discussion with mentor, some projects could include:

  • Aid in the continued development of a sensor data sharing network that will enable the sharing of continuous monitoring data and identify demonstrations projects
  • Identify innovative ways to expand water monitoring data sharing among states and tribes
  • Contribute to the development of projects on the Water Quality Framework to create new efficiencies in monitoring, assessment and reporting
  • Incorporate biological taxa and species management functionality into WQX
  • Analyze water quality data to increase data quality and reusability, and identify water quality monitoring gaps, and prioritize waters through statistical analysis and/or GIS

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 3, 2019

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 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 have received a bachelor's, master's or doctoral 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 in an area emphasizing some aspect of water quality, water resources, information management, and data analysis
  • Experience with field sampling, laboratory analysis, personal computers, the Internet, social media, data management, and data analysis
  • Strong oral and written communications skills
  • Strong skills in multimedia use platforms, communications, research, engagement, analysis, outreach and writing on environmental issues
  • Familiarity and/or experience with the Clean Water Act
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 9/3/2019 11:59:00 PM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
    • Engineering (4 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
    • Physics (1 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (2 )