EPA Environmental Lab Assistant

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-SSP-0022-4
Description

The EPA Environmental Research and Business Support Program has an immediate opening for an EPA Environmental Lab Assistant with the Office of Research and Development at the EPA facility in Ada, OK.

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 Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration Division (GWERD) located in Ada, Oklahoma conducts basic and applied research to understand processes affecting 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.  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 and aquifer samples to support research to protect ground water and surface water resources, possible field support for collection of samples, and additional project support as needed.

Analytical Support and Administrative responsibilities:

The majority of the selected candidate’s time shall be spent in the laboratory with the possibility of some field work.  Primary duties will be assisting the lead technician with data input into electronic formats, performing quality assurance checks on data, analytical support, and associated administrative duties.   He/she shall assist the lead technician with data collection activities, data checking/verification activities, and data analysis for water quality analyses conducted at GWERD.  He/she 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 at GWERD.  Limited travel to field sites and assistance with sample collection may also be required.  He/she shall be trained to collect data, verify data, input data, and generate reports.

The selected candidate shall 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.  He/she shall receive training on basic safety requirements at GWERD before he/she begins work in the laboratory.    

Depending upon experience, the selected candidate may be trained and required to pass a proficiency test on analytical equipment, sample preparation, and standard operating procedures for the specific equipment.  Analytical equipment may include, but not be limited to Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, and Raman Spectroscopy.

The selected candidate shall meet with the mentor at least once per week to discuss progress of assigned tasks, problems encountered, and assignment of new tasks.  He/she may be assigned to work with and assist individual Principle Investigators on projects for specific time periods to provide project and field support.  The mentor will be responsible for coordinating with the Principle Investigators for specific project/field support assignments.

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

Salary: Selected applicants will become temporary employees of ORAU and will receive an hourly wage of $20.04 for hours worked.

Travel: Limited government travel may be required. 

Government Vehicles: Properly licensed candidate may be permitted to drive government vehicles.

Expected Start Date: The position is full time and expected to begin July 2016.  The selected applicant will be a temporary employee of ORAU working as a contractor to EPA. The initial contract period is through May 14, 2017, and EPA may elect to renew the contract for an additional three (3) 12-month optional periods.

Working Conditions: 

The selected candidate will be supervised by a mentor who will provide day-to-day direction, as well as coach, advise, and counsel, and review his/her work.  The mentor for this position will be a federal EPA employee. 

This position will primarily involve 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 the selected candidate will wear safety glasses, a laboratory coat (provided by GWERD), and closed-toed shoes.  Work performed at field sites will require HAZWOPER training, steel toed boots, hard hats, 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 the selected candidate and EPA mentor.

For more information, contact EPAjobs@orau.org. Do not contact EPA directly.

Qualifications

Eligible applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age and
  • Have earned at a minimum a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, chemistry, geology, soil science, ecology, environmental science, environmental engineering, or another scientific discipline 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.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Work Experience, and Education

The applicant shall have:

  • Experience with general laboratory techniques, such as using pipets, balances, preparation of solutions, etc.,
  • Documented course work with laboratory credit in 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 Word, Excel, and PowerPoint,
  • Proficiency in oral and written communication in English, and
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently. 

How to apply:

  • Submit application and supporting documents by clicking on Apply Now button.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 24 month(s).
  • Overall GPA: 2.00
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
    • Other Non-Science & Engineering (5 )
    • Physics (16 )
    • Science & Engineering-related (1 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (28 )
Affirmation

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, chemistry, geology, soil science, ecology, environmental science, environmental engineering, or another scientific discipline 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.