Decision Support Tool Developer at EPA

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-SSP-0010-1R-11-1-16
How to Apply

How to apply

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

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

Description

The EPA Environmental Research and Business Support Program has an immediate opening for a Decision Support Tool Developer with the Office of Research and Development at the EPA facility in Research Triangle Park, NC.

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 ORD National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) Human Exposure and Atmospheric Modeling Division (HEASD) focuses on conducting research to produce high-quality methods, measurements, and models needed to understand processes and factors that impact relationships between environmental pollutant sources and concentrations, human exposure and dose. HEASD scientists seek to understand where, when, how often, and why people are exposed to environmental contaminants. Tools, products and data developed by HEASD researchers provide EPA program and regional offices, states and local communities and tribes with science-based information to inform decision making.

HEASD is conducting research to develop web-based community assessment tools within ORD’s Safe and Healthy Communities Research Program (SHCRP). We are seeking a recent graduate with a Master’s Degree to assist with developing and refining C-FERST (Community-Focused Exposure and Risk Screening Tool) and Tribal-FERST (Tribal-Focused Environmental Risk and Sustainability Tool). The Associate will provide scientific, technical and administrative support for developing and managing the C-FERST and T-FERST tools, which include GIS (geographic information systems), IT (information technology) and scientific databases that support those tools. Also, the Associate will provide support for the enhancement of communication, outreach, training and technology transfer. This research is covered under “Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) – Development of ORD/NERL’s Community-Focused Exposure and Risk Screening Tool (C-FERST) and Tribal-Focused Environmental Risk and Sustainability Tool (Tribal-FERST)” (dated: June 13, 2013). Additional activities include:

Scientific/Technical

  • Develop a familiarity with C-FERST and other EPA community decision support tools (e.g., Tribal-FERST, EnviroAtlas, EJSCREEN, NEPAssist) and the underlying information technology (IT), geographic information systems (GIS), and exposure/risk science and risk communication that support those tools, including EPA’s Geoplatform.
  • Develop an understanding of how C-FERST and other decision support tools are used by EPA, the EPA Regions, and communities.
  • Develop and implement recommendations on how these EPA web-based decision support tools for community assessment could be improved (e.g., through increased harmonization/integration, accuracy, coverage, efficiency, “user-friendliness” and impact/effectiveness).
  • Assist in Agency outreach and integration of CCAT (Community Cumulative Assessment Tool) and enhanced integration with HIA (Health Impact Assessment).
  • Incorporate tools for citizen science, cumulative risk, and vulnerable populations; incorporate results from environmental and exposure models; apply decision analysis tools.

Communications

  • Respond to public requests for information on or assistance with C-FERST.
  • Update website content using Drupal.
  • Assist with C-FERST demos and training.
  • Assist in the logistics and coordination activities for briefings, meetings, workshops, and other collaborative efforts.
  • Assist the team in developing oral presentations results and impacts using graphics and other interactive formats.

Administration

  • Provide administrative assistance in the development and operation of an internal (EPA) C-FERST Steering Committee to identify future content and functionality needs.
  • Maintain records of meetings, correspondence, and action documents.
  • Maintain a system to track projects in progress.

Location: This job will be located at EPA’s facility in Research Triangle Park, NC.

Salary: Selected applicant will become temporary employee of ORAU and will receive an hourly wage of $27.72 for hours worked.

Hours: Full-Time

Travel: Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Expected Start Date: The position is full time and expected to begin December 2016.  The selected applicants will be temporary employees of ORAU working as contractors to EPA. The initial contract period is through May 14, 2017. EPA may elect to renew the contract for an additional three 12-month optional periods.

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 least a Master’s Degree in environmental science, public health or other closely related fields 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:

  • Demonstrate education and/or experience in both environmental science and policy
  • Demonstrate leadership skills and have experience working in teams
  • Possess strong written, oral and electronic communication skills

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Work Experience:

It is desirable for applicants to have:

  • Experience with GIS and/or IT
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (i.e., Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook), desktop publishing, and the Internet
  • Experience in administration support functions (i.e., recordkeeping, filing) and managing records (electronic and hardcopy) or databases
  • Strong communication skills (i.e., written, oral, telephone etiquette, presentation abilities), including effective multi-media technical communications
  • Excellent proof reading and editing skills
  • Experience involving the management of web applications and/or scientific communication is considered highly desirable
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 24 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (1 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
Affirmation

I certify that I am at least 18 years of age; a recent graduate with a Master’s degree in environmental science, public health or other closely related field 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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