EPA Water Quality Policy and Regulations Research and Data Analysis
*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting could close before the deadline. Click here for information about the selection process.
EPA Office/Lab and Location: One research opportunity in water policy and regulation is available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Water (OW), in the Immediate Office (IO) of the Assistant Administrator for Water located in Washington, DC.
Research Project: OW guides implementation of the national water program under statutory authorities such as the Clean Water Act (CWA), Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). (https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-water).
The goal of this office is to research, evaluate, and organize data and information on clean water and drinking water issues, programs and regulations. This office analyzes policy and guidance data related to nutrients; drinking water contaminants such as lead and copper; green infrastructure; and other water research projects.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn how national environmental programs are managed, how environmental policies are researched, evaluated and implemented, and how federal programs interact with state, local and tribal partners.
- Learn how to review of regulations, guidance, policies and other key water actions and how to organize these actions for evaluation and publication.
- Learn how to develop an online reference and resource reference center for information OW can use in crafting regulations and other policy actions.
- Learn how water policy data, information and regulatory options are organized and communicated for EPA decision makers and other partners.
- Collaborate with EPA teams on high priority or emerging interest topics including researching the environmental impacts of nutrients on surface waters, and the methods to measure and reduce risks to drinking water consumers from lead and copper contamination.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July 27, 2020. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.
Appointment Length: 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.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The current annual stipend rate for Bachelor's degree is $48,670 per year and Master's degree is $59,534 per year. Click here for detailed information about full-time stipends.
EPA Security Clearance: Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required for an applicant to be on-boarded at EPA.
ORISE Information: 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. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
Questions: Please see the FAQ section of our website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email EPArpp@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity (EPA-OW-IO-2020-0003).