EPA Climate and Stratospheric Ozone Protection Policy Fellowship
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.
*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting could close before the deadline. Click here for information about the selection process.
A postgraduate research opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation (OAR). This research opportunity is with the Stratospheric Protection Division (SPD) located in Washington, DC.
EPA Office/Lab and Location: SPD is responsible for a variety of programmatic and analytical activities related to protecting the stratospheric ozone layer and addressing climate change.
SPD implements domestic regulations under the Clean Air Act (CAA) Title VI to phase out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and transition to safer alternatives, and the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which are potent climate-damaging greenhouse gases. In addition, SPD manages partnership programs (Responsible Appliance Disposal Program (RAD) and GreenChill Partnership Program) that reduce emissions through use of alternatives and advanced technologies in specific sectors, proper servicing practices, and responsible disposal of equipment.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of the mentor, the selected participant will learn how to generate, manage, and dispense related information, which may include analysis and the development of documents and outreach material. The participant will learn how EPA works to protect air quality via regulatory and non-regulatory approaches. S/he will also learn the tools and strategies to effectively communicate SPD’s message.
Through this project, the participant will gain an understanding of EPA’s AIM Act and CAA programs and related domestic and international activities by observing how EPA coordinates with other federal agencies and states to meet stratospheric ozone and climate protection goals. S/he will have opportunities to submit/present research and project results to internal and external stakeholders, interagency groups, and conferences, where appropriate.
Under the guidance of the mentor, the participant will learn to:
- Review and analyze federal and other data sources to inform environmental policy development and implementation
- Synthesize technical and policy information for presentation to EPA senior managers and appropriate stakeholder groups
- Perform trends analysis of environmental data
- Engage with relevant stakeholders and the public
- Understand how domestic regulation under the CAA, the AIM Act, state law, and international and domestic policy work to protect the stratospheric ozone layer and climate system
Specific projects could include the following:
- Summary reports based on research and submissions to EPA documenting areas of potential non-compliance with CAA Title VI and AIM Act regulations.
- Identification of recommendations for effective strategies to address environmental issues.
- Development and maintenance of a report detailing information on global fluorocarbon production (e.g., documenting facility locations, chemicals produced, and capacity).
- Other research related to the phase down of HFCs under the AIM Act.
- Development of infographics, social media outreach, and other communication and outreach products to support SPD’s programs
The selected participant will observe and gain knowledge about how to represent SPD in several different venues with various stakeholders, and gain exposure to a broad range of environmental policy, programs, and related issues.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Spring 2024. 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 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. 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.
The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).
Questions: Please see the FAQ section of our website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.EPA.ORD@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
The qualified candidate should have received a Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in one of the relevant fields or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion by the appointment start date. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.
Preferred skills:
- Strong interest in environmental policy
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Experience conducting research and analysis
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 5/31/2024 11:59:00 PM.
- Discipline(s):
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