EPA Fellowship in Economic Analysis of Great Lakes Remediation and Restoration
Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-ORD-CEMM-WECD-2021-08
How to Apply

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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. Click here for detailed information about recommendations.
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
Application Deadline
11/5/2021 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*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 LocationA research opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Environmental Measurement & Modeling (CEMM), Watershed and Ecosystem Characterization Division (WECD), Watershed Management Branch (WMB) located in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Research Project:  This research project is to study the economic impacts of remediation and restoration at Great Lakes Areas of Concern. The research participant will conduct research collaboratively with ORD staff and the Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) of EPA's Region 5 office. This research will apply a variety of economic approaches (e.g., both market and non-market valuation such as from I-O modeling, hedonic models, and benefit transfers) to quantify the benefits and costs of remediation and restoration projects in Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs). The research participant will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary group of individuals including but not limited to water quality modelers, engineers, economists, ecologists and social scientists evaluating remediation, restoration and revitalization (R2R2R) outcomes that are central to attaining Sustainable and Healthy Communities. The R2R2R framework was developed by ORD & GLNPO to help fulfill Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement commitments “to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Waters of the Great Lakes.” Potential endpoints of analysis include improved water quality, restored designated uses, and/or ecosystem services.  

Under the guidance of a mentor, the research participant may be involved in the following research activities:
  • Translating changes in ecosystem services from remediation and restoration into human benefits (health, recreation, aesthetic, etc.) using the National Ecosystem Services Classification System (NESCS Plus)
  • Applying a variety of economic approaches (e.g., both market and non-market valuation such as from I-O modeling, hedonic models, and benefit transfers) to quantify the benefits and costs of remediation and restoration projects in Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs).  
  • Collaborating with a multi-disciplinary group of individuals including but not limited to water quality modelers, engineers, economists, ecologists and social scientists evaluating remediation, restoration and revitalization (R2R2R) outcomes that are central to attaining Sustainable and Healthy Communities.

Learning Objectives: The research participant will gain knowledge of how the U.S. EPA interacts within the federal government and with relevant stakeholders on issues related to remediation and restoration. The research participant will gain hands-on experience and new knowledge from experts in other disciplines such as social scientists, engineers, ecologists and direct participation in new & historical restoration projects.
 
This training opportunity will provide exposure to regulatory relevant research, collaborative interagency efforts, and remedy and restoration effectiveness evaluation methods and sampling. It will also advance the participant’s knowledge in project management and scientific communication (e.g., project-related manuscripts, presentations at scientific conferences). 

Mentor(s): The mentors for this opportunity are Jim Lazorchak (lazorchak.jim@epa.gov) and Tammy Newcomer Johnson (newcomer-Johnson.tammy@epa.gov) in Cincinnati, OH and Joel Hoffman (Hoffman.joel@epa.gov) in Duluth, MN. If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Fall/Winter 2021.  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 four 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. 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 ORISE.EPA.ORD@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees 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 using nonmarket valuation, especially with revealed preference approaches (e.g., recreational demand model, hedonic pricing approaches, etc.)
  • Understanding of economic impact analysis and benefit transfer
  • Some knowledge of environmental issues
  • Strong communication and writing skills 
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2021 11:59:00 PM.
  • Academic Level(s): Graduate Students, Postdoctoral, or Post-Master's.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (3 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (29 )
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
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