• 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.

*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: A research opportunity is available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Office of Water (OW), Office of Wastewater Management (OWM) located in Washington D.C.

OWM, together with states, tribes, and many partners, protects the environment and supports community health and resilience through its programs, including, but not limited to, those focused on water efficiency, green infrastructure, and decentralized systems. EPA has an interest in ensuring equity and seeking environmental justice for underrepresented populations while being sensitive to “green gentrification” concerns. As the agency and states look to implement sustainable water solutions in communities, it is important to ensure that all members in the community benefit from programs.

Research Project: As part of their research project, the participant will analyze data, evaluate programs, identify equitable development practices, and use geostatistical tools to assess how programs are being carried out at the local level and whether they can better ensure benefits are available to all citizens. The project will inform a report with findings and recommendations.

• Understanding how federal programs are translated into action at the local level through collaboration between federal, state, local government and community stakeholders.
• Learning how to use geospatial tools to evaluate environmental programs.
• Identifying equitable development strategies that allow new investments in communities while mitigating displacement concerns (“green gentrification”).
• Researching approaches that can be used to better communicate the availability and benefits of programs in ways that will resonate with a broader range of community members.
• Gathering, analyzing reviewing, and presenting on their results to their mentor and internal/external audiences.
• Writing papers, briefings, fact sheets, case studies and presentations for government and non-government audiences.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Clark Wilson (Wilson.clark@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: December 2021.  All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.

Appointment Length: The appointment may 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. At this time, bachelor's degree stipends are ~$49,000 and master's degree stipends are ~$60,000 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.

ORISE offers all ORISE EPA graduate students and Postdocs a free 5 year membership to the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA).

Questions: Please see the FAQ section of our website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.EPA.OW@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past two years.

• Experience with translating scientific information for environmental public policy and/or public communication
• Data visualization and presentation, including use of Geographical Information Systems
• Knowledge of or experience with urban, land use planning, and green infrastructure best management practices
• Experience in carrying out research projects in underrepresented and/or marginalized communities

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 24 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (1 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (29 )
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).