Estimating Economic Benefits of Improved Water Quality Using Hedonic Valuation Methods
A complete application consists of:
- An application
- Transcripts – 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 references
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.
The goal of this project is to develop improved methods to evaluate the economic benefits associated with water-quality improvements. This research aims to extend the use of observed changes in property prices to value changes in water quality. The research will expand the geographic scope of existing hedonic valuation literature and explore the influence and importance of alternative environmental parameters used in hedonic models. The project will draw on economic and environmental information to be collected for different locations in the United States, including information currently assembled for regions in New York and Florida. The research participant will be involved in activities that may include:
- Managing large data sets, including thousands of property sales, water quality data and GIS data relating to home locations.
- Collecting and assembling data on water quality conditions, property sales data, and other community characteristics, and linking this information together into GIS databases.
- Reviewing literature and developing summaries of the literature.
- Analyzing statistical and econometric data using Stata and ArcGIS.
- Composing reports and summaries of findings.
The participant will be mentored by NCEE staff and will learn more about the methodological underpinnings and results of research in environmental economics. He/She will gain experience in effective communication to a variety of audiences and will learn about meta-analytic techniques, common in the field of economics.
The mentor for this project is Patrick Walsh (walsh.patrick@epa.gov).
Applicants should have received a bachelor’s or master’s degree in either economics, applied mathematics, geographic information science, environmental studies, environmental policy, environmental science, or a closely related field within five years of the desired starting date, or completion of all requirements for the degree should be expected prior to the starting date.
The program is open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, or status as a Vietnam era or disabled veteran. U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status is preferred (but can also hold an appropriate visa status; however, an H1B visa is not appropriate).
This appointment will be full time for one year and may be renewed upon recommendation of EPA and contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend. No funding will be made available to cover travel costs for interviews, relocation costs, costs of tuition/school fees, or a participant's health insurance. The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance. The participant does not become an EPA employee.
ORISE GO
The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!
