EPA Fellowship for Research Support in the Program Development and Jurisdiction Branch - State and Tribal Programs

*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 postgraduate research training opportunity is available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water in Washington, DC. The research participant will serve with the Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds.

The appointment will be in the Program Development and Jurisdiction Branch, which is responsible for developing and administering several EPA programs under the Clean Water Act including scope of jurisdiction, water quality certifications, state and Tribal dredged and fill programs, and Tribal and state wetland programs. These programs are essential to supporting federal, state, territory, and Tribal water quality programs from a policy, regulatory, technical, implementation, and financial assistance perspective.

Research Project: The goal of this research project is to conduct research on the information needs and data gaps states and tribes have with respect to development of dredged and fill permitting programs and wetland protection programs. The ORISE participant, under the guidance of a mentor, will have the opportunity to look at program integration opportunities across the Branch, including but not limited to: 

• Investigating the needs of states and tribes to identify information and data gaps and training needs for those interested in developing and administering Clean Water Act (CWA) section 404 programs. 
• Engaging in research to identify trainings, tools, and other information that may be useful for tribes and states contemplating development of 404(g) and/or wetland programs.
• Participating in efforts to develop and communicate methods and tools for surface water protection and management, engaging with federal, state and tribal partners, academia and the public.

Under the mentor’s guidance, the research participant will apply their knowledge to:

• Needs surveys and data gaps regarding state and tribal needs with respect to the development and implementation of wetland protection and CWA 404(g) programs.
• Characterize and communicate various approaches to state/tribal CWA 404(g) assumption.
• Translate science tools, techniques, research findings and policies into formats for target audiences.
• Explore how to communicate successful science and tailor messages to support capacity-building of state and tribal programs.

Learning Objectives: This opportunity will provide the participant with exposure to a broad range of technical and program challenges and opportunities associated with watershed protection and restoration. The ORISE will have the opportunity to observe how various Acts and Executive Orders intersect with and work in concert with state and tribal programs to manage our nations aquatic resources and protect human health including: the Clean Water Act (CWA), Endangered Species Act and EPA's Environmental Justice and Tribal Policies. 

The participant will gain an understanding of cooperative federalism and the roles of EPA, states and tribes as they develop and utilize their tools to achieve CWA goals. The ORISE will engage in research and have the opportunity to collaborate with states, tribes and other federal agencies through the support and translation of relevant ecological and social data for use by state and tribal 404 programs. 

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Fall 2023. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Kathy Hurld (Hurld.Kathy@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Appointment Length: The appointment initially may 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. FY 23 - Master’s ~$64,957; PhD ~$78,592

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).

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.OW@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.