Postgraduate Research Opportunity in Greenhouse Gas Data and Policy Analysis

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 11, 2019 3:00PM ET

https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/EPA-OAR-2019-0032

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A postgraduate research opportunity is available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) in Washington, D.C. This research opportunity is with the Climate Change Division (CCD). 

The research opportunity is sponsored by CCD’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Branch (GGRB). As directed by Congress, EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) collects annual, facility-level emissions data from major industrial sources, including power plants, oil and gas production and refining, iron and steel mills, and landfills. In addition to collecting detailed emissions from the largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting facilities, the program also collects data from upstream fossil fuel and industrial gas suppliers. EPA collaborates with industrial facilities to verify the data submitted, and has developed an easy-to-use online data publication tool that allows users to view GHG data from thousands of facilities (see Facility Level Information on GreenHouse gases Tool-FLIGHT).

The Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program is the only dataset containing facility-level GHG emissions data from major industrial sources across the United States. The data are providing important new information on industrial emissions—showing variation in emissions across facilities within an industry, variation in industrial emissions across geographic areas, and changes in emissions over time at the sector and facility level. EPA is using this facility-level data to improve estimates of national greenhouse gas emissions, including using it to improve the U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory. The data are also being used to inform regulatory actions and voluntary GHG emission reduction efforts.

The selected participant will have the opportunity to learn about greenhouse gas data and participate in a variety of challenging and rewarding projects with a collegial team of skilled professionals. Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected participant will learn about and support GGRB’s data and policy analysis efforts, with attention to the following activities:

• Program Development – The participant will be mentored by GGRB staff in the development of rulemakings. The participant will gain proficiency in the interpretation of existing Clean Air Act regulations. The participant will observe the staff’s analysis efforts and written responses to comments.
• Data Systems – The participant will learn how the GGRB data team develops and improves features of the electronic GHG data system to assist EPA in the collection, verification and publication of GHG data. These features will enhance the existing system and build additional features that provide ease-of-use for reporters. The participant will observe the team as they provide intelligent information technology solutions to address reporting requirements.
• Implementation – The participant will learn how the GGRB implementation team verifies and disseminates the data collected by the GHG data system. These efforts will include learning about the implementation of web-based publication tools and ensuring these tools represent accurate data. The participant will gain knowledge on how the implementation team verifies the data collected and provides feedback to facilities. The participant will learn about outreach and communication with stakeholders such as through the program’s help desk. The participant will also observe the development of a website that presents information in an easily accessible and understandable format.
• Data analysis related to the Oil and Natural Gas Sector – The participant will learn how GHG data for the oil and natural gas sector are analyzed and communicated. The participant will observe and gain exposure to how GGRB is represented in different venues and engages with various stakeholders.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's or master's 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:

• Sound oral and written communication skills
• Coursework or experience in technical writing

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only.

For a full description of this opportunity and to submit your application, visit https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/EPA-OAR-2019-0032.

If you have any questions, send an email to EPArpp@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (EPA-OAR-2019-0032) in your email.