Postgraduate Research Opportunity in Environmental Science and Policy

APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 25, 2019 3:00PM ET

https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/EPA-REG1-2019-0057

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A research opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA), Region 1 Water Division, Surface Water Branch, Watershed and Nonpoint Source Management Section located in Boston, Massachusetts. This opportunity will involve efforts towards research topics of interest to the Southeast New England Program (SNEP).

SNEP is a geographically-based program intended to serve as a collaborative framework for advancing ecosystem resiliency, protecting and restoring water quality, habitat, and ecosystem function, and developing and applying innovative policy, science, and technology to environmental management in southeast coastal New England. A critical aspect of this framework is the integration of physical processes, water quality, and critical habitat at a regional, watershed, and/or landscape scale. This ecosystem-based approach increases the effectiveness of regional restoration efforts to enhance the impact and scale of local efforts and limit duplication. It enables sharing of financial and management resources, and builds sustainable frameworks and partnerships needed to invest in wise restoration and proactive measures over the long-term. More information on the program can be found here: https://www.epa.gov/snecwrp.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will have the opportunity to be involved with a number of SNEP projects including but not limited to:

• Investigating models/frameworks for ecological restoration prioritization
• Investigating models/frameworks to determine high value and vulnerable areas in the SNEP region
• Participating in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping efforts in the SNEP region
• Contributing to a “State of the Region” report
• Researching the timing and extent of algal blooms in the region
• Cataloging monitoring efforts and collaborations in the region
• Identifying and researching key information gaps in water quality data in the SNEP region
• Identifying and researching key information gaps and benefits of ecosystem services in the SNEP region as they pertain to water quality
• Evaluating ecosystem services and functions provided by SNEP’s watersheds
• Contributing to facilitation and report synthesis for SNEP’s Monitoring Subcommittee and Ecosystem Services Subcommittee
• Assessing the effectiveness of innovative approaches to restore ecological integrity in SNEP coastal waters
• Contributing to the planning and execution of workshops and Subcommittee meetings
• Participating in identifying and sustaining involvement of stakeholders including contributing to the development of a SNEP communications plan
• Investigating innovative regulatory tools, management approaches, and technological advances that may better incorporate ecosystem restoration practices as tools to improve water quality in the SNEP region, and beyond

This research opportunity will provide a unique chance to understand and participate in a regional scale effort to advance the tools and opportunities available for more collaborative and innovative management of environmental problems. The participant will be exposed to a broad range of environmental issues, both technical and policy, and will have the opportunity to interact with high-level stakeholders in the public, private, and nongovernmental sectors.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree and will reach completion by the start date of the appointment. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date. 

The candidate should live within, or be willing to relocate to, commuting distance of Boston. No relocation allowance will be provided. A candidate with a driver's license and personal vehicle is preferred

Preferred skills:

• Communication skills (oral and written)
• Experience conducting research on a team and independently
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• Understanding of water quality and habitat restoration practices
• Understanding of ecosystem management
• Understanding of key ecological functions
• Landscape/nature-based interventions
• Monitoring approaches

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

For a full description of this opportunity and to submit your application, visit https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/EPA-REG1-2019-0057.

If you have any questions, send an email to EPArpp@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (EPA-REG1-2019-0057) in your email.