*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 and training opportunity is currently available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of the Administrator (AO), Office of Policy (OP), located in Washington, D.C. (Please note that this is not a remote position.)

Research Project: The Climate and Sustainable Strategies Division develops and implements cross-cutting climate mitigation and sustainability strategies with respect to industry sectors, materials management and the built environment. CSSD houses EPA’s Smart Sectors program, which engages with industry sectors to pursue opportunities for deep decarbonization and improved environmental performance. In addition to working with industry sectors, CSSD works across EPA, as well as with other federal, state and Tribal agencies, to pursue the goals of industrial decarbonization and an equitable and sustainable economy. It also develops educational materials to support the private sector in undertaking voluntary actions to advance equity and justice, including by engaging communities, reducing cumulative burdens, and delivering community benefits. CSSD also addresses a variety of other environmental, climate, and sustainability challenges and emerging issues that require interdisciplinary expertise and cross-sector, multi-media, and interagency (whole-of-government) approaches.

Under the guidance of a mentor, and working in collaboration with other CSSD staff, research and training activities may include:

• Programmatic Support: Assist with various elements of CSSD’s activities, including:
  • Providing industry or sector-specific research and analysis on strategies and cross-cutting issues related to carbon management, decarbonization, sustainability, circularity, and equity.
  • Developing tools, information resources and other materials in multiple media and formats.
  • Designing communication plans and strategies to advance the division’s work as well as industry best practice.
  • Engaging with private-sector groups to facilitate and foster the sharing of information and perspectives.
  • Informing the work of other EPA offices, programs and regions through sector-specific knowledge and expertise.
• Partnership Development: Provide research, analytical and communications support for CSSD’s partnership building activities in pursuit of industrial decarbonization and improved environmental performance in the private sector. This may include efforts to enhance relationships with existing national partner organizations, as well as identifying and pursuing new partnership opportunities.
• Materials Development: Prepare and deliver EPA and external briefings and presentations in multiple formats to a variety of audiences and assist in developing and disseminating educational and communication materials to advance CSSD’s mission.
• Allocation of time across the different components of the project is flexible. The Fellow will also have the opportunity to participate in additional research projects and policy initiatives that are mutually beneficial.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will:

• Learn how EPA programs, policies, regulations, research programs and data apply to industrial operations and business decision making to effect change and improve environmental outcomes.
• Translate environmental, technical and economic information into industry-focused, accessible, plain language.
• Develop and evaluate print, social media and website content.
• Coordinate and participate in internal and external meetings.
• Establish and maintain relationships with internal and external partners to achieve research and policy goals.
• The appointment presents opportunities to engage in critical thinking and problem solving, and to present results of research and policy analysis directly to senior leadership in the agency and external audiences.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Barry Elman (elman.barry@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Winter 2024. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year and may be renewed 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. 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.

The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility.

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

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in one of the relevant fields or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion before the appointment start date. The degree must have been received within the past five years. 

Preferred skills/experience:

• Ability to communicate well both orally and in writing.
• Education and/or experience related to environmental protection, sustainability, climate change, energy and/or public health.
• Skills related to research, analysis and/or communications. 
• Experience working with teams and work groups to arrive at solutions to complex problems.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.