EPA Wastewater Management Internship
*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 opportunity is available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Office of Water (OW), Office of Wastewater Management (OWM) located in Washington D.C.
OWM, together with states, tribes, and many partners, protects the environment and supports community health and resilience through its programs, including, but not limited to, those focused on water efficiency, green infrastructure, and decentralized systems. EPA has an interest in ensuring equity and seeking environmental justice for underrepresented populations while being sensitive to “green gentrification” concerns. As the agency and states look to implement sustainable water solutions in communities, it is important to ensure that all members in the community benefit from programs.
Research Project: As part of their research project, the participant will analyze data, evaluate programs, identify equitable development practices, and use geostatistical tools to assess how programs are being carried out at the local level and whether they can better ensure benefits are available to all citizens. The project will inform a report with findings and recommendations.
Learning Objectives: With guidance from the mentor, the research participant will gain experience in any or all of the following areas:
- Understanding how federal programs are translated into action at the local level through collaboration between federal, state, local government and community stakeholders.
- Learning how to use geospatial tools to evaluate environmental programs.
- Identifying equitable development strategies that allow new investments in communities while mitigating displacement concerns (“green gentrification”).
- Researching approaches that can be used to better communicate the availability and benefits of programs in ways that will resonate with a broader range of community members.
- Gathering, analyzing reviewing, and presenting on their results to their mentor and internal/external audiences.
- Writing papers, briefings, fact sheets, case studies and presentations for government and non-government audiences.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Clark Wilson (Wilson.clark@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: December 2021. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.
Appointment Length: The appointment may initially be for one year and may be renewed up to 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. At this time, bachelor's degree stipends are ~$49,000 and master's degree stipends are ~$60,000 per year. 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.
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.