*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 Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW), Partnership Programs Branch (PPB) located in Washington, DC to research activities related to the National Estuary Program (NEP).
The National Estuary Program (NEP) is an EPA non-regulatory, place-based program established by Congress and authorized by Section 320 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) in 1987. Currently, 28 estuaries located along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts and in Puerto Rico are designated as estuaries of national significance with the goal of protecting and restoring their water quality and ecological integrity. Each NEP focuses within a study area that includes the estuary and surrounding watershed. The 28 NEPs develop and implement Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans (CCMPs), which are long-term plans that contain actions to address water quality and living resource challenges and priorities. The NEP uses an inclusive decision-making process to define challenges and priorities with the help of local, city, state, federal, tribal, private, and non-profit stakeholders. The program is an important national model for the protection and management of watersheds.
Research Project: Project research will aim to address substantive issues that impact the partner-based National Estuary Program (NEP). Specific research topics will focus on the use of collaborative approaches to achieve EPA’s clean water goals, with a particular emphasis on the integration of partnership and other EPA programs to improve water quality and ecosystem health, ensure water equity among all communities, and address major water resource management challenges in specific geographic locations across the U.S. Project research will focus on climate resiliency, environmental justice, and ecosystem services with an opportunity to develop and/or work with tools and data to support strategically communicating the benefits of the NEP on a national scale. The Participant will learn about and assist the team to increase and improve partnerships with key stakeholders.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, research and analysis will focus on technical, policy, communications, and measurement issues related to this program. For example, in 2024 the NEP will continue prioritizing environmental justice and climate-related topics that are particularly significant in underserved communities. In support of these goals, the research participant will research how NEP programs are implementing climate and equity objectives and how effectively targets are being achieved. The participant may also research grants and other funding sources, technical assistance and other successful programs to develop strategies in support of work conducted by place-based partners and other important stakeholders. Other activities may include: research in support of online training webinars and newsletters, and/or exploring CWA authorities to address programmatic issues. Participant will learn to communicate the HQ experience and better understand how interdisciplinary sciences support national policy.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Spring 2024. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.