Environmental Research Assistant - ORAU

The EPA National Student Services Contract has an immediate opening for a full time Environmental Research Assistant position with the Office of Research and Development at the EPA facility in Ada, OK.

The Office of Research and Development at the EPA supports high-quality research to improve the scientific basis for decisions on national environmental issues and help EPA achieve its environmental goals. Research is conducted in a broad range of environmental areas by scientists in EPA laboratories and at universities across the country.

What the EPA project is about

The Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER) plans, coordinates and conducts an applied, customer-driven, national research and development program to improve decision making by EPA, federal, state, tribal and local agencies, when faced with challenging environmental problems in the built environment.  Within CESER, the Groundwater Characterization & Remediation Division (GCRD) plans, coordinates and conducts an applied, national-scale, customer-driven research program to provide data, tools, models, strategies, and technologies to protect and restore groundwater.

To support these activities, GCRD laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation for chemical characterization of ground water and surface water.  The analytical function of the Division is critical to supporting the research and technical assistance mission of the laboratory.  This project involves analytical support for the analysis of water and aquifer samples to support research to protect ground water and surface water resources, possible field support for collection of samples, and additional project support as needed. 

As a team member, you will provide field sample collection, logistics, laboratory sample analysis, data management, data curation and data analysis support for ecological and biogeochemical research projects related to floodplains, ground water, river, and watershed aquatic ecosystems. The contractor’s time will be split between the laboratory, field, and administrative desk duties.  Primary duties willl be assisting with lab management, data collection, and input of that data into electronic formats, analytical support, and any associated administrative duties such as HASP/QAPP development or revisions.  The contractor will assist with data collection activities, data checking/verification activities, data analysis, and occasional sample analysis.  The contractor will be required to assist with preparation for field trips and log in/receipt of samples for processing after field trips, including glassware washing and field equipment decontamination processes at GCRD.  Quarterly travel to field sites and assistance with sample collection will also be required.  The contractor will collect data, verify data, input data, and generate reports.

Depending upon experience, the team member may be trained and pass a proficiency test on analytical equipment, sample preparation, and standard operating procedures for the specific equipment.  Analytical and research equipment may include, but not limited to gas chromatography, spectrophotometry, fluorometry, Hach Kits, and multi-parameter sondes.  The team member will be capable of writing and communicating procedures and protocols on field and lab activities. Experience in contributing to scientific writing and journal publications is desirable.

The team member should have hands-on lab and field research experience.  Responsibilities may include, but not limited to: 1) Field trip preparation and sample collection coordination; 2) Developing, managing, and maintaining systems and databases to track lab and field scientific research; 3) Developing procedures and protocols to support research; 4) Developing graphs and presentation materials, prepares spreadsheets, charts, and narrative information. The contractor may be expected to participate in meetings or seminars in support of the Statement of Work.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Work Experience, and Education

• Experience with general laboratory techniques, such as using pipets, balances, preparation of solutions, etc.;
• Experience with field data collection in aquatic systems;
• Documented course work with laboratory credit in chemistry, physics, and biology;
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and tolerate hot/cold/wet field conditions during field trips for sample collection;
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Products Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook;
• Proficiency in oral, written and electronic communication in English; and
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, Work Experience, and Education

• Demonstrated experience with R, Access, SPSS and EndNote.

Location:  This job will be located EPA’s facility in Ada, Oklahoma.

Salary: Selected applicant will become a temporary employee of ORAU and will receive an hourly wage of $23.13 for hours worked.

Hours: Full-time.

Travel: Field travel will be required, including overnight. The team member should have the ability to drive.

Expected start date: The position is full time and expected to begin December 2024. The selected applicant will become a temporary employee of ORAU working as a contractor to EPA.

For more information, contact EPANSSC@orau.org. Do not contact EPA directly.

• Be at least 18 years of age and
• Have earned at least a Bachelor of science degree in ecology, biology, limnology, environmental science, chemistry, environmental engineering, or a closely related scientific field of study from an accredited university or college within the last 24 months and
• Be a citizen of the United States of America or a Legal Permanent Resident.

EPA ORD employees, their spouses, and children are not eligible to participate in this program.