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POSTGRADUATE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY Project #: EPA REG 6-WQPD 2008-01 An internship project is available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Region 6 Water Quality Protection Division (WQPD) in Dallas, Texas. Marine and Wetlands Section: The EPA Region 6 Marine and Wetlands Section, under the supervision of a chief, manages and conducts key coastal activities under the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA), National Estuary Program, the Gulf of Mexico Program, the Coastal America Initiative, the Coastal Zone Management Act, and the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act. This Section provides regional expertise on a variety of coastal and marine issues ranging from international to national, regional and local estuarine management programs. The Section provides guidance and technical assistance on marine and estuarine issues to the Ecosystems Protection Branch of WQPD and other regional counterparts. CWPPRA Team: Under the leadership of a team leader, the CWPPRA team provides for the technical management of the CWPPRA program. This program oversees the planning, engineering, design, construction, and monitoring of important coastal wetland restoration projects across the Louisiana coast. This includes support of the Region 6 membership on the CWPPRA Task Force which is made up of EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Corps of Engineers, USDA, NOAA, and the Office of the Governor of Louisiana. The team provides technical oversight of the federal funds assigned to EPA by the Task Force for planning and project activities. The team also designs and implements coastal wetland restoration and barrier island construction projects assigned to EPA by the Task Force. The team coordinates with other regional organizations for grants funding and to comply with National Environmental Policy Act requirements. The team provides project management for EPA-sponsored CWPPRA projects and provides expert advice and assistance in the identification and development of innovative or improved strategies for coastal restoration and protection projects. The Team maintains close communication and coordination among federal, state and local agencies, academia, public citizens, non-governmental organizations, industry and other interests related to coastal Louisiana ecosystem protection. The team consults and coordinates with other engineers, scientists and attorneys in the agency and those of other agencies who also are considered experts in coastal issues. Team members respond to inquiries from congressional representatives and the general public concerning the interpretation and application of new plans and policies designed to meet program objectives. The team analyzes scientific and technical environmental issues and/or performs work involving the review and implementation of environmental standards and regulations. Specific Tasks: The intern will be involved in the activities of the CWPPRA team within the Marine and Wetlands Section. The assignments require involvement with multiple federal agencies, state and local governments, fellow team members and offices within EPA, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders in the protection, management, and restoration of wetland resources. The intern may be involved in the following activities that support EPA's efforts on coastal wetland restoration activities: Expected Results: This internship will provide exposure to a broad range of environmental and policy issues surrounding wetlands protection and restoration. The intern will have the opportunity to learn and participate in implementation, outreach, and partnership activities related to EPA's wetlands restoration programs. Through this internship, the intern will have a better understanding of how EPA implements programs to increase understanding and restoration of the functions and values of coastal wetlands. Intern Qualifications and Skills: The applicant should have received a master's degree in a related science or engineering field within five years of the desired starting date. The intern should have knowledge of wetlands ecosystems, related restoration programs, and/or coastal engineering. Experience with Microsoft Office (including PowerPoint) is highly desirable. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential. This position requires technical and policy analysis skills. The intern must have the ability to perform under tight deadlines and on multiple projects. The program is open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, or status as a Vietnam era or disabled veteran. U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status is preferred (but can also hold an appropriate visa status, however, an H1B visa is not appropriate). Stipend and Tenure: The appointment will initially be full-time for up to one year and may be renewed for up to two additional years depending on funding. The annual stipend will range from $45,000-$55,000 depending on experience. The intern does not become an EPA employee. The EPA Region 6 contact person for this project is Tim Landers (214-665-6608). His e-mail is landers.timothy@epa.gov. This Internship Program for EPA Region 6 Water is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. For additional information and application material contact: Internship Program - EPA Region 6 Water, Attn: Betty Bowling - MS 36, ORISE, P.O. Box 117, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831 Phone: (865) 576-8503 Fax: (865) 241-5219 e-mail: betty.bowling@orau.org. An application can be found at http://www.orau.gov/orise/edu/EPA/app-gugrgpd.pdf. This Job Announcement was posted on the Estuarine Research Federation Web Site on 5/13/2008 |