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*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 postgraduate research opportunity is available with the Climate Change Division (CCD) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) located in Washington, D.C.

CCD’s mission is to assess and address global climate change and the associated risks to human health and the environment.

Research Project: The research opportunity is sponsored by CCD’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Branch. As directed by Congress, EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) collects annual, facility-level greenhouse gas (GHG) data from major industrial sources, including power plants, oil and gas production, petroleum refining, iron and steel mills, and landfills. In addition to collecting detailed emissions from the largest GHG emitting facilities, the program also collects data from upstream fossil fuel and industrial gas suppliers. EPA collaborates with industrial facilities to verify the data submitted, and has developed an easy-to-use online data publication tool that allows users to view GHG data from thousands of facilities known as the Facility Level Information on GreenHouse gases Tool (FLIGHT).
The GHGRP is the only data program containing facility-level GHG emissions data from major industrial sources across the United States. The data are providing important new information on industrial emissions—showing variation in emissions across facilities within an industry, variation in industrial emissions across geographic areas, and changes in emissions over time at the sector and facility level. EPA is using this facility-level data to improve estimates of national greenhouse gas emissions, including using it to improve the U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory. The data are also being used to inform regulatory actions and voluntary GHG emission reduction efforts.

The selected participant will obtain exposure to an exciting program that focuses on collecting GHG data and disseminating and analyzing the data in a meaningful manner.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected participant will learn about and support GHGRP’s data and policy analysis efforts, with attention to the following activities:

  • Program Development – The participant will be mentored by GHGRP staff in the development of rulemakings. The participant will gain proficiency in the interpretation of Clean Air Act regulations. The participant will observe the staff’s analysis efforts and written responses to comments.
  • Data Systems – The participant will learn how the GHGRP data team develops and improves features of the electronic GHG data system to assist EPA in the collection, verification, and publication of GHG data. These features will enhance the existing system and build additional features that provide ease-of-use for reporters. The participant will observe the team as they provide intelligent information technology solutions to address reporting requirements. 
  • Implementation – The participant will learn how the GHGRP implementation team verifies and disseminates the data collected by the GHG data system. These efforts will include learning about the implementation of web-based publication tools and ensuring these tools represent accurate data. The participant will gain knowledge on how the implementation team verifies the data collected and provides feedback to facilities. The participant will learn about outreach and communication with stakeholders such as through the program’s help desk. The participant will also observe the development of a website that presents information in an easily accessible and understandable format.
  • Data analysis related to the Oil and Natural Gas Sector – The Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program collects data from across the oil and natural gas sector value chain, including from production, gathering and boosting, processing, transmission, and distribution. The participant will learn how GHG data for the oil and natural gas sector are analyzed and communicated. The participant will observe and gain exposure to how GHGRP is represented in different venues and engages with various stakeholders. 
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Mark de Figueiredo  (defigueiredo.mark@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Fall 2022. 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 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, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).

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.

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