Marine Pollution Prevention

In the past, communities around the world used the ocean for waste disposal, including the disposal of chemical and industrial wastes, radioactive wastes, trash, munitions, sewage sludge, and contaminated dredged material. Little attention was given to the negative impacts of waste disposal on the marine environment. Even less attention was focused on opportunities to recycle or reuse such materials. Wastes were frequently dumped in coastal and ocean waters based on the assumption that marine waters had an unlimited capacity to mix and disperse wastes.

For nearly 50 years, EPA's Ocean Dumping Management Program has stopped many harmful materials from being ocean dumped, worked to limit ocean dumping generally, and worked to prevent adverse impacts to human health, the marine environment, and other legitimate uses of the ocean (e.g., navigation, fishing) from pollution caused by ocean dumping. EPA's Freshwater and Marine Branch, in coordination with EPA's seven coastal Regional Offices (Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9 and 10), administers the Ocean Dumping Management Program.

Research Project: EPA marine pollution control programs are responsible for the development of polices, guidance, and regulations, and for the implementation of programs to protect ocean and coastal resources. This project will focus on conducting research to support EPAs Ocean Dumping Management Program. Through implementation of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act, sometimes referred to as the U.S. Ocean Dumping Act, EPA works to safeguard the ocean by preventing or limiting the dumping of any material that would adversely impact human health and the marine environment.

Learning Objectives: This project will provide excellent exposure to a broad range of scientific, technical, and policy issues pertaining to sources of marine pollution and the protection of the marine environment. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will gain an understanding of EPA's marine pollution prevention programs and have an opportunity to develop research projects to support EPA's role in working with international and federal agencies and state and local governments on ocean and coastal management, and learn first-hand about the interaction between the various levels of government and the private sector on these issues. The participant's research will focus on assisting with the development of national-level reports describing monitoring of ocean disposal sites, evaluating wastes and other materials that may be considered for dumping into the ocean (this may include data analysis and/or literature reviews), and assisting with the development of tools to support the national program.

Mentor(s): The mentors for this opportunity are Betsy Valente (valente.betsy@epa.gov) and Sarah Gilliand (gilliand.sarah@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Summer 2021. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.

Appointment Length: The appointment will 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, masters degree stipends are ~$60,129 and Postdocs are ~$72,750 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.

Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a masters or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees and will reach completion by the anticipated start date. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Candidates with strong communication, writing, and analytical skills are preferred.