We are looking for a recent graduate BS or MS to provide aquatic ecology / biogeochemistry lab and field technician support for the EPA's Groundwater and Ecosystem Restoration Divsion (GWERD) in Ada, OK. We work on ecological research projects across the country, from the Willamette Valley in Oregon to restored streams of Maryland. This is a great opportunity to work with some of the EPA's best ecologists, contribute to restoration science, and gain experience in an exciting field. See the attached file for details and instructions.
Cheers, Ken Forshay [EMAIL PROTECTED] 580-436-8912 For info about Ada see: http://www.adaok.com/
ANNOUNCEMENT FOR STUDENT SERVICES CONTRACT RFQ # PR-OH-08-00299 United States Environmental Protection Agency National Risk Management Research Laboratory Office of Research and Development Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration Division The National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) of the Office of Research and Development (ORD) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeks a recent bachelors or masters graduate from an accredited college or university to provide services under a contractual agreement. Candidates must have a bachelors or masters degree in Ecology, Biology, Limnology, Environmental Science, or closely related field. This individual will assist with research that supports the protection and remediation of ground water, surface water, and drinking water resources with a focus on Ecosystem Restoration studies. The Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration Division (GWERD) of NRMRL is responsible for conducting and supporting high quality research targeted to understanding and managing the nations most serious environmental threats. NRMRL develops methods and techniques to manage risks to pollution, prevent its dispersal in the environment, and restore ecosystems to a self-sustaining condition. NRMRL develops new techniques and processes to manage pollution and makes recommendations for sound risk management options in order to ensure the highest- risk pollution problems receive the most cost efficient and environmentally beneficial remediation, as well as restoring areas to conditions that approximate pre-disturbed conditions. The candidate will evaluate soil, sediment, water, and gas characteristics associated with experiments designed to investigate the potential for enhancing water quality using state of the art techniques in ecosystem restoration, isotope ecology, water chemistry, and land management. The candidate will assist in the development of approaches to examine surface water and hyporheic nitrogen removal, link hydrologic exchange with N removal, use stable isotopes to compare O, C, and N flow through aquatic ecosystems and determine nitrogen dynamics along surface and hyporheic flow paths. The candidate will also apply new techniques to determine the abundance of active bacterial communities in stream sediments. The candidate will assist with field work that includes hiking, wading, and carrying equipment to collect water, sediment, or soil samples in aquatic ecosystems. The candidate will help develop and execute field experiments. Travel to remote sites may be necessary and the candidate will be responsible for collecting samples and data outdoors in all types of temperature and weather conditions. The candidate will measure the outcomes of experiments using standard methods or Standard Operating Procedures. The candidate will assist in methods development when needed. All samples shall be collected and prepared according to the technical requirements outlined by the staff researchers. The candidate will carry out lab studies on denitrification and nitrogen processing. The candidate will maintain careful and accurate records in a Laboratory Notebook. This notebook, and all other data produced under this order will be the property of the Environmental Protection Agency. The student will meet with the mentor on a weekly basis to discuss assignments and prepare bi-weekly progress reports. 1 The candidate will possess a BS or MS degree from an accredited college or university in Ecology, Limnology, Environmental Science, Biology, or related field with B-grade (3.0 based on a 4.0 scale ) or better performance. Course work will include biology, chemistry, math or statistics, and ecology or environmental science. Currently enrolled students must complete their degrees prior to their start date. The employee will have: 1. Demonstrated experience with data entry and quality control measures. 2. Demonstrated experience operating scientific instruments. 3. Demonstrated experience in field studies, sample, and data collection in outdoor environments. 4. Demonstrated familiarity with the use of computers and spread sheet software including Excel. 5. Demonstrated ability to communicate well and work independently. 6. Demonstrated understanding of routine laboratory procedures, including preparation of solutions, safe handling and disposal of chemicals, routine maintenance and calibration of instruments used in the field, and documentation of activities in notebooks. 7. The physical ability to perform fieldwork, including hiking, carrying equipment and supplies, and transporting samples across diverse outdoor terrain in potentially extreme weather. This work is to begin approximately on 1 Oct 2008 and end approximately 30 Oct 2009 with an option to renewing for an additional year, ending 30 Oct 2010. The duty location is Ada, Oklahoma. Work duties will be split between laboratory and field including possible travel to Oregon and Maryland. The candidate should be available to travel to the field sites for up to 8 weeks a year. U.S. citizens are eligible to participate in this program. Non-U.S. citizens may be eligible to participate, depending on their immigration status and the applicable regulations of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service (BCIS,) formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Students, who are EPA ORD employees, or the spouse or child of an EPA ORD employee, are not eligible to participate. The hourly rate for a student with a BS or BA degree is $17.08/hr, $21.01/hr for individuals possessing a BA or BS degree + 1 year of graduate school, and $23.21/hr for individuals possessing a MS. If interested in this opportunity, the student must propose this rate in order for his/her proposal to be considered acceptable. 2 Student contractors will be paid the basic hourly rate only for the number of hours worked beyond the 40-hour work week. Student contractors do not accrue leave or holiday benefits and are not paid for any non-work days, regardless of the reason. The student contractor is considered as an independent contractor; therefore, Federal, State, Local, Social Security, and Medicare taxes will not be withheld. Student contractors are responsible for reporting income to authorities and paying all taxes. Students may apply for this opportunity by providing the proposed hourly rate (the one shown above) and a one or two page, excluding the copy of the transcript and documentary evidence from BCIS, if appropriate, resume or statement of qualifications including: . Full legal name . Mailing address . Email address (if any) . Telephone number . Social Security Number . Date of Birth . Place of Birth . Citizenship, or immigration/visa status (documentary evidence from BCIS) . Description of recent classes relevant to the SOW . Experience related to the scientific field (paid or volunteer work and academic) . Experience in laboratory work (paid or volunteer work or academic) . Scientific publications with a description of the individuals participation in the publication . An attached certified copy of the most recent transcript showing listing of courses and overall grade point average Interested individuals should send resume or statement of qualifications and all application materials, referencing RFQ-OH-TBD to: via U.S. Mail via Courier or Hand-Carried Delivery USEPA CPOD USEPA CPOD William Yates, Contract Specialist Attn: William Yates, Contract Specialist Mail Code: NWD Suite 300, 3rd Floor 26 West Martin Luther King Drive 4411 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45268 Norwood, Ohio 45212 Proposals may also be forwarded via e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or via facsimile to William Yates, Contract Specialist at area code (513) 487-2055. If you send your proposals via e-mail, please send a copy to Paul Mayer at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please reference your submission: RFQ# PR-OH-08-00299 3 The deadline for submissions is August 20, 2008. Students are responsible for submitting proposals so that they reach the Government office designated by the time specified. Any proposal received at the Government office designated after the exact time specified for receipt is late and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, and the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition and: 1. It was transmitted electronically and received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m., one working day prior to the date established for receipt; or 2. There is acceptable evidence to establish it was received at the Government installation, and was under the Governments control prior to the time set for receipt; or 3. It was the only proposal received. Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the proposal wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel. If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that proposals cannot be received at the office designated by the exact time specified, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the announcement, the time specified for receipt will be deemed extended to the same time of day specified on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume. However, a late modification of an otherwise successful proposal that makes its terms more favorable to the Government will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted. Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the proposal wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel. If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that proposals cannot be received at the office designated by the exact time specified, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the announcement, the time specified for receipt will be deemed extended to the same time of day specified on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume. The Government will make contract awards based on other factors besides price. Personal interviews may be conducted with the most promising candidates. The evaluation of students application including all information received from resumes, statements of qualifications, and any interviews conducted will be based on the following evaluation factors: 1. Minimum of a bachelors degree in Ecology, Limnology, Environmental Science, Biology, or related field with GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on scale of 4.0). 4 2. Demonstrated experience with data entry and quality control measures. 3. Demonstrated experience operating scientific instruments. 4. Demonstrated experience in field studies, sample, and data collection in outdoor environments. 5. Demonstrated familiarity with the use of computers and spread sheet software including Excel. 6. Demonstrated ability to communicate well and work independently. 7. Demonstrated understanding of routine laboratory procedures, including preparation of solutions, safe handling and disposal of chemicals, routine maintenance and calibration of instruments used in the field, and documentation of activities in notebooks. 8. The physical ability to perform fieldwork, including hiking, carrying equipment and supplies, and transporting samples across diverse outdoor terrain in potentially extreme weather. Students who perform work under the Student Services Contract for EPA are required to undergo a background check, a check of FBI fingerprint files, and a suitability determination by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Selected candidates will be provided copies of the appropriate forms and instructions on their completion and submission requirements. Students or recent graduates who perform work under the Student Services Contract to EPA must have a checking or savings account at a financial institution that will accept direct deposits of Federal funds for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) prior to award and must register with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and Dun and Bradstreet (D&B). To register with D&B and obtain a DUNS number, selected students can call D&B at 1-866-705-5711 or contact D&B at http://www.dnb.com/update. To register for the CCR, selected students or recent graduates can call 1-888-227-2423 or 296-961-5757 or contact CCR at http://www.ccr.gov. There is no charge to register for DUNS or CCR. Student contractors are responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the principal duty station location. EPA does not provide nor pay for housing, meals, or other living expenses while working at the principal duty station location. If performance of the contract requires overnight travel, the student contractor will travel under the rules and procedures established for Federal employee travel. EPA will be responsible for compensating students or recent graduates in the same manner as Federal employees for any injury suffered while performing these services. Students or recent graduates are protected from personal common-law tort liability for damages to third parties arising out of his/her work under the same broad-based immunity provided to Federal employees while performing these services. Properly licensed students or recent graduates may be permitted to drive Government vehicles, if required to do so by the statement of work. 5 Students or recent graduates will be required to comply with Federal requirements for Standards of Ethical Conduct and Conflicts of Interest. Students or recent graduates may be offered, at Government expense, non-mandatory vaccinations, immunizations, treatments, medical examinations, and health and safety training to safeguard their health prior to beginning certain types of work which may expose them to health or safety risks in the environment. Selected students or recent graduates will receive more information about these issues prior to award of any contract. 6 STATEMENT OF WORK RFQ# PR-OH-08-00229 United States Environmental Protection Agency National Risk Management Research Laboratory Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration Division 1. Project Description: The National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) is responsible for conducting research on subsurface remediation and ecosystem restoration to support EPA efforts in the areas of Drinking Water, Waste Management, and Clean Water. Research conducted by NRMRL supports the protection and remediation of ground water, surface water, and drinking water resources. Contract support is required for research currently being conducted at the Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration Division (GWERD). A candidate is sought to assist with studies of ecosystem restoration. The successful candidate contractor will work as a technician to carry out field and laboratory studies associated with nutrient uptake processes in streams, wetlands, and soils. 2. Description of Services: The student will evaluate soil, sediment, and water characteristics associated with experiments designed to investigate the potential for enhancing water quality using state of the art stream restoration techniques. The student will assist in the development of approaches to stimulate microbial uptake of nitrate. The student will measure the outcomes of such experiments using standard methods or via instructions provided in the form of SOPs by their mentor. All samples shall be collected and prepared according to the technical requirements. The student will maintain careful and accurate records in a Laboratory Notebook. This notebook, and all other data produced under this order will be the property of the Environmental Protection Agency. The student will assist in the writing reports to convey research results to technical and non-technical audiences. The student will meet with the mentor on a weekly basis to discuss assignments and prepare bi-weekly progress reports. The candidate will assist with field work that includes hiking, wading, and carrying equipment to collect water, sediment, or soil samples in aquatic ecosystems. The candidate will help develop and execute field experiments. Travel to remote sites may be necessary and the candidate will be responsible for collecting samples and data outdoors in all types of temperature and weather conditions. The successful candidate will maintain careful and accurate records in a Laboratory Notebook. This notebook and all other data produced under this order will be the property of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, the successful candidate will meet with an EPA mentor on at least a weekly basis to discuss progress of assigned tasks, problems encountered, and new tasks. The successful candidate will prepare and submit monthly progress reports to the 7 mentor. The Mentor for this agreement will be Paul Mayer. The Alternate Mentor will be Ken Forshay. 3. Required Expertise, Skills, Education and/or Experience: 9. Minimum of a bachelors degree in Ecology, Limnology, Environmental Science, Biology, or related field with GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on scale of 4.0). 10. Demonstrated experience with data entry and quality control measures. 11. Demonstrated experience operating scientific instruments. 12. Demonstrated experience in field studies, sample, and data collection in outdoor environments. 13. Demonstrated familiarity with the use of computers and spread sheet software including Excel. 14. Demonstrated ability to communicate well and work independently. 15. Demonstrated understanding of routine laboratory procedures, including preparation of solutions, safe handling and disposal of chemicals, routine maintenance and calibration of instruments used in the field, and documentation of activities in notebooks. 16. The physical ability to perform fieldwork, including hiking, carrying equipment and supplies, and transporting samples across diverse outdoor terrain in potentially extreme weather. 4. Required Background Investigation and Suitability Determination: Successful candidates under this contract are required to undergo a background check and check of FBI fingerprint files and a suitability determination by the Environmental Protection Agency. Successful candidates awarded a contract will have to complete a Standard Form 85 (SF-85) "Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions" and SF-87 "Fingerprint Charts". All completed forms shall be submitted to the ORD Mentor (Paul Mayer, R.S. Kerr Environmental Research Center, 919 Kerr Research Drive, Ada, Oklahoma 74820, (580) 436-8534) at least 14 business days prior to reporting to work. Fingerprints will either be taken at the ORD duty station (upon reporting for work) or successful candidates will be notified to have their fingerprints taken at their local police department. If a background check reveals information to indicate the successful candidate represents a risk to the interests of U.S. EPA and the national security, the contract may be terminated. 8 5. Description of Working Conditions: The primary duty location is Ada, Oklahoma, and the secondary duty locations will be in Corvallis, OR and/or Baltimore, MD. Work duties will be split approximately 60/40 between the primary and secondary locations. Work will be performed in a laboratory setting in Ada, OK and in a field setting in OR and MD. The successful candidate will wear safety glasses, a laboratory coat (provided by EPA), and closed-toed shoes in the laboratory. The candidate will wear level D personal protection in the field, including safety glasses (provided by EPA) and appropriate foot gear provided by the successful candidate contractor. Steel-toed footwear will be required while at the secondary location for all work done in proximity to a drilling rig, a GeoProbe rig, or other powered sampling. Reasonable costs incurred by the student contractor for prescription safety-glasses and steel-toed footwear will be reimbursed by the EPA. Field work may be conducted when it is raining, or in temperatures down to 20o F. Field work will not be conducted during electrical storms. The work day will be eight hours Monday through Friday unless otherwise agreed to by the successful candidate contractor. The successful candidate contractor will not be required to work on Saturday or Sunday, even in the weeks when he or she is conducting field work. 6. Travel: The successful candidate contractor will be responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the R.S. Kerr Environmental Research Center. The U.S. EPA will not provide housing, meals or other living expenses while working at the R.S. Kerr Environmental Research Center. Travel associated with job performance will be reimbursed in accordance with the terms in the awarded purchase order. Properly licensed candidate contractors may be permitted to drive Government Vehicles, if required to do so by the statement of work. 7. Compensation: The rate of compensation for this requirement is $17.08 per hour (which includes the cost of self- employment taxes for social security and Medicare) for a maximum of 1928 hours annually. The successful candidate contractor will be paid the basic hourly rate only for the number of hours worked and will not receive overtime premium for any hours worked beyond the 40-hour week. The successful candidate contractor will not accrue leave or holiday benefits and will not be paid for any days that they do not work, regardless of the reason. 8. Taxes: The successful candidate contractor is responsible for paying all Federal, State or local income taxes required as a result of income received under this order. 9
