EPA Fellowship in Spatial Analyses in Corvallis, Oregon

ORISE Fellowship at EPA available to post bachelor's or post master's in Corvallis, Oregon. Open to U.S. citizens.

Please see additional details and apply for this opportunity at: https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/EPA-ORD-CPHEA-PESD-2024-01

Research Project: The U.S. EPA provides geospatial watershed data on 2.6 million stream segments and nearly 40,000 lakes through the StreamCat and LakeCat datasets, respectively. These data experience broad usage by numerous academic, federal, and state researchers and practitioners. Within EPA, they serve as a primary resource to conduct research on stream and lake ecosystems across the conterminous U.S. This research training opportunity will seek to improve the access, usability, and quality of StreamCat and LakeCat data to expand their use within and outside of the EPA. This opportunity, housed at the Pacific Ecological Systems Division (PESD) in Corvallis, OR will examine approaches to incorporate the existing application programming interface (API) for StreamCat/LakeCat into an online ArcGIS web application(s) or other web-based applications. Further, the research participant will have the opportunity to participate in research to expand the list of metrics currently included in StreamCat/LakeCat. Specifically, these metrics will include EPA’s National Nutrient Inventory which will improve management of these critical resources and help to achieve EPA’s goal of protecting the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters. Under the guidance of a mentor, the research participant may also research methods for translating the algorithms used to generate StreamCat and LakeCat data to higher resolution hydrologic spatial frameworks, such as the high-resolution National Hydrography Dataset. Anticipated outcomes of participation in this opportunity include a deeper understanding of research conducted by federal scientists, significant programming and geospatial analysis experience, and an excellent understanding of national-level datasets relevant to aquatic resource management.

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing a master's degree. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.  

Preferred skills and/or experience:

• Experience with spatial, hydrologic and watershed analyses at broad spatial scales.
• Use of both R and Python in GIS analyses.
• Strong background in GIS and spatial programming.
• Strong background in environmental science (preferably with a focus in hydrology or watershed science).
• Experience with ArcGIS software, Python, R statistical software, and application programming interfaces (APIS).
• Experience working with large national datasets.
• Experience working with watershed data and the National Hydrography Dataset (specifically the National Hydrography Dataset Plus). 
• Skills or experience with databases, SQL, and Javascript would enhance the research experience.
• Exceptional communication skills, writing skills, verbal skills, and public speaking experience. 
• Candidates will have demonstrated skills working as a part of a group.