Scientific Communications Grant Support
The EPA Environmental Research and Business Support Program has an immediate opening for a full-time Scientific Communications Grant Support position with the EPA facility in Washington, DC.
What the EPA project is about
The Office of Research and Development at the EPA supports high-quality research to improve the scientific basis for decisions on national environmental issues and help EPA achieve its environmental goals. Research is conducted in a broad range of environmental areas by scientists in EPA laboratories and at universities across the country.
The extramural research program provides funding for high-quality research through the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) grants program. The STAR program engages the nation’s best scientists and engineers in targeted research that complements EPA’s own outstanding intramural research programs. STAR’s current focus is within the national research programs of Safe and Sustainable Water Resources, Sustainable and Healthy Communities, Air and Energy, and Chemical Safety and Sustainability. STAR grantees have a history of producing scientific results that are important for both public health and environmental policy. Through the STAR program, scientists can help build the scientific foundation for sound environmental decisions.
What you will be doing
As a team member, you will assist the extramural research staff with the analytical, communication and administrative duties required to support and maintain the extramural research portfolio.
Required skills
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (i.e., Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook);
- Experience in administration support functions (i.e., recordkeeping, filing) and managing records (electronic and hardcopy) or databases;
- Strong communication skills (i.e., written, oral, telephone etiquette, presentation abilities), including effective multi-media technical communications;
- Excellent proof reading and editing skills;
- A high level of attention to detail is essential for this position;
- Experience writing for a lay audience about science, environmental issues or public health concerns as evidenced by a writing sample; and
- Strong leadership and organizational skills, including demonstrated ability to handle multiple assignments with competing deadlines.
Desired Skills
- Proficiency with Access, database applications, Adobe applications, SharePoint and Project Management.
How you will apply your skills
Management and Administrative responsibilities shall include:
- Researching and summarizing information relating to innovative activities in environmental science and policy, in communities, government, and other organizations;
- Assisting with administrative and logistical tasks associated with research grant management including tracking deadlines, summarizing reports, planning, organizing and supporting scientific workshops and progress reviews and organizing information on current research projects underway;
- Assisting with record keeping activities in various electronic systems, databases, and paper records;
- Assisting with management of the grant publication database and a contact list of stakeholders;
- Developing and maintaining a calendar of grant activities and program events;
- Assisting in the coordination of logistics among the grantees and EPA staff for meetings, workshops, and other collaborative efforts;
- Assisting in tracking activities and deadlines for active grants; and
- Maintaining records of meetings, correspondence, and action documents, and maintaining a system to track projects in progress.
Communications-related responsibilities shall include:
- Writing a summary report based on the results and publications from several related extramural research grants;
- Assisting the team in the development of oral presentations of results and impacts using graphics and other interactive formats;
- Assisting in facilitating the appropriate communication and outreach related to grantee research activities including: creating one-page summaries of the results of EPA funded synthesized from selected reports and published scientific journal articles, developing longer pieces based on directed background research, and developing communication materials for wider audiences; and
- Assisting the team in improving communication of scientific information and improving interactions between scientists and the media, e.g. through online meetings and seminars hosted by NCER.
Outreach
- Attend conferences as requested
Location: This job will be located EPA’s facility in Washington, DC
Salary: Selected applicants will become a temporary employees of ORAU and will receive an hourly wage of $22.80 for hours worked.
Hours: Full time
Travel: Occasional overnight travel may be required.
Expected start date: The position is full time and expected to begin September 2019. The initial project is through May 14, 2020, with potential options periods.
Working conditions: You will be supervised by a mentor who will provide day-to-day direction, as well as coach, advise, counsel and review your work. The position will involve work in an administrative setting and is not expected to involve exposure to hazardous elements