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Environmental Science and Engineering AmeriCorps Fellow

Position Details
Stewards Individual Placements (SIP) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health. SIP in partnership with the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) seeks one year-long Environmental Science and Engineering AmeriCorps member to play an essential role in assisting OSMRE to transition into new long-term indoor gas monitoring and conducting gas investigations in different ways to account for methane. After term completion, there is the potential for a full-time position with OSMRE.
 
Recently marking its 45th anniversary, OSMRE continues to ensure the cleanup of millions of acres of pre-Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) abandoned mine lands and the return of post-SMCRA mined lands to productive use by collaborating with State and Tribal partners, community organizations, and the industry. The AmeriCorps member will be contributing to these efforts by working with the Pittsburgh OSMRE Office to: collect information on gas equipment and/or conduct gas equipment maintenance, conduct water field sampling, and support wetland restoration projects. During the year of service, the AmeriCorps member will be supporting OSMRE’s efforts to improve monitoring of gas (e.g., methane), improving the health of wetlands, and remediating acid mine drainage caused by legacy coal mining. The work performed by the member will contribute greatly to documenting the environmental restoration work occurring and that will take place in the future.
 
The Environmental Science and Engineering AmeriCorps member will be providing direct benefits to communities by conducting work that improves environmental restoration efforts in Appalachia, a region significantly impacted by legacy coal mining problems. Additionally, the AmeriCorps member will be supporting OSMRE staff in efforts to measure the extraction of rare earth elements and critical minerals while treating acid mine drainage. These efforts will provide immediate and lasting benefits OSMRE and the communities the agency serves. The wealth of experience gained on these projects will also help develop the AmeriCorps member’s knowledgebase and experiences to advance their career.
 
Position Responsibilities will include:
  • Collecting and analyzing information on gas equipment (especially in relation to methane)
  • Conducting maintenance on gas equipment and testing that includes calibration of meters
  • Assisting OSMRE Hydrologists with water quality sampling for acid mine drainage
  • Entering Rare Earth Elements data into database and assisting in its development and management
  • Assisting OSMRE Ecologists with wetlands-related projects
  • Supporting field testing wetland condition assessment methodologies
  • Conducting a review of wetland impacts and mitigation
  • Additional equipment inventory and maintenance
 
 Preferred Qualifications:
  • Background in Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, Environmental Engineering and/or Environmental Science (e.g., ecology, geology, engineering, etc.)
  • Familiar with testing gas field equipment for monitoring
  • Basic understanding of computers and database management
  • Ability to work with team members
  • All interested candidates are encouraged to apply!
 
Benefits:
  • Living Allowance: $465/week at 40hrs/week (pre-tax)
  • Successful completion of this term will award the AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of $6,345.00
  • Place Federal student loans on Forbearance during time in service
  • Interest accrual payoff by AmeriCorps
  • Professional Development can include: participating in site visits, performing job shadows, and completing training opportunities
  • Potential for full-time Federal positions after service term completion
                                               
How to Apply
In addition to your resume, please submit a statement of interest (no more than 250 words) or one-page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position. Please do not include your social security number, date of birth, or physical address on any documents submitted with your application, including your resume.
 
Stewards Individual Placements Program does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

In order to ensure the health and safety of the communities that Conservation Legacy serves, as well as to meet federal requirements for government contractors, all participants and staff of Conservation Legacy programs must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before beginning their service term. This requirement applies to all staff and participants regardless of location, position, or remote work status.