USGS Design and Implementation of a Long-Term Monitoring Program for Toxics in Rivers of the Columbia River Basin

Research Project

The USGS and EPA Region 10 have a growing partnership to address a relatively recent amendment to the Clean Water Act, Amendment 123, which directs the US EPA to develop a geographically based program aimed at monitoring and reducing Toxics in the Columbia River Basin. This new program seeks to design and implement a long-term monitoring program across the Columbia River Basin, focusing on Toxics in fish, sediment, and water, utilizing both historical data and current, on-the-ground activities.

The primary activity for this initial, summertime, opportunity is to consolidate, review, summarize, and begin analysis of the historical toxics monitoring data in fish, sediment, and water of the Columbia River Basin. Multiple datasets currently exist that need review, consolidation, summary, and early analysis, under guidance with the Principal Investigators involved.

• Additional learning opportunities may also include:
• Collecting or processing samples for shipment to analytical laboratories,
• Planning the collection and processing of fish and fish tissue samples for analysis at an analytical lab,
• Being a part of other projects in the Washington Water Science Center, such as the Stormwater Action Monitoring stream surveys, or the Upper Columbia River sand and slag movement study.

Learning Objectives

You will gain exposure and familiarity with freshwater toxics monitoring information, methods, approaches, regional staff, and best management practices. You will learn current approaches for managing pollution data and decision frameworks for prioritizing chemical exposures and strategies on which stories to tell from the data and why. You will also be exposed to a variety of field approaches, SOPs, and techniques related to monitored toxics in freshwater systems and stream and river ecology.

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Patrick Moran (pwmoran@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

The anticipated appointment start date is July 1, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length

The appointment will initially be for 10 weeks, but may be renewed upon recommendation of DOI and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation

The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend

Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate.

Citizenship Requirements

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

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 USGS. Participants do not become employees of USGS, 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

If you have questions about the application process, please email USGS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The Qualified Candidate

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's or master's degree in the relevant fields listed above. Degree must have been received within the past four years, or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2029.

Qualification Requirements

- Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 48 months or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2029 12:00:00 AM.

Discipline(s)

• Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
• Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
• Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
• Earth and Geosciences (21 )
• Engineering (29 )
• Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
• Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
• Physics (16 )
• Science & Engineering-related (2 )
• Social and Behavioral Sciences (29 )

Connect with ORISE…on the GO!

Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

USGS Office/Lab and Location

The USGS Office/Lab and Location is Tacoma, Washington.

Connect with ORISE...

on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.