Internship Opportunity at the EPA

OFFICE OF WATER

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY

Washington, DC

Project # EPA, EPA Water 2009

Water Efficiency Team Internship, Municipal Support Division

About the Program: The WaterSense® Program is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) partnership program working to increase the adoption of water-efficient products and services across the country. By reaching out to organizations and fostering public-private partnerships, we can greatly reduce water demand and realize major environmental, public health, and economic benefits by helping to improve water quality, maintain aquatic ecosystems, and protect drinking water resources.

The specific objectives of the program are to: reduce indoor and outdoor water use by making water-efficient products and practices more prevalent; help consumers differentiate among products and services; ensure product performance; promote innovation in product development and design; and support state and local water efficiency efforts.

Project Description: The Municipal Support Division (MSD) is in the Office of Wastewater Management within the EPA’s Office of Water. MSD is looking for an individual who is interested in the environment and the development of strategies that use market forces to encourage the adoption of more environmentally friendly technologies. The individual will experience, first hand, the analytical evaluation that goes into the development of a voluntary program. Also, the intern will have the opportunity to help develop, shape and promote program messages.

Specific Tasks: The intern will assist staff and senior management in the following activities: developing content for the WaterSense Web site and other program publications; drafting briefing materials for administration officials; conducting and analyzing target market and industry research; managing program outreach materials; assisting with program evaluation; performing administrative duties; and attending meetings with principals to discuss program development.

Expected Results: The intern will gain practical skills and knowledge in the area of water efficiency, public-private partnerships, market data analysis, conveying technical information to the business community, federal program development and program evaluation. He/she will also gain insight into federal government processes and contribute to the development of a variety of tools and materials to provide better information and guidance to the public on the benefits of water efficiency.

Intern Qualifications and Skills: The applicant should have received a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, environmental science/studies or a related field within three years of the desired starting date. The intern should have an interest in the area of water and water efficiency. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential. The intern should have experience in a variety of computer applications. The ability to think creativity is a must!

Stipend and Tenure: The appointment will initially be full time for a one-year period and may be renewed for additional years depending on the availability of funding. The annual stipend will be up to the equivalent of a GS 7 step 1 ($39,330 or $18.90 per hour) depending on education and experience. No travel or relocation expenses will be paid. The appointee will not be considered an employee of EPA.

The EPA mentor for this project is Virginia D. Lee, (202)564-0671, lee.virginiad@epa.gov.

The Internship Program for EPA Water is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. Please refer to the ORISE website to find the notice and application instructions (http://orise.orau.gov/sep/needs/rgneeds.htm).