ORISE Participant

Research Project: This research project is investigating the development of Streamflow Duration Assessment Methods (SDAMs).

The development of SDAMs is a collaborative effort of the headquarters and field offices of the EPA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and two teams of contractors. For more information about the development of SDAMs, including recent publications, see https://www.epa.gov/streamflow-duration-assessment. 

The selected participant will contribute research to a project designed to help develop rapid site assessment methods for the identification of perennial, intermittent or ephemeral reaches. The research will support the development of final methods across the country and additional analysis of the data used to develop the methods such as evaluation of:

• Benthic macroinvertebrate and hydrophyte data to identify high performing indicators for distinguishing between ephemeral reaches versus intermittent or perennial reaches,
• The optimum regional boundaries for method accuracy and simplicity of implementation,
• Snow persistence on method selection,
• Optimal GIS indicators for inclusion in final SDAMs, and
• Continuous hydrologic and temperature data collected over multiple years across SDAM regions.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will:

• Learn about streamflow duration assessment method development and use nationally including applied research methods, analysis and publication of field manuals, traditional journal articles and training materials,
• Learn about the CWA regulatory and non-regulatory programs with particular emphasis on the Section 404 regulatory program,
• Interact with Office of Research and Development, regional and other agency staff and learn about the role of the headquarters and regional offices across agencies,
• Learn about tracking and analysis tools used to support program requirements and goals, including the 404 Resource Library website and DARTER (Data on Aquatic Resources Tracking for Effective Regulation), which houses permit action data,
• Play a role in data management for the multiple concurrent regional methods at different stages of development.

Mentor(s): The mentor(s) for questions about this opportunity is Brian Topping (topping.brian@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s) directly.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 2022.  All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.

Appointment Length: The appointment initially may be for one year and may be renewed upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.

EPA Security Clearance: Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required for an applicant to be on-boarded at EPA.

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 EPA. Participants do not become employees of EPA, 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.