USGS Design and Implementation Long-Term Monitoring Program Toxics in Rivers

How To Apply

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of the opportunity and click APPLY.

• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.
• A current resume/CV covering academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list.
• Two educational or professional recommendations.
• All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). Reference Code: DOI-USGS-2026-29.

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Research opportunity with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) located in Tacoma, Washington.

The USGS and EPA Region 10 partnership addresses a recent amendment to the Clean Water Act (Amendment 123), directing EPA to develop a geographically based program to monitor and reduce toxics in the Columbia River Basin. The project seeks to design and implement a long‑term monitoring program across the basin, focused on toxics in fish, sediment, and water, using both historical data and current field activities.

The primary activity for this initial, summertime opportunity is to consolidate, review, summarize, and begin analysis of historical toxics monitoring data in fish, sediment, and water of the Columbia River Basin. Multiple datasets exist that require review and early analysis under guidance of the principal investigators. Additional learning opportunities may include collecting or processing samples for shipment to analytical laboratories, planning sample collection and processing of fish and tissue samples, and participation in other Washington Water Science Center projects such as the Stormwater Action Monitoring stream surveys or the Upper Columbia River sand and slag movement study.

• Gain exposure to freshwater toxics monitoring information, methods, approaches, regional staff, and best management practices.
• Learn current approaches for managing pollution data and developing decision frameworks to prioritize chemical exposures.
• Examine field approaches, SOPs, and techniques related to monitored toxics in freshwater systems and stream and river ecology.

Patrick Moran (pwmoran). For questions about the research, contact the mentor.

• Start date:
  
  July 1 2026 (flexible). Start date will depend on factors.
• Appointment length:
  Initially 10 weeks, may be renewed on recommendation of DOI and contingent on funding.
• Level of participation:
  Full time.
• Participant stipend:
  Stipend rate may vary based on opportunity, location, education, and experience. Inquiries about exact stipend rate can be made during interview; offer will include monthly stipend rate.
• Citizenship requirements:
  Available to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and foreign nationals. Non‑U.S. citizen applicants should refer to guidelines for valid immigration statuses.

This program is administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). Participants are not employees of USGS, DOE or the program administrator, and have no employment‑related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required; insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions about the application process: email USGS. Include the reference code for this opportunity.

• Degree:
  Bachelor's or Master's in a relevant field (Chemistry, Earth and Geosciences, Engineering, Environmental and Marine Sciences, Life Health and Medical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, or other applicable disciplines), received within past four years or anticipated by 6/1/2029.

• Degree awarded within last 48 months or anticipated by 6/1/2029.
• Discipline(s):
  Chemistry and Materials Sciences (including Analytical Chemistry, Bio‑inorganic Chemistry, Bio‑organic Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry, Chemistry General, Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Sciences, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry);
  Communications and Graphics Design;
  Computer, Information, and Data Sciences;
  Earth and Geosciences;
  Engineering;
  Environmental and Marine Sciences;
  Life Health and Medical Sciences;
  Mathematics and Statistics;
  Physics;
  Science & Engineering‑related;
  Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Rachel.