Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration
Division Director

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As director of the Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration Division (GWERD), you will:

• Work with a Operating Budget (FY 08) of approximately $12.2 million
  of which:
  
  • 48% Payroll
    
  • 38% Extramural
    
  • 10% Expense     
  • 3% Travel
    
  • 1%  Repairs & Improvements
• Have access to resources to pursue innovative projects
• Collaborate with the world’s foremost authorities on the science, study, and application of risk management research
• Be the public voice for our Ground Water and Ecosystems research
• Investigate emerging environmental problems and the science needed to solve those problems
• Facilitate the implementation of research projects
• Monitor research results
• Plan and lead activities and events

Salary Range: This appointment is offered at a highly competitive, market-based salary: $145,290.00–$200,000.00 USD per year, depending on qualifications, experience, and other factors.

Application Period: Job Announcement coming soon. Watch here for information regarding opening and closing dates!

Position Information: This full-time appointment is renewable after a five-year term.

Duty Location: Ada, Oklahoma (To Learn more about Ada, OK and Surrounding Areas)

Who May Be Considered: Applications will be accepted from U.S. citizens and noncitizens, as allowed by appropriations and statute.

Using your valuable experience, you will direct an interdisciplinary research program in ground water and ecosystems restoration, enhance coordination of ground water and ecosystems research within and outside of EPA, and communicate the impact of the research to EPA regulators, the scientific community, and the public.

The Exciting Details

The innovative Ground Water and Ecosystems research program includes:

• Chemical, physical, and biological processes and kinetics of contaminant behavior in the subsurface
• Interface between biogeochemical cycling in subsurface and surface environments
• Ecosystem-level processes and kinetics that control water quality at the watershed scale

You will have substantial hands-on involvement and participation in the scientific research of the division. Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Provide leadership in ground water and ecosystems restoration technology as you head a research program integrated with activities of the respective ORD laboratories or centers, and serve as a spokesperson for that program
• Assess needs, define goals, and develop long- and short-range program plans and projects
• Establish the organizational structure of the division; delegate authority and responsibility
• Allocate dollar and manpower resources within broad budgetary limitations
• Establish the optimal intramural vs. extramural (contract and grant effort) balance
• Review and evaluate progress and performance of these activities, and take independent corrective actions as necessary
• Coordinate division activities with representatives of foreign, state, and municipal governments, and with other federal agencies, industry, academia, and private organizations

See the full Position Description (PDF) (3 pp, 20 KB)

About the Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration Division

The Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration Division (GWERD) in Ada, Oklahoma, is one of six research divisions of EPA's National Risk Management Research Laboratory. GWERD conducts research and provides technical assistance to support the development of strategies and technologies to protect and restore ground water, surface water, and ecosystems impacted by human-made and natural events. The division's research programs include basic studies to enhance understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that control the transport of mass and energy in surface and subsurface ecosystems through the movement of water; laboratory and field studies to develop and evaluate the means to protect and restore ground and surface water; studies to evaluate the benefits of efforts to restore and manage ecosystems; and studies of the impacts of concentrated animal feeding operations on water quality. The division has an active technical assistance program to provide support and transfer research results to the EPA Regional Offices, state and municipal environmental organizations.

GWERD is organized into four research areas:

Ecosystem and Subsurface Protection - The Ecosystem and Subsurface Protection Branch conducts research into assessing potential impacts of manmade and natural processes (physical, chemical, and biological) on aquatic (surface and subsurface) and terrestrial systems, and ecosystems, with the goal of developing strategies for mitigation of these impacts on receptor environments. Their focus is not only on ground water, but also on surface water systems and contaminant transport through surface/ground water interactions. Attainment of this goal is through the development of strategies for the mitigation and remediation of anthropogenic stressors through ecosystem restoration alternatives to promote the long-term viability and sustainability of the nation's natural resources.

Subsurface Remediation - The Subsurface Remediation Branch conducts research into defining the chemical, physical and biological processes that affect the fate, transport, and remediation of contaminants in the subsurface. Their focus is on organic and inorganic compounds or elements recognized as priority contaminants of concern to the public, EPA Regions and Program Offices, as well as other government agencies. A primary aim of the research is the development of more efficient and cost-effective remediation strategies for clean-up of contaminated subsurface environments.

Applied Research and Technical Support - The Applied Research and Technical Support Branch is responsible for communicating and applying GWERD's technical expertise to Agency problems in all areas of environmental science. The primary focus is on assessing remediation strategies at Superfund, RCRA and other contaminated sites and providing assistance in implementation of remediation technologies and input to Agency policy issues for the EPA Regional and Program Offices. Select one of the choices on the bottom to find out more about any of the federal staff in GWERD's Applied Research and Technical Support Branch.

Technical and Administrative Support - The Technical and Administrative Support Staff is responsible for providing and maintaining the infrastructure necessary for carrying out the mission of the GWERD. This includes the management of the on-site research technical and analytical support; facility operation and maintenance; computer and telecommunications; human resources; financial management; quality program; health; safety; and environmental compliance; purchasing and payments; travel; property; and the administrative processing of all contracts, grants, IAGs, and COOPs. This also includes capital equipment coordination, building and facility coordination, and FOIA and FMFIA management.