' o p e r n t i v e e d u c a 11 o n presidential in a n a g e in e n t intern .< t a y - I n - s c h o o I s u m m e r e m p / <> y "' ^ " t <' " *' / '" <' n '» *' n t a I ion agency intern handicapped employment PRESERVING OUR FUTURE TODAY cooperative education m a n a t] e m e n t inter n stay-in- s c hoot ,< ti in in e r e m ploy in e n t e ti c i r o n in e n I a i p r o t e c t i t' n a tj e n c i/ t n I < r n RESERVING OUR FUTURE TODAY handicapped employment cooperative education p r e s i d e n t i a / m a n a a e in e n t t n t e r n : a y - i n - s c h o o I s u m m e r e in p I o y m e n t environ m e n t a I p r o t e c 11 o n ti <; t' /; c y i n t e r n PRESERVING OUR FUTURE TODAY > p ( / a t i i' t- e d u c a t i o n p r c s i d e n I i a I in a n a a e in e n t i n t c r n stay-in- s c b t> o / ,' u in m e r c in p I o i/ m c a t n v i r o n m e n t a i p r o t e c t i o n a tj e n c y RESERVING OUR WORKING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT STUDENT GUIDE internship h a n d i c a p p c d c in p to y ni c n t FUTURE TODAY cooperative education presidential in a n a $ c in e n I i n t e r n s t a y - t n - ,< c h <> o / n in in e r e m p I o y m c n I environmental protection agency intern PRESERVING OUR FUTURE TODAY /> n d i c I <> y m c n t ironmental protection agency intern PRESERVING OUR FUTURE TODAY ban d i c a p p e d e in p I o y m e n t c o o p e rail v e in I c r ash I p presidential m ana i) e m e n t intern s I a y - i n - s c h o o I s u m in c r e in p I o y in c n I c n v t r o n m e n I a I p /'<> lectio n a tj c n c y &EPA - iiii/> f ra t ii'f t r> u c a l i n n UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY i n I c r n h ,1 u />, ------- ENVIRONMENTAL CAREERS OFFER AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOMETHING WORTHWHILE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY AND YOUR COUNTRY. cT O J 0 CJ CO r , irorv. 3 ' IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL CAREERS AND THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY THIS BROCHURE HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR YOU. ------- PRESERVING OUR FUTURE TODAY EPAHiqhliqbb ** In 197-4, the Safe Drinking Water Act allowed EPA to establish regulations to limit the amount of various substances in water used for drinking. The new Clean Air Act contains provisions tor large reductions in emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides to combat acid rain. The new national goal for year 2000 is to reduce SO2 emissions nationwide by 10 million tons. ~ dhr The Resource and Recovery Act regulates hazardous wastes so they are properly treated and do not continue to spoil our earth's soils. Work is underway to reduce municipal solid waste by 25 percent through a combination of source reduction and recycling measures. The 1987 Clean Water Act amendments require certain industries to "pretreat" their wrastewater so that toxic chemicals and other harmful substances do not enter sewage systems that were not designed to treat them. ------- The challenges which are before us in the environmental arena will require professionals from many, many different backgrounds. The increase in environmental aware- ness is more than a trend, the environment is an issue continuously gaining importance in people's lives, politics, science and technolo- gy. Opportunities for meaningful and rewarding careers in meeting our environmen- tal goals will be as diverse as the environment itself. There will be an expanded range of opportunities in skilled administrative, profes- sional, and technical areas generated by national and state legislation, as well as grassroots activities. » But where will the jobs be? What should I study? Is there a need for special training? The most critical need will be for scientists and engineers. Scientists and engineers are instrumental in research and development; looking at new ways to address the concerns of how much of certain toxins are actually dangerous, develop- ing innovative technologies to promote pollution pre- vention, and exploring the important issues related to the interconnectedness of the biosphere. Scientists and engineers are also critical to the development of regulations based on their research, which will provide standards for industry, government, and individuals to maintain and improve our environment. The growth in opportunities in environmental law reflect the growing com- plexities of the regulations and the increased emphasis on enforcement. Attorneys are finding the environmental field rich with opportunity for public service, as well as, pri- vate sector careers working with industry. Critical skills in managing the business of the environment include such occupations as accountants, economists, writers, educators, technicians, computer specialists, information management specialists, and administrative specialists. From federal job opportunities to small grassroots organizations there are needs for talented, dedicated professionals who can design, implement and enforce environmentally sound programs. Environmental careers offer an excellent opportunity to do something worthwhile. ENVIRONMENTAL CAREERS IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY TO HELP THE EARTH, PLEASE REFER TO THE REFERENCES AT THE END OF THE BROCHURE. The need to preserve and protect our earth and its natural resources is important to you and me. It is important because we need clean air and water to live healthy lives; we need to be protected from hazardous and toxic substances; and we need to find ways to reduce the trash that we create to save our important land resources for use other than land fills. Many of you may already be "environmentally conscious" by being part of the effort to protect our Earth. For example, if you recycle cans, newspapers, and glass you are participating in ._ an effort to prevent pollution. Individuals will make a difference by making simple changes in their day-to-day lives like reducing the use of their automobile because of harmful emissions from the engine, reusing materials and recycling. ** The issues and challenges of protecting and cleaning the environment will also require teams of professionals to conduct research, develop regulations, provide on-going education, develop innovative technologies to reduce, reuse and recycle potential pollutants, and clean-up hazardous sites. «** If you want to learn more about environmental careers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this brochure has been prepared for you. * If you would like more information on what you can do today to help the Earth, please refer to the references at the end of the brochure. ------- CAREERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC SERVICE T here are many opportunities tor you to serve your nation and the global population through public service careers. You could choose to serve your local community or state, or participate on an international level with a private voluntary organization like the Sierra Club. '"* The people who work at the federal level for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are dedicated to improving and preserving the quality of the environment. Our nation's continuing growth and prosperity depend on our ability to find effective, creative solutions to environmental problems. Through team work and scientific discipline, EPA is determined to find those solutions and to make them work. ------- We're a dynamic team of diverse people dedicated to improving and preserving the quality of the environment. <"» The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was founded in December 1970 to consolidate the government's environmental INTRODUCTION TO EPA. . . regulatory activities into a single agency. Over the past 20 years, EPA has greatly expanded its scope and responsibilities in meeting environmental challenges. ** Located in Washington, D.C., EPA headquarters is divided into twelve offices: Office of the Administrator; Office of Water; Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response; Office of Air and Radiation; Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances; Office of Research and Development; Office of Administration and Resources Management; Office of Enforcement; Office of General Counsel; Office of Policy, " Planning and Evaluation; Office of International Activities; Office of Inspector General. These offices develop environmental policies, set standards, manage complex research and development programs, and develop regulations for pesticides, toxic substances, hazardous wastes, air, radiation and water. In addition, every EPA program office is developing new technologies designed to prevent pollution. ^» There are also ten Regional Offices which administer EPA programs and provide technical assistance to state, local and tribal governments. World-class research and development in all the environmental disciplines is carried out in our 20 research facilities. <"* At last count, EPA employed almost 19,000 and the numbers continue to grow. ------- Treatment and disposal of waste are not enough; po/iutants must be prevented from being generated in the first place. We have learned the inherent limitations of treating and burying waste. A problem solved in one pan of the environment may become a neu' problem in another part. We must curtail pollution closer to its point of origin so that it is not transferred from place to place. ------- SETTING STANDARDS EPA is responsible for setting standards that help protect the public's health and welfare. Whether this involves restricting pesticide use or setting emission levels for automobiles, EPA is taking steps to ensure a cleaner future. ENFORCEMENT AND MONITORING TRENDS FOR THE FUTURE T he Agency's philosophy has been to encourage voluntary compliance by private industry and communities, and ensure that state, local and tribal governments perform enforcement activities necessary to meet EPA standards. Various types of monitoring processes and activities exist within EPA. Some are broadly based monitoring programs that determine whether pollution levels and emissions are increasing or decreasing. Other methods of evaluation determine if the various abatement programs developed by EPA V EPA's 20 year efforts toward a cleaner environment and improved human health have been vigorous. Worldwide, the belief that industry cannot endure the restrictions of environmental controls, is being replaced by an awareness of industry's role in nurturing the environment. * Protecting the planet is a huge commitment and to be successful it will take everyone working together. Complementing EPA's efforts have been state, tribal and local governments, citizen's environmental organizations, and countless individuals, many of whom have been working on pollution control for years. EPA has developed five new themes which reflect future directions for ensuring a cleaner environ- ment: pollution prevention, voluntary action, reducing risks, economic incentives, protecting natural resources. It's time to develop a new pattern of environmental management working with nature. and state and local governments are as effective as they should be. ------- T hese positions are the most numerous at EPA. In addition, there are a wide variety of other professionals that support the Agency's mission such as writers, contract IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY TO HELP THE EARTH, PLEASE REFER TO THE REFERENCES Environmental scientists directly protect the environment, manage projects, and develop policies and regulations. Some also perform ecolog- ical research or testing so the EPA will have the reliable scientific data it f^-mt-m^t-rtf-rf needs to make decisions. Many environmental SCIEN1 I5T5 scientists become EPA generalists, as non- supervisory contributors, program managers, or supervisors. ;* All physical and biological science professionals have at least a bachelor's degree in their field, and many doing research in EPA laboratories have doctoral degrees. Project management experience, communication skills, skills in dealing with people, and knowledge of environmental laws and regulations are all helpful. Engineers work throughout the EPA, carrying r & f* ».i C C D C out research, regulation, and compliance functions. Many engineers go beyond "hands on" engineering. They may, for example, develop policy, write regulations to implement legislation, issue permits, or admin- ister regulations. Some engineers are experts on particular technologies, industries, or pollutants, advising the public, EPA offices and other governments. * EPA engineers look at more than engineering issues. They often work on multi-disciplinary teams and enjoy the breadth of outlook this provides. A bachelor's degree or greater will qualify you for an entry level position. We particularly seek individuals with majors in civil, chemi- cal, mining, geological and environmental engineering. u Attorneys at EPA provide an invaluable service to AT THE END OF THE BROCHURE. specialists, auditors and accountants, budget analysts, financial specialists and attorneys. the public by being part of the teams which develop regulations consistent with legislation, serve as legal advisers in the development of policy, assist in resolving legal, technical, and enforcement issues, and serve as EPA s ^VTTORNE trial staff before administrative tribunals. To do this, EPA lawyers must become familiar with complex areas of environmental science, public- health, or the technology of specific types of pollution control. Attorneys are also important to administrative business at EPA, such as in the area of contract management. Law school graduates are eligible for appoint- ment to attorney positions. ; |^|««i p Q |L| » p |^| Environmental Protection Specialists (EPS) perform a wide variety of PROTECTION SPECIALISTS duties in EPA The work of an EPS often overlaps with the work of professional engineering and scientific positions. » An EPS in a region often oversees the environ- mental plans and activities of state and local municipalities. The EPS gives technical guidance and helps develop sound plans and programs. EPS's conduct research related to environmental problems and they may develop environmental protection regula- tions, policies, and guidance. Oral communication skills are necessary when negotiating and coordinating complex environmental issues. Most EPS have strong research and analytical abilities. ------- FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE N, lational commitment to higher education is demonstrated by the many finan- cial assistance programs that are available to students in this country. The door to greater career opportunity is opening wider than ever before to many who have been excluded in the past, such as women, Hispanics, African-Americans, Native Americans, people with disabilities and others. In setting career goals, students should keep in mind the many programs designed to help them finance their edu- cation. » Millions of students receive financial assistance every year. Any student who is not sure where to find help should consult teachers, guidance counselors, libraries and university student aid offices. * Some programs are designed specifically for minority students, others are designed for stu- dents from low-income families. Some programs have been developed for those interested in certain fields of study, such as engineering. » Besides federal programs, there are scholarship programs maintained at individ- ual universities, as well as programs operated by businesses and private foundations. Some of the fed- eral programs worth looking into are developed by the U.S. Office of Education, the National Science Foundation receive work experience at EPA facilities. and the U.S. Department of Energy. » Above all, don't wait. There are so many options for you Through cooperative education, internships, and volunteer oppor- to consider that it may take some time but is well worth the effort. tunities you may get a first hand look at working in the public _ service. Please refer to our EPA offices and other brochures for STUDENT WO There are a number ot programs designed especially for students to more information. ------- T here are other brochures and pamphlets available to those interested in pursuing careers with the EPA. If you have not already received the information you need, please call your nearest EPA office and ask for the Human Resources Office. For information on how to help and what to look for call or write EPA's Public Information Center (202) 260-2080, PM 21 IB, 401 M Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460. SOURCES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CAREER INFORMATION Environmental Newsletters Environmental Opportunities Box 670 Walpole, NH 03608 Job-Scan The Student Conservation Association., Inc. P.O. Box 550 Charleston, NH 03603 The Job Seeker Rt. 2, Box 16 Warrens, Wl 54666 The Nature People Career Services P.O. Box 98 Warrens, Wl 54666 Environmental Careers Circulation Dept 760 Whalers Way Suite 100-A Fort Collins, CO 80525 Environmental Periodicals Resource Recycling P.O. Box 10540 Portland, OR 97210-9893 Biocycle Journal of Waste Recycling Emmaus, PA 18049 Buzzworm P.O. Box 6853 Syracuse, NY 13217-7930 E: The Environmental Magazine P.O. Box 6667 Syracuse, NY 13217-7934 Garbage P.O. Box 51647 Boulder, CO 80321-1647 Environmental References The Complete Guide to Environmental Careers Island Press Box 7, Dept. 4CC Covelo, CA 95428 * EPA HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICES EPA Headquarters 401 M Street, SW Room 3020 Washington, DC 20460 202 260-3266 Regional Offices EPA Region 1 JFK Office Building Boston, MA 02203 617 565-3719 EPA Region 2 26 Federal Plaza New York, NY 10278 212 264-0016 EPA Region 3 841 Chestnut Street 8th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 215 597-8922 EPA Region 4 345 Courtland Street NE Atlanta, GA 30365 404 347-3486 EPA Region 5 77 West Jackson Blvd (MP-4J) Chicago, IL 60604 312 353-2026 EPA Region 6 1445 Ross Avenue (6M-HP) 12th Floor Dallas, TX 75202-2733 214 655-6560 EPA Region 7 726 Minnesota Avenue Kansas City, KS 66101 913 551-7041 EPA Region 8 999 18th Street Suite 500 Denver, CO 80202-2405 303 293-1487 Earth First P.O. Box 5871 Tucson, AZ 85703 602 622-1371 Environmental Action (EA) 1525 New Hampshire Ave. NW Friends of the Earth 21 8 D Street, SE Washington DC 20003 202 544-2600 WorldWatch P.O. Box 6991 Syracuse, NY 1321 7-9942 Environmental Organizations Citizens for a Better Environment (Pollution Control) 33 E. Congress Suite 523 Chicago, IL 60605 312 939-1530 Washington D.C. 20031 202 745-4870 Friends of the Earth 21 80 Street, SE Washington DC 20003 202 544-2600 ^l> National Clean Air Coalition (NCAC) 801 Pennsylvania Ave. SE 3rd Rcor Washington DC 20003 202 543-8200 National Energy Foundation (Environmental Education) 5160 Wiley Post Way Suite 200 Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801 539-1406 Sierra Club 730 Polk Street San Francisco, CA 94109 415 776-2211 EPA does not necessarily endorse these publications. This list is provided as a sample of available information EPA Region 9 75 Hawthorne Street San Francisco, CA 94102 415 744-1300 EPA Region 10 1200 Sixth Avenue Seattle, WA 98101 206 553-2959 Research and Dsvelopment Laboratories EPA MD-29 Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 919 541-4268 EPA 26 W Martin Luther King Dr Cincinnati, OH 45268 513 569-7812 EPA P.O. Box 98516 Las Vegas, NV 89193-8516 702 798-2401 Also serves labs in: Ada, OK Athens, GA Corvallis, OR Duluth, MN Edison, NJ Grosse lie, Ml Gulf Breeze, FLA Narragansett, Rl Newport, OR Warrenton, VA Field Offices EPA Building 53 Box 25227(DFC) Denver, CO 80225 303 236-5114 EPA 2526 Plymouth Road Ann Arbor, Ml 48105 313 668-4220 ------- Another way to help our environment pass these materials on to another interested environmentalist. Reuse, Recycle, Restore. i i ' ERA recognizes the value of lan Resources edicated to c force. To this end, EPA's olicy is to provide equal employment opportunity for everyone; to prohibit discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability; and to promote the full realization of equal employment opportunities on the basis of merit and fitness through a continuing affirmative employment program. ------- United States Environmental Protection Agency National Recruitment Program (PM 224) Washington DC 20460 EPA210-K92-010 August 1992 Morg Abend printed on recycled paper ------- |