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Careers in EPA’s Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery
- Law/Policy
- Administration
- Science/Mathematics
- Engineering
- Communications/Human Resources
- Computers
- Economics/Finance
Law/Policy
Attorney | Attorney Advisor | Special Assistant to the Director
Attorney
I’m Laurie, and I am an environmental attorney for the Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery (ORCR). I first became interested in the environment as a law student when I wrote a paper on acid rain policy in the United States. Researching and writing that paper affected me greatly and I decided to help protect the environment by working for EPA.
As an attorney for EPA, my job responsibilities include acting as co-chair of a 30-person work group consisting of representatives from five states, five regional offices, and EPA headquarters. The work group is charged with analyzing various state and industry Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requirements (like those covering landfills and incinerators) to identify and recommend where we can ease these requirements while, at the same time, maintaining the protection of human health and the environment.
My job requires strong analytical, research, oral, and written communication skills. I really enjoy the challenge of using these abilities to impact and protect human health and the environment.
Education: Bachelor of Science and Law Degree (JD)
Attorney Advisor
Hi, I’m Leslie, and I work for EPA as an attorney advisor. I provide legal advice and expertise on a variety of ORCR issues such as EPA and state relations, new environmental rules, and litigation. My workday usually involves talking to EPA’s Office of General Counsel, fielding phone calls from EPA’s regional offices and the public, and reviewing and preparing various legal documents.
I like my job because I often get to interact with the public. The opportunity to communicate and explain complicated rules on a level that others can understand is both challenging and fulfilling.
Education: Bachelor of Science and Law Degree (JD)
Previous Experience: Before my current position, I worked for four years as an assistant regional counsel for EPA Region 4. Prior to law school, I worked as a research technician at Duke University Medical Center. I also was a panelist at the International World Conference of the Deaf in Pasadena, California, and the Durham City Schools Conference on the Deaf in Durham, North Carolina.
Special Assistant to the Director
My name is Chip and I am a Special Assistant to the Director of the ORCR. My job is to help coordinate and review regulatory and policy development activities that deal with RCRA for ORCR and other EPA offices.
In the course of a day, I might review rulemakings and policy documents, correspond with other EPA employees or the public about RCRA, and attend RCRA meetings with other ORCR staff. In addition I prepare speeches for the director and deputy director of ORCR and ensure their preparedness for both internal and external meetings.
I like my job because I am able to work on many different types of projects with different deadlines. Doing something new every day and interacting with all of the EPA offices, various states, and the public makes my job enjoyable. I get to see work that is being done at EPA outside of ORCR and have a good handle on what is happening with RCRA.
Education: Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Environmental Science (in progress)
Previous Experience: Before coming to EPA, I was associate director for RCRA Advocacy for the Chemical Manufacturers Association, a Regulatory Analyst for Bryan Cave LLP, an Environmental Consultant at Booz, Allen & Hamilton, an Environmental Scientist for Geo Resource Consultants, and an Information Specialist for the RCRA/Superfund Hotline.
Administration
Director | Project Officer | Office Manager
Director
Hello, I’m Bob, director of the Resource Conservation and Sustainability Division (RCSD) of the Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery (ORCR). I manage the ORCR division which works to conserve natural resources and protect human health and environment from risks posed by nonhazardous solid waste. Specifically, I develop and review technical information in order to develop policies and guidance for solid waste prevention, recycling, treatment, and disposal. Additionally, I supervise and encourage the career development of individuals at various levels. I enjoy working with my staff and find it very rewarding to work on regulations, guidance, and outreach materials that have made a positive impact in environmental protection.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
Advice: In order to be a good manager, it is important to provide support for the staff, treat everyone fairly, and respect each individual. For people entering this field, it is important to have a basic understanding of scientific principles, but it is even more essential to be able to communicate effectively. In this job, I deal regularly with other government officials at the federal, state, and local level; business and industry; the environmental community; and the public.
Previous Experience: Prior to joining EPA, I worked for a small company that built air pollution detection equipment.
Project Officer
My name is Gordon, and I am a project officer for RCSD. As a project officer, I often work with EPA’s contractors and our contracts with them. With such a large volume of work to accomplish, EPA hires private sector consulting firms (contractors) to perform some of that work. Specifically, my job is to evaluate contractor work proposals, provide contract administration support, and initiate procurement activities. Some of my day-to-day activities include monitoring overall contract performance, providing technical guidance to EPA employees about contracts, reviewing contract documentation to ensure legality and accuracy, analyzing technical and financial progress reports, and certifying monthly vouchers for contractor payment. I enjoy working with my EPA colleagues helping them resolve contractual issues. The support of staff like me allows them to continue protecting human health and the environment.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Finance and International Business
Advice: In many ways, a project officer’s duties combine the work of an accountant with that of a lawyer. Therefore, a detailed understanding of cost analysis and good writing skills are necessary. In addition, a project officer must possess technical knowledge of the work that is performed under the contract. For this reason, I recommend that students interested in pursuing a career in contract management take courses in a variety of subjects including math, English, science, and history.
Previous Experience: Prior to joining EPA, I was an analyst at a small consulting firm.
Office Manager
Hi, I’m Sharon. I am the office manager for the director of ORCR. The majority of my time is spent as a liaison between the director’s office and other office managers. On a daily basis, I am responsible for arranging the director’s schedule and providing clerical support. I also help other office managers, clerical, and technical staff develop reports and briefings. In addition, I answer general questions about the program office. I enjoy using my organizational and verbal skills to assist EPA staff. Furthermore, my job allows me to meet a variety of people.
Education: Associate’s Degree in Administrative Management
Previous Experience: While in high school, I worked as a student aide for the American Institute of Architects and in college I worked as a clerk-typist at the United States Department of Justice.
Science/Mathematics
Geologist | Geologist | Chemist | Statistician | Toxicologist
Geologist
Hello, I’m Virginia. As a geologist, I oversee groundwater modeling, a process that uses computers and mathematical computations to evaluate how contaminants move through groundwater systems. The results of this modeling are used for waste management rulemaking and guidance development. I also write technical papers for the public and EPA personnel and help explain geo-chemical issues and terminology.
My job is rewarding because it’s technologically challenging. I enjoy developing new kinds of software that serve as reliable modeling instruments. I also like working on pollution issues that are important to the general public.
Education: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy
Advice: The field of geology requires a strong background in chemistry and mathematics.
Previous Experience: Before working for EPA, I worked with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the US Geological Survey. I also was a chemistry professor and a consultant for various oil companies.
Geologist
My name is Bonnie, and I’ve been a geologist at EPA for the past 8 years. As a member of the Corrective Actions Program, I work on projects that clean up hazardous waste. My job is to provide technical support in groundwater monitoring and site characterization. Groundwater monitoring wells are required at hazardous waste management facilities to make sure that hazardous waste releases from these sites to ground water are detected and to implement remediation (cleanup) of the contamination as soon as possible. The ultimate goal of this program is to protect human health and the environment.
As an EPA geologist, I provide technical assistance on the geological analysis of environmental issues to various states, EPA regional offices, industry, and environmental groups. We respond to requests from these groups for information about ongoing projects, publications, data sources, remediation procedures, innovative technologies for specific cases, and clarification of EPA regulations and guidance. I also coordinate with others to develop guidance documents for EPA regulations, briefings, and presentations to EPA and public entities such as states, industry, and environmental organizations.
I enjoy what I do because I get to work on a wide variety of projects. That variety makes my work very interesting. The most fulfilling part, though, is being able to apply my knowledge of geological science to solve real environmental problems.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Geology
Previous Experience: Before working for EPA, I was a petroleum geologist and project manager for oil and gas exploration and production projects in the western and central United States. Prior to that, I developed computer maps of environmental data for the US Geological Survey. As a student intern at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, I studied the mineralogy of Central American volcanic rocks.
Chemist
I’m Barry, and I’m a chemist for EPA’s Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery (ORCR). As the National Organic Methods Program Manager, I am responsible for developing the environmental analytical methods for organic compounds used for data gathering for the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) program group. The Methods Team is responsible for compiling all types of analytical methods appropriate for use in the RCRA program and publishing them in a guidance manual.
I also represent ORCR on EPA’s Environmental Monitoring Management Council and participate in a variety of its activities, including developing criteria for the accreditation of environmental laboratories, resolving cross-EPA analytical methods issues, and developing training modules to support analytical chemistry issues and policies.
In my day-to-day activities, I offer technical assistance to other EPA offices and regions, states, and the private sector on technical and regulatory chemistry issues. In addition, I write articles for journals and speak at national and international conferences. I also assist in maintaining EPA’s state-of-the-art analytical chemistry technology.
The best part about my job is the amount of flexibility it allows. I really enjoy initiating new methods development projects and running my own organic methods programs. Environmental chemistry is a tough field to get into, but science, in general, is very exciting in the United States today.
Education: Bachelor and Master of Science in Chemistry
Previous Experience: Prior to joining the EPA team, I worked in private industry for 17 years as an analytical chemist and laboratory manager in a variety of industries including food, detergents, and fats and oils. I also managed environmental laboratories where I solved chemical problems.
Statistician
My name is Barnes. Although I am now the chief of the Economics and Risk Analysis Staff, I have experience as a statistician in ORCR. An ORCR statistician helps other employees systematically evaluate and use data for planning studies. This job requires an understanding of the variability in measurement with respect to environmental science. It also provides an opportunity to work with engineers, scientists, and industry representatives to address the issue of scientific uncertainty in environmental problems. Each day, an ORCR statistician reviews and evaluates scientific data and data collection strategies. In addition, he or she graphs, plots, and presents the data at legislative decision-making meetings.
I liked the multidisciplinary nature of being a statistician in ORCR because it allowed me to work with people from other fields such as engineering, toxicology, economics, and chemistry. I also enjoyed the challenge of working on environmental problems that are affected by numerous variables.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Fisheries and Statistics
Advice: The best advice I have for those interested in pursuing a career as a statistician is to build a comprehensive knowledge of statistics and apply that knowledge to a variety of scientific disciplines.
Previous Experience: Prior to joining EPA, I worked at a Marine Research Center providing consulting and statistical services.
Toxicologist
Hello, I’m Greg. I’m an environmental protection specialist and my background is in toxicology. I develop and collect scientific data to identify and measure the hazards of waste. With this information, I help EPA decide whether waste should be controlled and identified as hazardous.
On a daily basis, I plan, execute, and review hazardous waste studies. Then I try to decide what all of those studies mean when they are considered together, and how EPA should react to them. In other words, I help decide what environmental regulations or programs EPA should create in response to the hazardous waste studies. I also attend meetings on hazardous waste issues with industry representatives, officials from other government agencies, and international visitors.
I like my job because I get to confront questions about which environmental problems are important, and I also get to try to find the answers. It’s exciting to help decide what EPA should do to control hazardous waste and who should be responsible for those actions. My job also allows me to interact with a variety of people who are interested in how EPA controls the hazards of waste, such as industry representatives, state environmental program staff, international representatives, and members of other government agencies like the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy, or Department of Defense.
Education: Bachelor of Science and Master of Science
Previous Experience: Before working on hazardous waste, I worked in EPA’s Office of Drinking Water on regulations for lead, copper, and radiation in drinking water. Previously, I worked as a contractor, performing pesticide toxicity studies and environmental policy analysis.
Engineering
Environmental Engineer | Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Hi, I’m Larry, and I’m an environmental engineer at EPA’s Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery (ORCR). I set Clean Air Act standards for facilities that handle hazardous waste. I attend and facilitate work group meetings to develop regulations. I work with representatives from all of EPA’s offices—those from headquarters as well as the 10 regions—and state representatives. My job also requires a large amount of writing.
I enjoy what I do because I get to work on high priority projects that receive a lot of attention. I like having the chance to set standards that will make a difference in people’s lives. I also like that my job allows me to do international work and trave
Education: Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering Administration
Advice: An environmental engineering degree is not necessary to become an environmental engineer. All engineering fields have environmental implications.
Previous Experience: Before I came to EPA, I managed storage facilities for the Navy for seven years.
Engineer
I’m Javier, an EPA engineer. I manage and resolve discrepancies in the interpretation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). I read, analyze, and respond to letters that ask questions about the technical applications of RCRA. I also interact with the people that RCRA affects, such as industry representatives and hazardous waste managers. I enjoy being an EPA engineer because my coworkers bring a variety of academic and professional experiences to the workplace. I like that my job requires insight on and analysis of EPA regulations and regulatory documents.
Education: Bachelor of Science
Previous Experience: Prior to working for EPA, I researched and developed solid waste management machinery. I also managed environmental remediation projects at the Naval Facilities Engineering Command.
Communications/Human Resources
Communications Specialist | Human Resources Specialist
Communications Specialist
Hello, my name is Wendy. As a communications specialist for EPA’s Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery (ORCR), my job is to keep the public informed about hazardous and solid waste programs through communication, outreach, and education initiatives. As a member of the Communications Services Staff, I create ORCR publications, work on environmental education projects, and distribute outreach materials at national conferences.
I enjoy my job for several reasons. I get to work on a variety of projects and like working with people. I feel that outreach and communication initiatives are key elements of successful environmental protection initiatives. It’s fun to go to work every day when you believe in what you do and can see that it makes a difference in people’s lives.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy
Advice: My advice for working with the ‘people’ side of environmental problems is to develop a strong background in the sciences as well as in policy and communications.
Previous Experience: In college, I was an environmental education teacher and coordinator. Before my current EPA position, I was a summer intern for EPA Region 10 Headquarters in Seattle, Washington. I got this internship through the EPA National Network for Environmental Management Studies Program. My project was to create a publication summarizing the success of the environmental education grants Region 10 implemented from 1992 through 1996.
Human Resources Specialist
Hi, my name is Marlyn. I serve as the principal staff assistant to the ORCR director of the Program Management, Communications, and Analysis Office on matters relating to administrative services and training. My specific responsibilities include leading and mentoring team members, directing work performed by contractors, and planning financial resources management to support ORCR.
I help ensure that the work of the team is organized around objectives and milestones related to administrative services (e.g., personnel, space and facilities, training, procurement, and contracts). I analyze and recommend management actions, new management systems, and procedures and methods to help ORCR accomplish its program goals.
I like my job because each day presents a new set of staff requirements and priorities. It’s fast paced and people oriented. I enjoy change and welcome every day as an opportunity to do something new and different.
Education: I do not have a degree. However, today’s job market is different than when I started working. Today, most people hired for my position have degrees in either business administration, business management, psychology, or sociology. This knowledge is required, particularly in the area of employee relations and labor relations, to effectively deal with conflict, resolution, and labor negotiations.
Previous Experience: Prior to accepting this position at EPA, I was a branch chief with the National Institutes of Health, responsible for administratively managing an annual budget of $110 million, a division staff of 600, and a personal staff of 18 administrative officers, procurement and contracts personnel, assistants, and clerks. I have been a federal employee for 30 years and have spent 20 of those years in management positions.
Computers
Webmaster
My name is Chuck, and I manage ORCR’s World Wide website. Our goal is to use Internet technology to make information about resource conservation, waste management, regulations, and EPA programs readily available to the public. On a daily basis, I manage the tasks associated with posting information on the website. This includes ensuring that the information meets EPA requirements for public release. I also monitor and repair files on the site as necessary, provide training to ORCR staff on posting information, design and assist in the design of other sites, and represent my program office at EPA work groups that focus on the development of Internet policy. I enjoy knowing that I am able to help my colleagues accomplish their tasks and assist the public in obtaining valuable information.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Master’s course work in Technology Management
Previous Experience: Before coming to ORCR, I worked for EPA at the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, developing automated information products for the public and providing program and computer support to EPA personnel.
Computer Analyst
Hello, my name is Liza, and I’m an EPA computer analyst. My job has two main components—computer support (e.g., personal computers, printers, local area network, etc.) and Intranet and Extranet management. I provide the computer/information systems tools necessary for EPA’s Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery (ORCR) staff to function effectively in a professional work environment. My daily activities include helping ORCR staff with their computer problems, upgrading equipment and software infrastructure in ORCR, and managing the ORCR Intranet and Extranet Web sites. I also stay on top of the newest advances in the field of information technologies. I like my job because I can use technology to improve how my office and its staff function and make ORCR a better place to work. I also ensure that EPA is more responsive to its customers, the American public. I enjoy working at EPA, rather than in the private sector, because I believe in EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment.
Education: Bachelor of Science in History and International Affairs and continuing education in the field of information technology.
Advice: A successful computer analyst must be able to think logically, problem solve, and communicate effectively with nontechnical staff. The information technology field is continually evolving, therefore, change is one of the few constants in the field. A specific skill, such as knowledge of a programming language or network certification, is only a stepping stone to a career that includes learning new technologies and attempting to stay on top of the latest advances.
Previous Experience: Before I came to EPA, I worked at an environmental consulting firm.
Economics/Finance
Economist | Management Analyst
Economist
Hi, I’m Glenn, an economist for EPA’s Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery (ORCR). My principal task is to provide information to EPA managers and help them understand the consequences of alternative actions they might take. The consequences of these actions are framed in terms of benefits and costs. Benefits could include improvements to ground water, reduced health problems caused by improper waste disposal, reduced damage to ecological resources, reduced cleanup costs in the future, and many more. The category of costs could include the cost to government agencies of implementing a program or the cost to the community in complying with new regulations. Sometimes an environmental program that cleans up one place can cause an environmental problem in a different area. This, too, would be considered a cost of implementing the regulation or program.
My job is to clarify tradeoffs between these costs and benefits and present them in an organized and understandable fashion for decision-makers. I analyze these costs, benefits, and tradeoffs in a report called the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA). The RIA describes (1) the environmental problem to be addressed, (2) the options that EPA has considered to deal with the problem, and (3) all of the costs and benefits (or “pros and cons”) associated with each option. These benefits and costs will involve changes in environmental quality, human health, resource conservation, and many other areas. The economist may also show the incidence of benefits and costs; that is, who gains and loses. Frequently, the benefits of a regulation or program may go to one socioeconomic group or industry, while the costs are borne by others. Decision-makers often want to know how the benefits and costs are distributed among different groups in society.
My typical workday includes performing cost-benefit analyses on regulatory issues. I work in teams with environmental engineers and risk assessors on long-term projects, like analyzing how industries use chemicals that may be regulated, or the costs and benefits of recycling municipal solid waste. The work can be very theoretical at times, but usually deals with analyzing large amounts of data. Economists in ORCR spend a lot of time with computer spreadsheets and databases.
I like my job because most projects are interdisciplinary, which means I get to work with a variety of people. I also enjoy the challenge of applying analytical skills to environmental problems. Overall, I think environmental economics is a great field to explore because it’s still new. There’s still a great amount of uncharted ground to be covered.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Master of Science in Department of Economics
Previous Experience: I worked as a consultant in the private sector, providing policy analysis on contract for various offices at EPA and other federal agencies.
Management Analyst
Hi, I’m Bill, a management analyst in ORCR. My job is to work on the team that formulates, creates, and executes the budget for ORCR. My daily activities include writing budget justifications to Congress, creating planning proposals, and developing workload models to distribute financial resources within ORCR.
I like my job because it requires a thorough knowledge of all program divisions throughout ORCR.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Public Administration
Previous Experience: While in the Peace Corps, I was an administrative officer. I also have worked as a financial specialist for the African Development Foundation and as a financial officer for the International Science and Technology Institute.
