The U.S. EPA provides geospatial watershed data on 2.6 million stream segments and nearly 40,000 lakes through the StreamCat and LakeCat datasets, respectively. These data experience broad usage by numerous academic, federal, and state researchers and practitioners. Within EPA, they serve as a primary resource to conduct research on stream and lake ecosystems across the conterminous U.S. This research training opportunity will seek to improve the access, usability, and quality of StreamCat and LakeCat data to expand their use within and outside of the EPA. This opportunity, housed at the Pacific Ecological Systems Division (PESD) in Corvallis, OR, will examine approaches to incorporate the existing application programming interface (API) for StreamCat/LakeCat into an online ArcGIS web application(s) or other web-based applications. Further, the research participant will have the opportunity to participate in research to expand the list of metrics currently included in StreamCat/LakeCat. Specifically, these metrics will include EPA’s National Nutrient Inventory which will improve management of these critical resources and help to achieve EPA’s goal of protecting the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters. Under the guidance of a mentor, the research participant may also research methods for translating the algorithms used to generate StreamCat and LakeCat data to higher resolution hydrologic spatial frameworks, such as the high-resolution National Hydrography Dataset. Anticipated outcomes of participation in this opportunity include a deeper understanding of research conducted by federal scientists, significant programming and geospatial analysis experience, and an excellent understanding of national-level datasets relevant to aquatic resource management.
Candidates will be assessed on a rolling basis and the position may be filled before the close date of 8/2/2024.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this project is Marc Weber (weber.marc@epa.gov) with Ryan Hill (hill.ryan@epa.gov) to serve as a co-mentor at the EPA's Pacific Ecological Systems Division. If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.
https://zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/EPA-ORD-CPHEA-PESD-2024-01