OSMRE – Environmental Science and Engineering AmeriCorps

OSMRE – Environmental Science and Engineering AmeriCorps

Stewards Individual Placements (SIP) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health. SIP in partnership with the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) seeks one Environmental Science and Engineering AmeriCorps member. As an AmeriCorps member, you will assist OSMRE on environmental science and engineering projects including long-term indoor gas monitoring, conducting gas investigations in different ways to account for mine gases (primarily oxygen and methane or carbon dioxide), monitoring water quality and quantity, analyzing data, and supporting additional environmental restoration projects. AmeriCorps Members receive a living allowance, health insurance, and education award in exchange for their service. AmeriCorps Members generally serve a one-year term of service. Upon completion of the 52-week term, there is potential for full-time employment with OSMRE or another federal agency.

Recently marking its 45th anniversary, OSMRE continues to ensure the cleanup of millions of acres of abandoned mine lands and the return of these lands to productive use by collaborating with State and Tribal partners, community organizations, and the industry. As the Environmental Science and Engineering AmeriCorps member, you will be contributing to these efforts by working with the Pittsburgh OSMRE Office to (1) collect information on gas equipment and/or conduct gas equipment maintenance, (2) conduct field work such as water sampling and flow measurements, (3) compile and analyze data, and (4) support wetland restoration projects. During your year of service, you will be supporting OSMRE’s efforts to improve monitoring of gas (e.g., oxygen, methane, carbon dioxide), improve the health of wetlands, and remediate acid mine drainage (AMD) caused by legacy coal mining. Your work will contribute greatly to documenting the environmental restoration work occurring and that will take place in the future.

You will be providing direct benefits to communities by conducting work that improves environmental restoration efforts in Appalachia, a region significantly impacted by legacy coal mining problems. Additionally, you will be supporting OSMRE staff in efforts to assess the recovery potential of rare earth elements and critical minerals (CREM) from AMD. By recovering CREM from AMD, the United States can reduce its reliance on imported materials and potentially use profits to offset long-term AMD treatment costs. These efforts will provide immediate and lasting benefits to OSMRE and our country’s communities that have been impacted by legacy mining. The experience gained during your service will help develop your skillset and industry knowledge needed to advance your career.

Position Responsibilities will include:
• Collecting and analyzing information on gas equipment (especially in relation to methane)
• Conducting maintenance on gas equipment and testing that includes calibration of meters
• Assisting OSMRE Hydrologists with water quality sampling for acid mine drainage
• Entering Rare Earth Elements data into database and assisting in its development and management
• Assisting OSMRE Ecologists with wetlands-related projects
• Supporting field testing wetland condition assessment methodologies
• Additional equipment inventory and maintenance

Benefits:

• Living Allowance: $580/week at 40hrs/week (pre-tax)
• Option to enroll in health, dental, and vision insurance
• Successful completion of this term will award the AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of $6,345.00
• Hiring authorities that create potential for full-time employment with OSMRE or another federal agency upon completion of yearlong term
• Place Federal student loans on Forbearance during time in service
• Interest accrual payoff by AmeriCorps
• Professional Development can include participating in site visits, performing job shadows, and additional training or certification opportunities

• Basic understanding of computers and database management

• Ability to work with team members

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, Environmental Engineering and/or Environmental Science (e.g., biology, ecology, geology, engineering, etc.)
• Familiar with testing gas field equipment for monitoring a plus 

For More Information 

Contact John-Michael Aurednik – Stewards Program Coordinator 
681-238-0963, jmaurednik@conservationlegacy.org