Social Science Communities Research Support at EPA

Zintellect is hiring for a Social Science Communities Research Support position at the U.S. EPA in Duluth, MN. The role involves assisting with data collection, transcription, and qualitative analysis for social science research focused on environmental decision-making. Candidates should have experience in qualitative research, community development, and strong communication skills. This position provides an opportunity to engage in participatory community research related to ecological outcomes and urban river redevelopment.
U.S. EPA Opportunity

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Research and Business Support Program has an immediate opening a Social Science Communities Research Support position with the Office of Research and Development at the EPA’s facility in Duluth, Minnesota.

EPA’s National Health Effects and Environmental Research Laboratory (NHEERL) is responsible for scientific research on the effects of contaminants and environmental stressors on human health and ecosystem integrity. The impact of the Laboratory's efforts can be felt far beyond the EPA as their research enables state and local governments to implement effective environmental programs. NHEERL also collaborates with governments and organizations on issues of environmental importance. NHEERL’s Mid-Continent Ecology Division (MED) in Duluth MN conducts research through the Sustainable and Healthy Communities (SHC) Program to help communities make decisions that lead to a more sustainable society and environment.

What the EPA project is about

The social science research conducted at MED utilizes case study methods that apply both theory-testing and theory-building approaches. Data collection methods document the behavior and decisions of different stakeholder groups through participant observation, document analysis, and social media mining. The research goal is to understand the decision-making process and how context shapes behavior and preferences related to the environment.

What you will be doing

As a part of the team, you will assist in the provision of data collection, transcription, and qualitative analysis services to support social science research. Plus, you will have the opportunity to learn about and contribute to environmental decision-making for a real-world problem revolving around ecological outcomes and socioeconomic benefits of restoration and redevelopment of an urban river through a study of how actors navigate the process.

You will gain experience working with other members of MED’s Sustainable and Healthy Communities team to conduct participatory community research.

Required Skills
• Demonstrated experience with qualitative social science research, inferential studies of human behavior, or evaluation methods used in education or public health through coursework, employment, or projects;
• Experience conducting research on one of the following topics: community development, outdoor recreation, participatory resource management, environmental perception, and/or social dimensions of place attachment;
• Experience with systems-thinking approaches to problem-solving;
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to work independently, as well as have experience working in teams; and
• Strong written, oral and electronic communication skills.

How you will apply your skills
• Attending meetings, preparing meeting and/or interview transcripts,
• Coding and analyzing interview data,
• Assisting in background research, writing, and dissemination of results.
• Assisting a multi-disciplinary research team with field research, literature reviews, data management, and qualitative analysis,
• Learning and applying concepts to code and categorize data, analyze transcripts, notes, and other documents (i.e., planning documents, grant applications, work plans, etc.),
• Performing analysis which may include any part of the research process: initial analysis, recognition of emerging themes, maintenance of data source’s voice or intent, and background literature reviews.
• Interacting with other members of the development team, as well as EPA scientists, and
• Co-authoring poster presentations for scientific conferences.