PD_EPA_Assistant-Administrator-for-Research-and-Development

Position Description

Assistant Administrator (Research and Development), environmental protection agency

Overview

Senate Committee

Environment and Public Works

Agency Mission

To protect human health and the environment

Position Overview

The assistant administrator for research and development oversees the scientific research arm of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), whose leading-edge research helps provide the solid underpinning of science and technology for the agency.

Compensation

Level IV $155,500 (5 U.S.C. § 5315)¹ _{The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31, May 5, 2017), contains a provision that continues the freeze on the payable pay rates for certain senior political officials at 2013 levels during calendar year 2017.}

Position Reports to

EPA Administrator² _{https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-organization-chart}

Responsibilities

Management Scope

In fiscal 2015, the assistant administrator for research and development managed a total enacted budget of $520.705 million and oversaw 1,754 full-time equivalents.³ _{https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-02/documents/epa_fy_2016_congressional_justification.pdf}

Primary Responsibilities

® Oversees the development, direction and conduct of a national environmental research, development and demonstration program in health risk assessment, health effects, engineering and technology, processes and effects, acid rain deposition, monitoring systems and quality assurance
® Participates in the development of agency policy, standards and regulations
® Provides for dissemination of scientific and technical knowledge, including analytical methods, monitoring techniques and modeling methodologies
® Provides technical and scientific input on agency-wide technical program issues⁴ _OPM
® Supports six research programs that identify the most pressing environmental health research needs with input from EPA offices, partners and stakeholders⁵ _{https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-research-and-development-ord}

Strategic Goals and Priorities

[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration]

Requirements and Competencies

Requirements

® Extensive experience in environmental science and research
® Experience leading and managing a team or teams of scientific researchers
® Understanding of EPA structure and processes
® Previous government experience and knowledge of the legislative and federal budgeting process (a plus)
® Strong relationships with relevant stakeholders, or ability to form them

Competencies

® Ability to direct scientific research, think strategically about this research and manage priorities
® Ability to effectively communicate the science to agency and government leaders as well as the public
® Strong communication and collaboration skills to work extensively across U.S. government agencies and other relevant stakeholders
® Ability to work under high pressure and manage sensitive matters

Past Appointees

Paul T. Anastas (2009 to 2012): Teresa and H. John Heinz III Professor in the Practice of Chemistry for the Environment, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University; Director, Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, Yale University; Director, Green Chemistry Institute, American Chemical Society ⁶ _{Leadership Directories: https://lo.bvdep.com/PeopleDocument.asp?Perso
Id=-1&LDIPeopleId=436757&Save=1}
George M. Gray (2005 to 2009): Executive Director, Harvard Center for Risk Analysis; Faculty Member, Harvard School of Public Health⁷ _{http://publichealth.gwu.edu/departments/environmental-and-occupational-health/george-gray}
J. Paul Gilman (2002 to 2004): EPA Science Advisor, Office of the Science Advisor, Assistant Administrator for Research and Development, Environmental Protection Agency⁸ _{Leadership Directories: https://lo.bvdep.com/PeopleDocument.asp?Perso
Id=-1&LDIPeopleId=466064&Save=1}
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