Federal Position Descriptions
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Assistant Administrator for Research and Development

Assistant Administrator (Research and Development), Environmental Protection Agency
Responsibility
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

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
  • Supports six research programs that identify the most pressing environmental health research needs with input from EPA offices, partners and stakeholders5
Strategic Goals and Priorities
[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration.]
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 Appointments
  • 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
  • George M. Gray (2005 to 2009): Executive Director, Harvard Center for Risk Analysis; Faculty Member, Harvard School of Public Health7
  • J. Paul Gilman (2002 to 2004): EPA Science Advisor, Office of the Science Advisor, Assistant Administrator for Research and Development, Environmental Protection Agency8
AGENCY

Environmental Protection Agency

Mission: To protect human health and the environment

COMPENSATION

Level IV $155,500 (5 U.S.C. § 5315)1

REPORTS TO

EPA Administrator2

SENATE COMMITTEE

Environment and Public Works

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Footnote
  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.
  2. https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-organization-chart
  3. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-02/documents/epa_fy_2016_congressional_justification.pdf
  4. OPM
  5. https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-research-and-development-ord
  6. Leadership Directories: https://lo.bvdep.com/PeopleDocument.asp?PersonId=-1&LDIPeopleId=436757&Save=1
  7. http://publichealth.gwu.edu/departments/environmental-and-occupational-health/george-gray
  8. Leadership Directories: https://lo.bvdep.com/PeopleDocument.asp?PersonId=-1&LDIPeopleId=466064&Save=1
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