Statement of Work Project Description The National Health

Statement of Work 1. Project Description: The National Health and Environmental Research Laboratory (NHEERL), Atlantic Ecology Division at Narragansett, RI is responsible for conducting studies that evaluate the environmental health of aquatic ecosystems and diagnose the causes of environmental stressors and sources. 2 Description of Student Services: Winter flounder and tautog are important commercial and recreational species, which utilize shallow estuarine areas as juvenile habitats. To evaluate the contribution of nearshore habitats (eelgrass, macroalgae, and unvegetated) to offshore fish populations, AED scientists are investigating using chemical signatures in the otoliths of these species as a way of linking adult offshore populations with their natal habitats. This approach will involve the collection of juvenile Winter flounder and tautog from unique habitats within Narragansett Bay and area coastal ponds. Otoliths (earstones) will be removed from each fish for elemental and isotopic analysis. Fish otolith samples will be analyzed for trace elements using solution based inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS) methods and for stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen using a isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS). All samples will be prepared according to specification, either with laboratory standard operating procedures or instructions provided by their mentor. Students may also be required to perform field research from small boats, collecting water, sediment and organism samples. All samples shall be prepared according to stated technical requirements. The student will maintain careful and accurate records in a Laboratory Notebook. This notebook, and all other data produced under this order will be the property of the Environmental Protection Agency. 3. Required Expertise, Skills, Education and/or Experience: The student needs to have completed two or more courses in college level biology and environmental science. In addition, the student needs to have completed 60 credit hours at the college level. The student will need to know basic safety requirements in the laboratory and will be given additional safety orientation at the laboratory. Laboratory experience in the dissection of juvenile and adult fish, with particular emphasis on the removal of otoliths (earstones) is highly desirable. Other duties of the position include decontamination of otolith samples for trace metal analysis, weighing of otolith samples, and documentation of all meta fish data. Experience in the preparation of samples for thin section analysis is also preferred, but not necessary. 4. Required Background Investigation and Suitability Determination: Students under this contract are required to undergo a background check and check of FBI fingerprint files and a suitability determination by the Environmental Protection Agency. Students awarded a contract will have to complete a Standard Form 85 (SF-85) “Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions” and SF-87 “Fingerprint Charts” (Attached to this Order). All completed forms will be submitted to the ORD, Mentor (insert mentor’s name, address, and telephone number) at least 14 business days prior to reporting to work. Fingerprints will either be taken at the ORD duty station (upon reporting for work) or students will be notified to have their fingerprints taken at their local police department. If a background check reveals information to indicate the student represents a risk to the interests of EPA and the national security, the contract may be terminated. 5. Description of Working Conditions: Work will be performed primarily in the laboratory although some field work may be required. Students will be required to wear safety apparel and to closely observe safety requirements. Work schedule shall be up to 12 hours/week at the discretion of the mentor throughout the academic year. 6. Compensation: The rate of compensation for this position is $13.92 per hour which includes the cost of selfemployment taxes for social security and Medicare. 7. Taxes: The student is responsible for paying all Federal, State or local income taxes required as a result of income received under this order.