Author: Kaye L. Brubaker

Request for Proposals: Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) FY 2022 Competitive Grants

by Kaye L. Brubaker

The Maryland Water Resources Research Center (MWRRC) announces the release of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the FY 2022 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Competitive Grant Program by the U.S. Geological Survey under Section 104(g) of the Water Resources Research Act, in cooperation with the National Institutes for Water Resources.

The challenges and opportunities that link aquatic invasive species and water resources are poorly understood, despite the real and growing effect of numerous aquatic invasive species on water quality, water quantity, and aquatic ecosystems. Research is needed to better identify and understand these interactions and to guide management decisions that will help to improve invasive species management and thus reduce effects of invasive species on water resources and aquatic ecosystems at local, regional, and national scales.

Proposals are sought on the following specific areas of inquiry (levels of priority are not assigned, and the order of listing does not indicate the level of priority):

  • Effects: Improve our understanding of the effects of aquatic invasive species on lakes, rivers, and associated tributaries in the upper Mississippi River basin, including changes to water quantity, water quality, and ecosystem dynamics.
  • Characteristics: Identify physical, biological, and chemical characteristics of waterbodies that infer resistance and resilience to the distribution, establishment, and effects of aquatic invasive species in the upper Mississippi River basin. Research is needed to better understand these interactions to guide management decisions that will improve invasive species management and result in positive effects on aquatic ecosystems.
  • Management: Assessment of the detection, spread, and management of aquatic invasive species in the upper Mississippi River basin and the connections to human dimensions, both socially and economically.

Any investigator at an institution of higher learning in Maryland is eligible to apply through the MWRRC. If a proposal from an institution other than the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) is selected for funding, the funds will be managed as a subcontract from UMCP. Projects will only be awarded if funds are appropriated to the USGS to support the program.

Proposals may be for projects of 1 to 3 years in duration, may request up to $250,000 in federal funds, and require a 1:1 (non-federal:federal) match. Proposals in PDF format must be emailed to the MWRRC Director Dr. Kaye Brubaker at kbru<at-symbol>umd.edu by 11:59 p.m., May 2, 2022 to allow adequate time for MWRRC to submit the proposals by the May 10 deadline for institutes. Only proposals submitted to MWRRC by May 2, 2022 will be transmitted to the National Grants Competition Proposal Peer Review Panel.

Additional information about research priorities, proposal content, format and review process are available in the RFP.

PIs who intend to submit proposals under this program are asked to notify the Center as soon as possible (kbru<at-symbol>umd.edu) so that we may prepare for and assist with proposal preparation and processing.

Request For Proposals FY 2022 Competitive Grants 104(g)

by Kaye L. Brubaker

The Maryland Water Resources Research Center (MWRRC) announces the release of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the FY 2022 National Competitive Grant Program by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the National Institutes for Water Resources.

Proposals are sought on the topic of improving and enhancing the nation’s water supply and availability, and promoting the exploration of new ideas that address or expand our understanding of water problems, including the following specific areas of inquiry (levels of priority are not assigned, and the order of listing does not indicate the level of priority):

  • Abundance, location, and persistence of legacy nutrients: What are the mechanisms that facilitate accumulation and persistence? Where in landscape are they stored and what does that mean for the potential to enter or move through the hydrologic system? What are the methods, time periods, and utility to characterizing “new” versus “old” sources? Do related nutrients persist and move in the same way, and what does this mean for short- and long-term water quality?
  • Trends of integrated processes: How do changes in one aspect of water quantity and availability affect other long-term aspects? For example, how are changes in groundwater identifiable as changes in streamflow patterns? How do changes in streamflow result in changes in water quality?
  • Water Conflict: What are the risks of water conflict as a result of inter-basin transfers driven by water-use behavior, socioeconomic conditions, changing land-use patterns, and climate variability. Aspects for consideration include identification of thresholds, tradeoffs between sectors and(or) communities, conservation opportunities and stakeholder actions, agent-based modeling, relevant laws and regulations, and adaptive management.

Any investigator at an institution of higher learning in Maryland is eligible to apply through the MWRRC. If a proposal from an institution other than the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) is selected for funding, the funds will be managed as a subcontract from UMCP. Projects will only be awarded if funds are appropriated to the USGS to support the program.

Proposals may be for projects of 1 to 3 years in duration, may request up to $250,000 in federal funds, and require a 1:1 (non-federal:federal) match. Proposals in PDF format must be emailed to the MWRRC Director Dr. Kaye Brubaker at kbru<at-symbol>umd.edu by 11:59 p.m., May 2, 2022 to allow adequate time for MWRRC to submit the proposals by the May 10 deadline for institutes. Only proposals submitted to MWRRC by May 2, 2022 will be transmitted to the National Grants Competition Proposal Peer Review Panel.

Additional information about research priorities, proposal content, format and review process are available in the RFP.

MWRRC Invites FY 2022 104(b) Proposals

by Kaye L. Brubaker

The MWRRC invites proposals from Principal Investigators (PIs) at institutions of higher education in Maryland to be considered for support under the FY 2022 104(b)  Water Resources Research Act program (US Geological Survey).

Proposals should be submitted to the MWRRC by 11:59 p.m., Friday, April 15, 2022, following the guidelines in RFP-Maryland104b-2022

The following documents are provided for use in preparing proposals:

The USGS expects that funding will be awarded Sept. 1, 2022. Projects will be funded for at most one year.

Note that the matching requirement for the 104(b) program is now 1:1 — one non-federal dollar offered as match for each federal dollar requested. Under this program, federal funds may not be used to pay indirect costs. Matching funds may include the forgone indirect costs, as well as non-federal salaries and benefits. Investigators may contact the Center Director if they have questions about matching funds.

Proposals may address any water resources topic important to Maryland and to the education of water scientists, engineers, and other professionals in Maryland. This year, the Center particularly invites proposals on the following topics:

  • Addressing the effects of changing climate
  • Justice and equity in water resources
  • Building a diverse water resources workforce for Maryland
  • Public and preK-12 education about water, watersheds, and water resources

The Center also welcomes proposals for Summer 2023 Graduate Student Fellowships (see https://blog.umd.edu/mwrrc/grad-fellowships/ ). The timing of this year’s awards does not allow us to support summer fellowships in 2022.

Montgomery County – Program Manager I – Tree Program – Watershed Restoration Division

by Kaye L. Brubaker

(forwarded from email)

Program Manager I – Tree Program (Grade 23)
Montgomery County Government
Department of Environmental Protection
2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, Maryland 20902

Salary Range: $61,189 to $101,350

The mission of the Department of Environmental Protection<https://montgomerycountymd.gov/dep/> (DEP) is to enhance the quality of life in our community by protecting and improving Montgomery County’s air, water, and land in a sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and industry-leading way while fostering smart growth, a thriving more sustainable economy and healthy communities.

DEP is seeking a Program Manager I<https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/OHRClassification/download/000834.doc> who will be part of the Watershed Restoration Division and will assist in managing and implementing tree and forest programs and initiatives, particularly the Tree Montgomery program.

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

* Implementing tree planting activities under the Tree Montgomery program by identifying potential participants in the program that own residential, commercial, and institutional property; meeting participants on-site to identify planting locations and select shade tree species; and providing follow-up assistance to program participants as needed.

* Directing and monitoring activities of contractors planting and inspecting newly installed shade trees under the Tree Montgomery program.

* Implementing and refining tracking processes to maintain up-to-date information on plantings and orders, collecting data and developing reports related to Tree Montgomery and other tree and forest programs, including information on shade tree plantings, mortality rates of newly planted trees, canopy goals, and other data necessary to evaluate the success of the County’s tree and forest programs.

* Developing and implementing outreach and education strategies designed to inform the public about the County’s tree planting and conservation programs, including updates and revisions to program websites and written materials. Providing information during one-on-one meetings with residents and business owners on tree planting techniques, the care of young trees, species selection, and related activities.

*  Providing program support for tree related activities, including responding to inquiries from residents and businesses, preparing budget information, and supporting the Forest Conservation Advisory Committee.

In order to promote and implement tree and forest planting programs and generally increase the awareness by residents and businesses of tree conservation within Montgomery County, the ideal candidate should have a good understanding of and experience with urban trees and forests, tree planting, tree-save measures, canopy conservation, and the benefits of trees; as well as an understanding of state and local regulations related to trees and forests. Experience evaluating hazardous trees, as well as familiarity with social media and computer-based tools to communicate with participants in programs, are a plus.

The ideal candidate must have the ability to work in a collaborative environment within a large organization with multiple priorities and have excellent oral and written communication skills. The ideal candidate must also be highly organized and detailed oriented, as well as an enthusiastic ambassador for the County’s tree programs.

Possession of a Maryland Tree Expert license or certification as an arborist by an accredited program is a plus.

Bilingual applicants in the Spanish/English languages are encouraged to apply. If the candidate selected for this position possesses multilingual skills, they will be required to successfully pass an examination assessing oral communication, reading comprehension, and interpreting skills. For Advanced proficiency, the candidate must also pass an examination requiring translating text from Spanish to English and vice versa.

This position REQUIRES POSSESSION OF A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE and the ability to drive a County vehicle to perform site visits in all areas of Montgomery County in order to evaluate properties for shade tree planting opportunities, inspect contractor plantings, and to perform work and attend meetings at locations outside the office.

The work involves physical effort such as occasional standing or driving long periods of time, walking long distances over varying terrain, and occasional stooping, bending, and reaching.  Additionally, working outside in most weather conditions is involved.

Weekend and/or evening work may be required, as needed and with advanced scheduling to meet with applicants who are unavailable during typical working hours to assist contractors during peak planting seasons.

To ensure a positive workplace and to comply with federal, state and County laws, the incumbent is responsible for completing mandatory trainings within the first three to six months or within the specified timeframe.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Considerable (3 years) of professional experience in tree planting, inspection, or evaluation programs; landscaping; forestry; natural resources management; arboriculture; or tree nursery operations.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education or experience may be substituted.

License: Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid Class “C” (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant’s state of residence is required.

Montgomery County Government offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

To view the complete job announcement and to apply, please visit our website at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HR/Recruitment/MCGCareers.html
and click on the “Search for Jobs at MCG” tab.
Read the full job description under the “General Professional” Job Category.
The requisition number is IRC49683.
Interested candidates must create an online account in order to apply.

This Recruitment Closes August 25, 2021

All resume submissions must address the preferred criteria for the position,
which are listed in the full advertisement, preferably in a separate section of the resume.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Resume Preparation Tips
listed under the “Resources” tab on the Office of Human Resource’s MCG Careers webpage.

EOE. M/F/H.

Request for Proposals: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) Substances FY 2021 Competitive Grants

by Kaye L. Brubaker

The Maryland Water Resources Research Center (MWRRC) announces the release of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the FY 2021 Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) Substances Competitive Grant Program by the U.S. Geological Survey under Section 104(g) of the Water Resources Research Act, in cooperation with the National Institutes for Water Resources.

Proposals are sought on the following specific areas of inquiry (levels of priority are not assigned, and the order of listing does not indicate the level of priority):

  • Research on the fate, persistence, transport, and impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances on changes to water quality and/or ecosystem dynamics, in water resources, including surface water and groundwater.
  • Social and/or economic assessment of the spread, detection, impacts, solutions, and management of PFAS in surface and/or groundwater

Any investigator at an institution of higher learning in Maryland is eligible to apply through the MWRRC. If a proposal from an institution other than the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) is selected for funding, the funds will be managed as a subcontract from UMCP. Projects will only be awarded if funds are appropriated to the USGS to support the program.

Proposals may be for projects of 1 to 3 years in duration, may request up to $250,000 in federal funds, and require a 1:1 (non-federal:federal) match. Proposals in PDF format must be emailed to the MWRRC Director Dr. Kaye Brubaker at kbru<at-symbol>umd.edu by 11:59 p.m., June 18, 2021 to allow adequate time for MWRRC to submit the proposals by the June 24 deadline for institutes. Only proposals submitted to MWRRC by June 18, 2021 will be transmitted to the National Grants Competition Proposal Peer Review Panel.

Additional information about research priorities, proposal content, format and review process are available in the RFP.

PIs who intend to submit proposals under this program are asked to notify the Center as soon as possible (kbru<at-symbol>umd.edu) so that we may prepare for and assist with proposal preparation and processing.

Request for Proposals: Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) FY 2021 Competitive Grants

by Kaye L. Brubaker

The Maryland Water Resources Research Center (MWRRC) announces the release of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the FY 2021 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Competitive Grant Program by the U.S. Geological Survey under Section 104(g) of the Water Resources Research Act, in cooperation with the National Institutes for Water Resources.

Proposals are sought on the following specific areas of inquiry (levels of priority are not assigned, and the order of listing does not indicate the level of priority):

  • Improve our understanding of the impacts of aquatic invasive species on lakes and rivers in the Upper Mississippi River basin, including changes to water quantity, quality and ecosystem dynamics.
  • Identify lake and river characteristics that infer resistance and resilience to establishment and impacts of aquatic invasive species in the Upper Mississippi River basin. Research is needed to better understand these interactions and guide management decisions that will improve water resources at the regional scale.
  • Social and/or economic assessment of the spread, detection, impacts, solutions, and management of aquatic invasive species in the Upper Mississippi River basin.

Any investigator at an institution of higher learning in Maryland is eligible to apply through the MWRRC. If a proposal from an institution other than the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) is selected for funding, the funds will be managed as a subcontract from UMCP. Projects will only be awarded if funds are appropriated to the USGS to support the program.

Proposals may be for projects of 1 to 3 years in duration, may request up to $250,000 in federal funds, and require a 1:1 (non-federal:federal) match. Proposals in PDF format must be emailed to the MWRRC Director Dr. Kaye Brubaker at kbru<at-symbol>umd.edu by 11:59 p.m., June 18, 2021 to allow adequate time for MWRRC to submit the proposals by the June 24 deadline for institutes. Only proposals submitted to MWRRC by June 18, 2021 will be transmitted to the National Grants Competition Proposal Peer Review Panel.

Additional information about research priorities, proposal content, format and review process are available in the RFP.

PIs who intend to submit proposals under this program are asked to notify the Center as soon as possible (kbru<at-symbol>umd.edu) so that we may prepare for and assist with proposal preparation and processing.

Request For Proposals FY 2021 Competitive Grants 104(g)

by Kaye L. Brubaker

The Maryland Water Resources Research Center (MWRRC) announces the release of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the FY 2021 National Competitive Grant Program by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the National Institutes for Water Resources.

Proposals are sought on the topic of improving and enhancing the nation’s water supply and availability, and promoting the exploration of new ideas that address or expand our understanding of water problems, including the following specific areas of inquiry (levels of priority are not assigned, and the order of listing does not indicate the level of priority):

  • Socioeconomics and water use – includes the development of water use models that require understanding of what drives the timing and location of water being withdrawn and used and how those relations change when climate impacts the use or conservation/management strategies (culture/societal/economics) are implemented.
  • Water related hazards and public health – exploration of the intersections of land/water use, disease vector mechanisms, and water hazards, climate change, and/or irrigation practices. Research may include advancing our understand of these connections as they affect the development rates of pathogens impacting public health.
  • Exploration and advancement of our understanding of harmful algae blooms (HABs). Proposals are sought that focus on innovations in monitoring the occurrence of HABs and algal toxins, research on factors that result in algal toxin production, and improvements in near-real time modeling and forecasting of toxin-producing blooms.

Any investigator at an institution of higher learning in Maryland is eligible to apply through the MWRRC. If a proposal from an institution other than the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) is selected for funding, the funds will be managed as a subcontract from UMCP. Projects will only be awarded if funds are appropriated to the USGS to support the program.

Proposals may be for projects of 1 to 3 years in duration, may request up to $250,000 in federal funds, and require a 1:1 (non-federal:federal) match. Proposals in PDF format must be emailed to the MWRRC Director Dr. Kaye Brubaker at kbru<at-symbol>umd.edu by 11:59 p.m., June 18, 2021 to allow adequate time for MWRRC to submit the proposals by the June 24 deadline for institutes. Only proposals submitted to MWRRC by June 18, 2021 will be transmitted to the National Grants Competition Proposal Peer Review Panel.

Additional information about research priorities, proposal content, format and review process are available in the RFP.

PIs who intend to submit proposals under this program are asked to notify the Center as soon as possible (kbru<at-symbol>umd.edu) so that we may prepare for and assist with proposal preparation and processing.

 

Deadline Extended for MWRRC 104(b) Applications; FY2021 Program Approved

by Kaye L. Brubaker

We have received notice that the Department of the Interior has approved the FY 2021 Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Water Resources Research Act Program Section 104(b). We expect the RFP to be published soon.

The due date for submissions to the MWRRC has been extended to Friday, May 7, 11:59 p.m. EDT.  For guidance and format, see the previous post, MWRRC Invites FY 2021 104(b) Proposals.

Estimated start date: June 1.

 

MWRRC Invites FY 2021 104(b) Proposals

by Kaye L. Brubaker

In anticipation of the official release of the USGS Request for Proposals (RFP) for the FY 2021 104(b)  Water Resources Research Act program, the MWRRC invites proposals from Principal Investigators (PIs) at institutions of higher education in Maryland.

Proposals should be submitted to the MWRRC by 11:59 p.m., Friday, April 23, 2021, following the guidelines in the example RFP, Example_RFP-MD104b-2020.

The Center suggests a start date of mid-May. Projects will be funded for one year. Specific start and end dates will be set by the forthcoming USGS 2021 RFP.

If the 2021 RFP, when published, requires adjustments, the Center will work with PIs to prepare the selected proposals for submission to the USGS on behalf of the Center.

Proposals may address any water resources topic important to Maryland and to the education of water scientists, engineers, and other professionals in Maryland. This year, the Center particularly invites proposals on the following topics:

  • Addressing the effects of changing climate
  • Justice and equity in water resources
  • Building a diverse water resources workforce for Maryland
  • Public and preK-12 education about water, watersheds, and water resources

The Center also welcomes proposals for Summer 2021 Graduate Student Fellowships (see https://blog.umd.edu/mwrrc/grad-fellowships/ )

 

FY 2021 104(b) Funding Update

by Kaye L. Brubaker

Federal funding through USGS will be available for the Fiscal Year 2021 104(b) (State Base Grant) program. However, the Request for Proposals (RFP) is not yet published.

The due date for proposals to MWRRC is likely to be at the end of January. We also anticipate that the start date for projects will be later than the usual date of March 1.

For planning and preparation purposes, last year’s Maryland RFP is provided here:

Example_RFP-MD104b-2020

Using this example RFP as guidance, investigators are encouraged to develop proposals in anticipation of the official RFP and submittal deadline, which will be announced here.

Projects selected by the MWRRC for funding will be forwarded to the USGS.