Short-Term International Opportunity Date: Wed, 18 Jun 1997 12:25:27 -0500 To: "E - All WRD Employees" From: "Anna M Lenox, Chief, IWRP, Reston, VA" (Anna Lenox) Subject: Short-Term International Opportunity Cc: "Anna M Lenox, Chief, IWRP, Reston, VA" , "Verne R Schneider, ACH for TS, Reston, VA" , "William J Shampine, Chief, Br. Tech Dev & Qual Sys, Denver, CO" , "Daisie M Oden, International Program Spec., Reston, VA" , jemiller@usaid.gov, "Catherine L Hill, ACH/Operations, Reston, VA" Geological Survey Water Resources Division ANNOUNCEMENT NO. WRD 97-1 This announcement offers an opportunity for a qualified Water Resources Division (WRD) employee to work on an international project for approximately 6 months. BACKGROUND: In 1991, the USGS was requested by the Department of State to assist in the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP) Multilateral Working Group on Water Resources. A USGS-authored Water Data Banks Implementation Plan was adopted during a plenary session of the Working Group in 1994. The Plan was designed to establish a water-data collection capability for the Palestinian Authority and to upgrade and standardize Israeli and Jordanian data collection systems leading to the capability to exchange water data on a regional basis. Project implementation is underway, and one element of the project is to develop an "Overview of Hydrologic Information." INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROJECT: The objective is to prepare and publish an overview of the hydrology of the region by statistical aggregation of existing data from selected locations in areas of Palestinian, Jordanian, and Israeli (Core Party) interest. The final product will resemble a hydrologic atlas. The information will be presented in one or more forms such as a printed text and figures and on disk. In the future, the information may be included on WEB pages, CD ROMs, or some combination of those media. During each mission, the U.S. expert will work directly with one or more Core Party experts to identify and analyze the specific data to be used. The data will be statistically aggregated using Core Party computer systems (PC's) and the final aggregation reviewed and approved before returning to the United States. This is a politically sensitive environment, and unusual requirements must be met to avoid any violation of water-data related policies of each Core Party. Basic data will not be removed from the providing office, and only approved statistics, graphics, and GIS coverages can be taken from the providing office for preparation and joint publication. The aggregated data from each Party will be combined into a regional report (water atlas). Manipulation of the aggregated data, writing of associated text, and development of graphics will be done in the United States. The report must be reviewed and approved by the Core Parties prior to publication. POSITION: Hydrologist, Physical Scientist, Computer Scientist, etc. APPROPRIATE SKILL LEVEL: A WRD employee with extensive experience and outstanding skills in PC-based data-base management, statistical aggregation of data, and computer-assisted presentation of the information is required to assist the USGS MEPP team in developing and publishing the Overview. Grade level is not key to selection; rather, emphasis will be placed on possessing outstanding skills and a proven ability to quickly and accurately aggregate and interpret data and to creatively prepare presentations. OPENING/CLOSING DATES: June 18-July 2, 1997 LOCATION: Remain at current domestic duty station with approximately 9 weeks in travel status to Israel, Jordan, and the West Bank. Travel may be accomplished in three 3-week trips or other combination that meets the needs of the selected employee and the MEPP team. FUNDING: No increase will be offered in pay and allowances; however, salary costs, plus benefits, will be reimbursed to the providing office. Travel costs will be funded by the project. This is a professionally challenging opportunity to work in a foreign environment. LENGTH OF ASSIGNMENT: Not to exceed 6 months beginning no later than September 1, 1997. KASOCS: 1. Skill in statistical aggregation of hydrologic data 2. Skill in preparing summaries and computer graphics to illustrate hydrologic information 3. Ability to meet assigned deadlines, develop and maintain productive work relationships, and work with others. 4. Ability to communicate interpersonally and in writing 5. Ability to adapt to changing political requirements and to represent U.S. interests abroad. FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: The MEPP team will be leading a multinational meeting in Cyprus until June 30. Point of contact for questions is email (no phone calls please) to: dmoden@usgs.gov. Inquiries will be passed to the MEPP team for response from Cyprus via email. INTERESTED CANDIDATES ARE REQUESTED TO FORWARD STATEMENT OF INTEREST, VIA EMAIL, THROUGH SUPERVISORY CHANNELS TO ALENOX@USGS.GOV. PLEASE INCLUDE KASOCS AND A COPY OF CURRENT CDP. This opportunity is not subject to the normal selection process, does not present an opportunity for promotion, and is of short-term duration. Mailing address: International Water Resources Program 420 National Center Reston, VA 20192 Telefax number: 703-6486687 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Anna M. Lenox, Chief International Water Resources Program U.S. Geological Survey Email: alenox@usgs.gov 420 National Center Telephone: 703-648-5053 Reston, VA 20192 USA Telefax: 703-648-6687 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *