Two leading organizations involved in air quality issues are offering a chance to work with U.S. government officials in Washington, D.C. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers and the U.S. Green Building Council are sponsoring a yearlong fellowship that will allow ASHRAE or USGBC members to work as technical advisers to Congress, the White House or a federal agency.

“Federal government fellowships provide a valuable public service to the nation while at the same time providing engineers and scientists with a unique opportunity to participate directly in the policy-making process,” said Doug Read, ASHRAE’s program director of government affairs. “This is an exciting, rewarding, and educational period in their professional careers. This enriching experience enables fellows to bring back to their employers an insider’s perspective on government decision making that can contribute significantly to the mission and vision of the organization.”

The fellowship starts in September and runs through August 2009. A $50,000 stipend will be awarded.

Candidates should have a doctorate or other advanced degree in engineering or other building sciences.

“The fellowship is designed to educate participants on the inner workings of federal policy making,” said Jason Hartke, director of public policy for the USGBC. “The fellowship is an opportunity to provide scientific guidance and analysis to decision makers, and to increase the visibility and involvement of scientists and engineers in the public policy arena.”

Society or council members interested can call Read at (202) 833-1830 or e-mail dread@ashrae.org. The deadline to apply is May 1.