The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Inc. (SME ) is offering a seasoned mining expert the chance to apply their industry knowledge to positively affect change in the laws that govern the United States mining and minerals industry. The first SME Mining Engineering Congressional Fellowship will be introduced in Washington, D.C. during the 2014-15 legislative session. The Fellowship application period runs from Dec. 1-31, 2013.

“In this unique program, the Congressional Fellow will spend one year working as a special legislative assistant on the staff of a member of Congress or congressional committee,” said SME Deputy Executive Director John Hayden. “By working as a high-level legislative staff member on science and public policy issues, this session will provide the Fellow with a deeply satisfying experience of having made a difference in an industry that could use some good news right now.”

The Fellowship officially begins Sept. 1, 2014 and ends Aug. 31, 2015. Applications must include the following materials:

• A résumé, no longer than two pages, providing information about educational background, professional employment, community and professional activities, public policy and legislative experience, committee and advisory group appointments plus one additional page for professional publications and presentations.

• A statement of approximately 1,000 words addressing the applicant’s interest in the Fellowship, career goals, contributions the applicant believes he or she can make as a Fellow to the legislative process and what the applicant wants to learn from the experience.

• Three signed letters of reference specifically addressing the applicant’s experience and how it would relate to his or her ability to work on Capitol Hill as a special legislative assistant.

A prospective Fellow must have a demonstrated record of success in research or scholarship in mining engineering, extractive metallurgy, economic geology, geological engineering or environmental engineering. The Fellow must also demonstrate sensitivity toward policy issues and have a strong interest in applying scientific and technical knowledge to U.S. public policy issues. An applicant is expected to be a member of SME and have either a doctorate or a masters degree with at least three years of professional experience.

Anyone interested in this program can contact John Hayden, Deputy Executive Director - Public Affairs and Government Relations, 303-948-4250 or hayden@smenet.org. For more information, please visit www.smenet.org/gpac/.