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A complete application package consists of:

• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.  Click Here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV
• Two educational or professional recommendations. At least one recommendation must be submitted in order for the mentor to view your application.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

THIS OPPOTUNITY HAS BEEN FILLED AND IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS.

*We are looking to select a participant as soon as possible, so applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) locations in Knoxville, TN Raleigh, North Carolina, Atlanta, Georgia, or remotely within the Southeastern U.S. Exceptions may be considered.

The USGS mission is to monitor, analyze, and predict current and evolving dynamics of complex human and natural Earth-system interactions and to deliver actionable intelligence at scales and timeframes relevant to decision makers. As the Nation's largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, USGS collects, monitors, analyzes, and provides science about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems.

The National and regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) is a partnership-driven program that teams scientific researchers with natural and cultural resource managers to help fish, wildlife, waters, and lands across the country adapt to climate change.

Research Project: This project will provide science synthesis, user support/technical assistance, and science communication related to impacts of climate change on species and habitats that can inform State Wildlife Action Plans and adaptation strategies in the southeastern U.S., including:

1. Scientific synthesis, evaluation, interpretation and communication related to future climate projections for select geographic areas through the Southeastern U.S.;
2. Scientific synthesis, evaluation, interpretation and communication of model outputs and other data regarding potential ecosystem- and species-level impacts from changes in climate variables;
3. Written and oral communication regarding how climate change can be accounted for in wildlife action planning and adaptation strategies in a format that is clear, concise, and accessible to non-experts; and
4. Organizing and convening scientific meetings with relevant stakeholders to understand their data needs.

Results of this research will provide needed information on potential impacts of climate change for natural-resource managers from state agencies and other organizations. The project will involve close interaction with ecological scientists from a range of organizations and engagement with natural-resource management officials at state and federal agencies.

Learning Objectives: This appointment will also involve several learning objectives, including:

1. Increased ability to use and interpret model projections of future climate,
2. Improved understanding of climate impacts to species and ecosystems, and
3. Enhanced skills in synthesis and communication of climate science to natural resource managers and other audiences.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Katherine Smith (katherinesmith@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: As soon as a qualified candidate is identified.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year but may be extended for up to four more years upon recommendation of USGS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend based on education and experience.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and USGS. Participants do not become employees of USGS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: If you have questions about the application process please email USGS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields listed in the eligibility requirements section (e.g. environmental science; ecology; wildlife science; conservation biology; science communication; environmental data science).

Preferred Skills:

• Excellent written and spoken science communication, including the ability to translate complex scientific concepts and findings into clear, concise, and easily understandable text, verbal descriptions and graphical representations.
• Excellent quantitative skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent team-work and interpersonal skills
• Experience interpreting data on recent climate change and its ecological implications (e.g., phenological shifts) as well as future climate-change projections
• Experience with methods used to assess climate-change impacts on species and/or ecosystems, including for example: ecological niche models / species distribution models, trait-based index methods, or habitat vulnerability assessments

Desired Skills / Experience:

• Experience interacting with natural-resource managers from state or federal agencies or non-profit conservation organizations

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (29 )