To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

A complete application 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, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• 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.

Connect with ORISE...on the GO!  Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!”

USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), located at Laurel, Maryland.

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.

Research Project: The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center is searching for a highly motivated individual to advance a suite of waterbird field-based projects, with opportunity to build research analysis and writing skills. This internship will include a mix of field and desk objectives. Field objectives will focus on priority research topics such as capturing and sampling wild birds for avian influenza, conducting surveys and banding of state-endangered terns, and managing camera surveys for ongoing studies. Desk objectives will include dataset management, data analysis, and manuscript writing as well as literature reviews, supply inventory and management, and other activites necessary for project success.

Learning Objectives: This internship will provide the participant with the opportunity to learn how to lead a scientific study, manage and analyze collected data, and convey findings via a scientific manuscript. This internship will include formal mentorship with the project mentor as well as professional collaboration with team members of varying experience levels exposing the participant to collaboration in an academic lab. The participant will be encouraged to participate in professional conferences if suitable opportunities arise.

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

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: December 15, 2025. 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 renewed upon recommendation of DOI and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend: Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate. 

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 have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past four years.

Preferred skills:

• The ideal candidate has a degree in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources, GIS, Statistics, or a related field.   
• The candidate must be highly motivated and able to perform independently as well as with a team.
• Bird identification skills, previous waterbird or wetland field experience, banding or tracking studies, spatial modeling, writing or editing scientific papers, and running basic statistics are desirable.  
• The most important qualification is a motivated individual who is interested in and capable of learning new things.
• Additionally, the applicant should have previous experience operating motorboats and manual transmission vehicles.
• Possessing the Department of Interior Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) is highly beneficial.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 48 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )