Components of the online application are as follows:

• Profile Information
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records - 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.
• Recommendation(s)

Submitted documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system.

If you have questions, send an email to STEM-WORKFORCE@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity in the subject line of the email.

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

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. TNC is offering an ORISE fellowship opportunity stationed in the Conservation Center of the Sandhills located in Southern Pines, North Carolina. This fellowship appointment will assist TNC and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to accomplish the mission of the North Carolina Sandhills Conservation Partnership collaboration. 

As an ORISE fellow at the NC Sandhills TNC, you will help to advance the wildlife and habitat conservation mission of TNC and USFWS through conservation planning and research, project management, and data analysis. Under the guidance of a mentor, you will learn to implement field surveys for the Longleaf Ecosystem Occurrences database project, conduct rapid habitat assessments of longleaf pine forests from publicly accessible roads, and support partners and volunteers. During your appointment, you will gain hands-on experience supporting biological monitoring activities, including data collection on habitat quality and species while developing preserve management plans and prescribed burn maps.

This opportunity will also provide insight into various career development roles as you observe and/or participate in the following areas:

• The planning and facilitation of Partnership meetings and activities.
• Conducting literature review and other research to inform actions of the Partnership.
• Compiling, synthesizing, and communicating scientific or other information via oral and written presentations.
• Providing technical GIS support for the TNC, USFWS, and the Partnership.

Please note: This project will involve overnight travel and extensive driving and will account for 19 weeks of the first year of the fellowship.

For more information on the organization, please visit us at https://www.nature.org/en-us/.

Appointment Length

This appointment is a twelve month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

Participant Benefits

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by TNC. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location.  Other benefits may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement. Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE.
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

Nature of Appointment

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master of Science preferred in ecology, conservation biology, wildlife biology, or other relevant subject. Candidate must have graduated within the last 3 years.
• Familiarity with advanced principles of GIS and experience using ArcGIS (ArcPro preferred) and field data collection applications (such as Arc Collector).
• Experience with vegetation and wildlife surveys and adhering to standardized data collection protocols.  Familiarity with the longleaf pine habitats and species, and/or ability to learn quickly.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook).  Proficiency in computer database management using Microsoft Access and/or willingness to learn.
• Experience with data analysis, including occupancy modeling, preferred.
• Excellent communication skills.  Demonstrated ability to work effectively and positively with a diverse group of people.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills. Ability to set priorities and work productively without close supervision.
• Highly motivated candidate who desires to be an effective part of a team that is on the leading edge of longleaf pine conservation.
• Certified in Wildland Firefighting and Prescribed Burning (S130/190, L180, I100) and/or willingness to become certified within 6 months and pass the pack test (carrying 45 pounds for 3 miles in 45 min).
• Able to pass federal security background check (includes fingerprinting) in order to access a government issued computer.
• Possess valid driver’s license and good driving record

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )