USFS Research Fellowship in Remote Sensing of Wind Impacts to Forests

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-USFS-2021-0085
How to Apply

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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.  Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.  All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation.  Click Here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
  • A current resume/CV
  • Two educational or professional recommendations

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

Application Deadline
5/31/2021 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

USFS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the Eastern Threat Assessment Center, Southern Research Station, US Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Asheville, North Carolina. Initial research location may be remote depending on COVID restrictions.

Research Project: Extreme hurricanes have caused severe damage to southern forests along the Gulf Coast; including Hurricanes Michael, Sally and Laura. Recent advances in high-resolution remote sensing and cloud-based computing make it possible to track forest change and recovery efficiently than ever before. Such insights can be applied to understand the short and long-term impacts of these storms on communities as well as predict the outcomes of extreme hurricanes in the future. Impacts of concern include losses to industrial forests, private forests and urban forests. This project will address impacts of recent hurricanes from a broad landscape perspective by combining remote sensing with other forest data.

Learning Objectives

  • To understand the short and long-term impacts of hurricanes across heterogenous landscapes
  • To gain an appreciation of the practical challenges and limitations of remote sensing for near real time and long term monitoring
  • To improve understanding of fundamental monitoring needs and how evolving technology can help over coming years

Mentor(s) The mentor for this opportunity is Dr. Steve Norman (steve.norman@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: mid-May 2021.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment LengthThe appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed an additional year upon recommendation of USFS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.

Participant StipendThe participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The annual stipend will range from $64,000-$70,000 per year. A health insurance supplement covering individual health and prescription coverage (excludes dental/vision) will also be provided.

Citizenship RequirementsThis opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

ORISE InformationThis 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 USFS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, USFS, 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: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email USForestService@orise.orau.gov and include the reference code for this opportunity. 

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree with completion by May 31, 2021. Degree must have been received within the past five years. 

Candidates who have received their degree are preferred.

Preferred skills:
  • Familiarity with spatial data analysis, GIS, remote sensing, Google Earth Engine, forest databases and forest dynamics
  • Strong writing skills
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 5/31/2021 11:59:00 PM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (20 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (4 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (1 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (1 )
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
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