USFS Climate Change Communications Fellow

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-USFS-2021-0193
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.  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.

Application Deadline
9/8/2021 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

USFS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available with US Forest Service (USFS), Pacific Northwest Research Station, Northwest Climate Hub located in either Olympia, Washington or Portland, Oregon.

The Northwest Climate Hub serves Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington by delivering science-based, region-specific technologies and practical information for climate-informed decision making. Engaging with partners is a key part of the Hub’s mission to create actionable science and community-focused solutions. Additional information about the Northwest Climate Hub can be found at https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/hubs/northwest

Research Project: The fellow will help translate science and develop communication materials (e.g., newsletters, briefing papers, web content, presentations) related to climate change in forestry, agriculture, and rangelands. There will also be opportunities to support Hub efforts on topics such as riparian management, climate-fire interactions, increasing carbon storage on working lands, and facilitating implementation of climate smart-practices on agricultural and forested lands.

Specifically, the fellow will collaborate with the Hub team to:

  • Help develop communication materials, including website content, fact sheets, infographics, podcasts, and newsletters.
  • Evaluate outreach effectiveness by analyzing web metrics.
  • Synthesize existing research and develop region-specific content and products to help managers, landowners, and producers respond and adapt to climate change.
  • Support science-management convenings aimed at better leveraging existing information and tools, and co-producing a research agenda to address knowledge gaps.

Learning ObjectivesThis fellowship offers a unique opportunity to build skills in science delivery, public relations, communications, stakeholder engagement, and outreach.

The fellow will report to the Director of the Northwest Climate Hub and be mentored by a vibrant and dedicated team. The participant will gain experience in collaborating with USDA agencies, particularly the Forest Service, Agricultural Research Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service, in developing communication content, strengthening partnership engagement, and synthesizing scientific publications for natural resources managers, farmers, ranchers, forest land owners, and policy makers.

The fellow may explore professional development and training opportunities, including travel to meetings, workshops, and conferences (once it is safe to do so).

MentorThe mentor for this opportunity is Jessica Halofsky (Jessica.halofsky@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 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 extended for an additional year upon recommendation of USFS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a stipend commensurate with experience (from $50,000-$70,000 per year). A health insurance allowance and a travel/training allowance 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 master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion by the appointment start date. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred skills:

  • Experience in science communication for diverse audiences
  • Ability to pay close attention to detail and edit written products to improve readability and clarity for non-technical audiences
  • Experience in design and development of outreach materials (e.g., briefing papers, fact sheets, presentations)
  • Creativity and the ability to generate new ideas and methods to help accomplish program goals; willingness to learn new things
  • Experience in rangelands, forestry, agriculture, or natural resources or collaborating with ranchers, natural resource managers, Native Alaskans, Tribal Nations, Indigenous peoples, farmers, forest landowners, state agencies or other relevant groups
  • Experience with:
    • Graphic design
    • Social media
    • Drupal
    • Advanced Microsoft Office applications
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (6 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (10 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (13 )
    • Other Non-Science & Engineering (1 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (4 )
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).