USFS Sustainable Use of US Forests: Identifying Trade of Non-Wood Products, Subsistence-Use, Cultural/Spiritual Values, and Importance of Forests Fellowship
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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.
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
USFS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), within the Forest Economics and Policy Work Unit at the Southern Research Station, located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
At the heart of the U.S. Forest Service's mission is their purpose. Everything they do is intended to help sustain forests and grasslands for present and future generations. Why? Because their stewardship work supports nature in sustaining life. This is the purpose that drives the agency’s mission and motivates their work across the agency. It’s been there from the agency’s very beginning, and it still drives them. To advance the mission and serve their purpose, the U.S. Forest Service balances the short and long-term needs of people and nature by: working in collaboration with communities and our partners; providing access to resources and experiences that promote economic, ecological, and social vitality; connecting people to the land and one another; and delivering world-class science, technology and land management.
Research Project: The mission of the US Forest Service Southern Research Station is to “create the science and technology needed to sustain and enhance southern forest ecosystems and the benefits they provide.” The Forest Economics and Policy Work Unit, a part of the Southern Research Station, aims to advance understanding of how: forest-based disturbances and their management affect economic values, policies influence forestry decision making, forest product markets behave and are affected by policies and shocks, and forest-based ecosystem services are produced and valued. The Forest Economics and Policy Work Unit is currently seeking a post-masters ORISE scholar for a project titled, “Sustainable Use and Value of U.S. Forests: Identifying Trade of Non-Wood Products, Subsistence-Use, Cultural and Spiritual Values, and Importance of U.S. Forests,” for nine months. The goal of the project is to assist with data gathering, analysis, and reporting related to four of the Montreal Process Criteria and Indicators: 6.31 (Value of exports and imports of non-wood products), 6.39 (Area and percent of forests used for subsistence purposes), 6.43 (Area of forests managed primarily to protect cultural, social, and spiritual needs and values), and 6.44 (The importance of forests to people).
Learning Objectives: The ORISE scholar will:
- Learn about the Montreal Process Criteria and Indicator reporting
- Gain professional research experience
- Develop leadership and communication skills
- Collect secondary data related to each of the indicators
- Acquire and/or refine skills in data merging and analysis
- Practice scientific writing
- Build knowledge in developing reproducible methodologies and reports related to each of the indicators
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Stephanie Chizmar (stephanie.chizmar@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 2023; start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for nine months but may be extended upon recommendation of USFS 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 commensurate with educational level and experience.
Citizenship Requirements: This 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 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 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.
The qualified candidate should have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g. Forestry, Natural Resources, Sustainability), or be currently pursuing the degree with completion before June 1, 2023. Degree must have been received within the past three years.
Preferred Skills:
- A working knowledge of data management best practices
- Organizational skills
- Familiarity with Excel and/or R
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