A complete application consists of:

• An application
• A current resume/CV
• Three references
• A writing sample (two-page maximum)
• Transcripts – 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 may be required to provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start. Proof must be sent to ORISE directly from the academic institution including graduation date and degree awarded.

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

If you have questions, send an email to usforestservice@orise.orau.gov. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

The successful candidate will help to establish and implement a new center within the USDA Forest Service Research and Development (USDA FS R&D) program - the National Center for Natural Resource Economics Research (NCNRER).  The successful candidate will contribute to the launch of this new initiative through administrative support, interacting with national and regional R&D research leaders and scientists and handling operational tasks out of the Washington Office, and by helping to develop communications and outreach materials and capabilities.  The diverse range of tasks presents an opportunity for directly influencing the success of the Center, and expanding their national impact.

The National Center was founded to respond rapidly to emerging natural resource economic issues of national significance by leveraging expertise across the Agency. A sampling of high profile project areas sponsored by the Center include environmental justice, ecosystem services, markets for timber and non-timber forest products, and managing for climate change. The successful candidate will contribute content to the National Center website based on Forest Service economics research; assist in maintaining project activity records and directories of expertise; create outreach materials (blogs, infographics, talking points, tweets) and annual reports; coordinate meetings of the governance boards associated with the NCNRER; and assist with webinars and teleconferences.  The successful candidate will be engaged in the first-ever Natural Resource Economists Summit at the Rocky Mountain Research Station in Ft. Collins, Colorado, which will convene all FS economists for priority setting and project planning.

Activities to be performed under supervision of the National Program Lead in Economics include (but are not limited to):

• Develop web content highlighting significant forest service economics research outcomes by synthesizing and summarizing results for dissemination to other researchers, Forest Service and Federal partners, private sector partners, and interested public.  Pieces ranging from blogs to multi-page issues papers will be written for economists and noneconomists by relating research to the needs of target audiences.
• Develop announcements and descriptions of economics works for outreach to associations and trade organizations in the form of short newsletter pieces that may be adapted in part or in whole.
• Identify interesting topics and create data visualizations (charts, infographics, etc.) and social media releases to engage audiences and communicate Forest Service research achievements.
• Maintain and update data in a directory of economics expertise within the Forest Service.
• Coordinate call-in meetings of the Forest Sertice economist group and the NCNRER governance boards and serve as recording secretary for the meetings. Occasionally identify and contact speakers from within the Forest Service, other Federal agencies, or the academic research community to present interesting and relevant research for the group.  Assist in webinars and podcasts for the NCNRER.
• Work with the host Research Station to set up a 2-day workshop of FS economists to discuss current and proposed research, discuss national priorities and themes, and strategize collaborative approaches to key research questions.
• Travel to conferences and meetings to support the work of Forest Service economists through outreach presentations and networking.

Participant Benefits

Research opportunities are typically full-time for one year and may be extended for up to four additional years upon recommendation of the Forest Service and are contingent on the availability of programmatic funds. The stipend rates will be determined by Forest Service officials and are based on the participant’s academic and professional background. A stipend supplement may be provided to cover the cost of an individual or family health insurance plan.

Nature of the Appointment

Participants will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, USDA, 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.

This is an equal opportunity program open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, generic information, sexual orientation, or covered veteran’s status.

B.A., B.S., M.A., or M.S. degree or certificate in natural resource economics, environmental economics, forest economics, or agricultural or applied economics with emphasis in natural resources or environment.

Technical - ability to read and interpret peer-reviewed economics publications in the areas of natural resources, forestry, ecology, and environment.

Writing - ability to synthesize research methods and outcomes into technical and nontechnical summaries, reports, research findings, and web content for a variety of audiences.

Data visualization - ability to conceptualize and create visual representations of data and research outcomes in charts, diagrams, infographics, and presentations (MS-PowerPoint and Prezi)

Communication - ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with NCNRER governance groups, scientists, Congressional staff, and leadership in other agencies and private sector organizations to explain and promote Forest Service economics research.

Teamwork - ability to work in small groups, strong listening skills with ability to build on others' ideas, and ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with diverse audiences and colleagues.  Willingness to respond positively to suggestions and to promote participation and group cohesion.

Information management and computer literacy - ability to manage document files and databases with experience in Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat.  Layout and design of content for web pages and mobile devices, familiarity with webinar and podcast formats, and experience with social media.

Organizational skills - appropriate for managing directories, tracking research project progress, preparing official reports, and assisting with meetings. Detail oriented, good time management and scheduling skills, ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (1 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (1 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (1 )