Postgraduate Research Opportunity in Forest Economics and Spatial Modeling

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USFS-SRS-2018-111-0008-01
How to Apply

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.  Proof must be sent to ORISE directly from the academic institution including graduation date and degree awarded.  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 references – While two references are requested, applications will be considered without reference information.  It is preferred that a complete application package contains a minimum of one reference.

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

Description

A postgraduate research opportunity in forest resource economics is available with the U.S. Forest Service Research and Development (USFS R&D), in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.  The participant will conduct research into the structure and spatial arrangement of timber markets throughout the United States and develop models to predict the harvest potential of standing timber. Harvest potentials depend on (1) the spatial distribution of processing facilities that utilize timber material of various qualities, (2) the delivered prices of timber products, and (3) harvesting and transportation cost functions that define the costs of delivering material to processing facilities.  The research will involve developing data sets to define these three components of the problem and estimating statistical models of timber sale feasibility and timber supply. The ideal candidate would have an understanding of production economics, natural resource economics, and spatial analysis tools.

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. The initial appointment is full-time for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of USFS and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The participants do not become employees of USFS, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.

For more information about the USFS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.

Qualifications

Applicants must have an advanced degree in natural resource/agricultural economics, geography, or geospatial analysis with at least 24 semester hours in applied economics.  Candidates with a PhD or with post-doctoral experience preferred.

Candidates that bring any of the following experiences of backgrounds are especially suited to this position:

  • Knowledge of applied production economics
  • Knowledge of applied geospatial analysis methods
  • Ability to communicate science findings with policy makers and forest managers
  • Knowledge of statistical regression analysis techniques
  • Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Earth and Geosciences (1 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (2 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (2 )
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