USGS Research in Urban Ecology and Native Plants

Organization
U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
Reference Code
USGS-2021-05
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
11/3/2021 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) located in Reston, VA (DC Area). Other locations may be negotiable but will depend on mentorship and space considerations.  

The USGS mission is to monitor, analyze, and predict current and evolving dynamics of complex human and natural Earth-system interactions and to deliver actionable intelligence at scales and timeframes relevant to decision makers. As the Nation's largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, USGS collects, monitors, analyzes, and provides science about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems.

The National Climate Adaptation Science Center (NCASC) manages a network of nine regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) located across the U.S. Together, the National and Regional CASCs conduct research to understand how changing climate conditions impact fish, wildlife, ecosystems, and communities. Through this work, we aim to provide on-the-ground natural resource managers and other stakeholders with scientific information and decision-making tools to help them understand, respond, and adapt to these changes. 

Research ProjectScience synthesis is central to the CASC mission of delivering actionable science to natural and cultural resource managers. Science synthesis supports the CASC mission by helping researchers and the management community better understand key processes, identify information gaps, and better design future research efforts. This fellowship will focus synthesis efforts in two key areas of research: climate-linked urban ecology and climate impacts on native plants.  

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will help plan the synthesis efforts, including initial research into the most appropriate structure for the synthesis, designing a synthesis method, partnering with a collaborative team of experts, and writing a report.  

Learning Objectives: Through this fellowship, the participant will have the opportunity to co-lead a science synthesis project, refine their knowledge of the climate science literature and the needs of the natural resource management community, engage with federal and non-federal partners, and gain valuable experience being a part of a partnership-driven program within a federal science agency.  

MentorThe mentor for this opportunity is Emily Fort (efort@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Fall 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 two additional years upon recommendation of USGS 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.

Citizenship RequirementsThis opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only. 

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 USGS. Participants do not become employees of USGS, 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: If you have questions about the application process please email USGS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The candidate should have received a Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree in one of the fields listed in the eligibility requirements section below. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date. 

Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in several of the following: 

  • Experience conducting literature reviews 
  • Experience in basic database design and management 
  • Familiarity with urban ecology 
  • Familiarity with the topic of climate change and its effects on wildlife and ecosystems 
  • Familiarity with the topic of native plants 
  • Self-starter with strong attention to detail and organizational skills 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Earth and Geosciences (2 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (7 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (15 )
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