Natural Resource Economist, Spatial Statistician

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USFS-RD-SRS-2015-0003
How to Apply
A complete application consists of:
• An application
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
 
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
Description
The incumbent will participate in ongoing team-oriented research focused on understanding responses of watershed ecosystems to socioeconomic change  and natural disturbances.  In particular, this position will study recent land use dynamics in the United States to examine the influence of demands for developed as well as all rural land uses along with the effects of biophysical factors including climate on land use conditions. The incumbent will work within an interdisciplinary team to examine the influence of future land use conditions on ecosystem service outcomes, including carbon, water, and wildlife habitat.  The research involves hypothesis driven studies of historical change and development of projection models to address economic, demographic and climate changes.
 

Responsibilities include:

  • Assembling and documenting spatial data sets of land uses, derived land rents, and biophysical conditions
  • Translating economic land use theory into statistical models
  • Applying statistical/computational methods to estimate models and test hypotheses
  • Developing land use projection models
  • Working within the team to link land use projections to ecosystem service outcomes
  • Writing manuscripts and reports.  In addition, the incumbent will have the opportunity to develop collaborative research and write research grants with university partners on a variety of projects.

This appointment is located in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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 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. Relocation expenses may be reimbursed. Funding may be made available to reimburse travel-related expenses to scientific and professional development activities.
 

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.

For additional information about the US Forest Service Research Participation Program, please visit http://www.orau.gov/usfs_rpp/index.html.

This appointment is located in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Qualifications

Strong candidates for the position will have:

  • Academic training in natural resource economics, spatial statistics, or related fields at the PhD level
  • Knowledge and skill in quantitative analyses of large and complex data sets
  • Knowledge in modeling, remote sensing, and GIS
  • Interest in participating in multidisciplinary, team-oriented research projects
  • A record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Earth and Geosciences (2 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (4 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (10 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (1 )