USFS Post-graduate Fellowship in Forest Carbon Research

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-USFS-2022-0144
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.  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 educational or professional recommendations. Applications need at least one recommendation submitted in order to be viewed by the mentor.

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

Application Deadline
5/30/2022 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

USFS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS), Pacific Northwest Research Station in Wenatchee (WA), Olympia (WA), Corvallis (OR), or LaGrande (OR); telework possible.

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.

The mission of the Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Research Station is to generate and communicate impartial knowledge to help people understand and make informed choices about natural resource management and sustainability. 

Research ProjectThis research project will look at methods for improving the inclusion of disturbance into forest carbon models in the Pacific Northwest.  The participant will summarize current carbon modeling methods for incorporation of disturbance, research improvements for addressing disturbances in forest carbon projections, and engage with a diverse group of interested parties on issues around sequestration of carbon in western forests.  

Learning ObjectivesLearning opportunities for the participant include increased understanding of forest carbon accounting, disturbance and management interactions, and forest modeling methods.  The participant will gain experience in sharing results through the development of publications and presentations.

MentorThe mentor for this opportunity is Tara Barrett (tara.barrett@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Summer 2022, or as soon as a qualified candidate is identified.  Start date is flexible and negotiable, and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment LengthThe appointment will initially be for one year, but may be extended upon recommendation of USFS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.

Participant StipendThe participant will receive a monthly stipend ranging from $5,200-$5,500, commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship RequirementsThis opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) 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 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. 

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received an master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields or be currently pursuing the degree with completion by June 30, 2022.

Preferred skills:

  • Knowledge of forest ecology and management 
  • Strong skills in data analysis, programming, and modelling techniques
  • Good oral and written communication skills, particularly in communicating science and research results 
  • Interest in carbon accounting and forest modelling
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 6/30/2022 12:00:00 AM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
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