USFS Forest and Wildlife Restoration Research
*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
USFS Office/Lab and Location: Multiple research opportunities in forest ecosystem monitoring and data collection are currently available with the USDA Forest Service (USFS) at the Sagehen Experimental Research Station on the Tahoe National Forest located in Truckee, California. The Sagehen Experimental Research Station is managed jointly by Tahoe National Forest, USFS Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW) and U.C Berkeley.
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.
Research Project: This project will be conducting post-restoration treatment sampling of birds, small mammals, and vegetation on a grid of points that extends across the basin and samples the 2,700 acres of treatment in the 9,000 acres Sagehen Creek basin. Data were collected at the same sites prior to treatment (thinning) so the responses to treatments could be evaluated across the full array of forest ecosystem elements. This project will complete the repeat sampling for vegetation, birds, and small mammals at sites within treatments and outside of treatments to determine the degree to which forest ecosystem objectives have been accomplished.
Learning Objectives: The participants will be involved with small mammal and vegetation sampling. They will collaborate with experienced field biologists and will learn animal handling and ID, as well as sampling design and orienteering skills. The experience will involve camping and/or rustic accommodations. Field work requires a moderate to high level of fitness, hiking in rough terrain for 5-7 hours per day, attention to detail in species identification, data recording, team communication, and scheduling.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Pat Manley (pat.manley@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: May 24, 2021. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for twelve weeks, but may be renewed an additional year upon recommendation of USFS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive $6,606.50 as a monthly stipend, as well as a health insurance stipend supplement to cover medical and prescription coverage.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.
ORISE Information: 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. 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.