USFS Innovation and Organizational Learning Internship

USFS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS). This appointment is virtual.

Research Project: The intern will participate in an ongoing study of the Forest Service's commitment to being a learning organization by gathering, documenting, and communicating the evolution of the US Forest Service's approach to accident investigation and learning from unintended outcomes over time.

Learning Objectives: This internship offers a unique opportunity to study organizational learning and change as it happens in a large organization with a deep history. The intern will contribute research alongside a project team where collaboration, communication, and coordination are essential. The intern will develop skills in social science research, have access to unique primary source interviews, conduct and code interviews, and assist in developing learning products that translate and communicate social science for a range of audiences using a variety mediums.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Ben Iverson (benjamin.iverson@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 2022.  Start date is flexible and negotiable, and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for four to eight months, but may be extended upon recommendation of USFS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time but reporting part-time may be considered. 

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Travel allowance will be provided on an as needed basis. IT capacity to work remotely (reliable Internet connection, computer with Microsoft Office suite, etc.) is required. A stipend to achieve this capacity can be negotiated.  

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. 

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g. Organizational Learning, Organizational Development, Organizational Culture, Leadership, Risk Management, History, Organizational Anthropology, System Safety). 

Preferred skills: