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USFS Invasive Plant Ecology Field Fellowship

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
USFS Office/Lab and Location: Two research opportunities are currently available with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Pacific Northwest Research Station located in Portland, Oregon.
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 ProjectWant to gain valuable experience being part of a federal agency team? An ORISE fellowship can open a door to a career in natural resources and making a difference. The US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station is seeking highly motivated fellows to collaborate with scientists and land managers conducting field research about plant invasions in forests. We anticipate filling two seasonal fellowships. 
Learning ObjectivesHands-on experience will be centered on field-based invasion ecology research projects, including collecting botanical and environmental data in forests, woodlands, and rangelands, as part of a field team. Additional opportunities may include entering data in the office, learning how to do QA/QC for field data, and generating graphical summaries. Forest Service Research and Development (R&D) works at the forefront of science to improve the health and use of our Nation's forests and grasslands. The Pacific Northwest Research Station is one of five geographically based research stations within the US Forest Service.
MentorThe mentor(s) for this opportunity is Becky Kerns (becky.kerns@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: May 15, 2023; start date is flexible.
Appointment LengthThe appointment will initially be for three months 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 commensurate with educational level and experience. 
Citizenship RequirementsThis 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 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 a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g., Forestry, Forest Ecology, Rangeland Ecology, Botany), or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion before May 1, 2023. Degree must have been received within the past four years.
Preferred Skills: 
  • Field experience, including collecting plant cover and biomass, establishing plots and transects, using topographic maps, determining slope and aspect, measuring trees, using a compass or field GIS system, etc.
  • Experience conducting or participating in research studies
  • Understanding of ecology, fire and invasion ecology, disturbance ecology
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently with established guidelines