USFS Computational Text Analysis for NEPA Comments Fellowship

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

USFS Office/Lab and Location: A fellowship opportunity is available with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS) within the Forest Service Northern Research Station (NRS). This opportunity is remote.

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: The goal of this project is to complete research on public engagement with NEPA planning. This includes use of machine learning (e.g., large language models) and social science methods to analyze formal public engagement mechanisms, such as written letters. This research aims to understand the social and political environment of NEPA planning to better understand public and stakeholder perceptions and planning outcomes (e.g., appeals or litigation). This research also aims to improve the process of incorporating public engagement mechanisms more efficiently, as well as with minimized animosity between forest managers and the public/stakeholders.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will learn:

• Advanced natural language processing
• Python for text mining
• Familiarity with NEPA processes
• Interfacing across various programmatic teams
• Project management

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Sonya Sachdeva (sonya.s.sachdeva@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2024.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for two years but may be extended 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 a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. 

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

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 ORISE.USFS.NRS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree.