USFS Research Opportunity in Biological Control of Weeds in Hawaiian Forests
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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. Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start. Click Here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- A current resume/CV
- Two educational or professional recommendations. At least one recommendation must be submitted in order for the mentor to view your application.
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis, and this posting will remain open until filled.
USFS Office/Lab and Location: Two research opportunities are available with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry located in Hilo, Hawaii.
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: Plant invasions in Hawaii have devastating impacts on island forest ecosystems and the lives and livelihoods of citizens. Ongoing efforts using mechanical and chemical control provide short term solutions for incipient infestations and small areas that can be intensively managed, but invasions by certain plants are so widespread that long term management will depend on biocontrol using host-specific natural enemies. Our research program identifies and evaluates biocontrol agents to measure their effectiveness and suitability for release in Hawaii for long term management of weeds such as albizia, miconia, clidemia, and strawberry guava.
Learning Objectives: The selected participant will train with our staff of entomologists and ecologists in methods used to quantify the specificity and impacts of biocontrol agents for high priority weeds. The participant will learn techniques for rearing insects and evaluating their effects on plants at levels from a single individual to a population. The participant will practice taxonomic principles necessary for insect identification. Mentoring by Forest Service scientists will ensure that the participant acquires the skills to carry out a variety of activities essential for managing Hawaii’s forest ecosystems, including experimental design, plot establishment and monitoring, assessing plant health, and identifying insects and their damage.
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Tracy Johnson (tracy.johnson@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: As soon as a qualified candidate is identified. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for six months, but may be extended an additional year upon recommendation of USFS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time, or possibly half-time, depending on educational commitments.
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, 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 an associate's or bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields.
Introductory training/work experience in Hawaiian forest ecosystems is preferred. Current drivers license preferred.
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