USFS Summer Forestry Field Internship
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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. Click Here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- A current resume/CV
- Two educational or professional recommendations. Applications need at least one recommendation submitted in order to be viewed by the mentor.
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
USFS Office/Lab and Location: Three research opportunities are available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS), Rocky Mountain Research Station located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The research project will take place in the Manitou Experimental Forest near Woodland Park, Colorado.
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 participant will be involved in establishing research sites for a study being conducted by the Forest and Woodland Ecosystems at the Rocky Mountain Research Station Located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The focus of this research is to examine forest stands of a variety of forest types that have been managed in the past across the western US and study the response by bark beetles and regeneration establishment and compare these to untreated areas. For these appointments the research will be primarily in National Forests in central and southwestern Colorado.
Learning Objectives: The selected participants will learn and use forestry field measurement techniques, how to collect tree cores and post-processing such as dating and measuring tree rings, data recording, and using electronic field maps. The participant will also be mentored in establishing relationships with other members of Forest Service Units and collaborating with scientists from different disciplines. The participants will learn leadership skills, how to conduct research on teams, and how to implement a project.
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Jose Negron (jose.negron@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: May 26, 2022. Start date is flexible and negotiable, and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for four months in the summer, 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. The current stipend for this opportunity is $12,568 over four months plus medical, dental, and vision benefits. All travel expenses during the appointment will also be covered.
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 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. Forestry, Natural Resources, Entomology).
Preferred skills:
- Knowledge of data collection protocols in forest stands
- Comfortable working in remote field locations and uneven terrain over extended periods of time
- Availability to travel extensively for periods of a week to 10 days throughout the duration of the appointment
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