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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, starting on October 24, 2022.

USFS Office/Lab and Location: A fellowship opportunity is available to engage with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Northwest Climate Hub (NWCH). This fellowship is based in the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station. The NWCH serves Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington by delivering science-based, region-specific technologies and practical information for climate-informed decision making. Additional information about the NWCH can be found at https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/hubs/northwest.

Research Project: Together with NWCH staff, the selected fellow will focus primarily on efforts to support integration of climate change in national forest management in the USDA Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region, which includes units in Oregon and Washington. The fellow will collaborate closely with the climate change and science coordinator for the Pacific Northwest Region and Research Station. The fellow will also develop relationships with scientists and land managers at the Pacific Northwest Research Station and Pacific Northwest Region of the USDA Forest Service. More specifically, together with NWCH staff, the fellow will contribute to efforts to:

• Synthesize and communicate the latest research on forest carbon and the effects of climate change on ecosystems, watersheds, and other resources in Oregon and Washington
• Develop fact sheets, decision tools, and other resources that support integration of climate change consideration in management of national forests, grasslands, and other management units in Oregon and Washington
• Conduct strategic planning and associated reporting in line with national requirements related to climate change

Learning Objectives: While much of the fellow’s efforts will focus on assisting with the development of materials to support management decisions, they may also have the opportunity to contribute to scientific publications. The fellow will have the opportunity to contribute to efforts to tackle climate change at a pivotal time when the USDA Forest Service and its partners are working to scale up efforts to tackle climate change in line with the agency’s Climate Adaptation Plan and the USDA Secretary’s Memorandum on Climate Resilience and Carbon Stewardship of America’s National Forests and Grasslands, both published in summer 2022. In this unique role, the fellow can expect to develop skills and knowledge in:

• Science translation and communication through engagement with land managers, scientists, and key partners
• The policy and practices that shape management of national forests and grasslands
• Diverse scientific disciplines, including ecology, climate change, hydrology, social science, and related fields

The participant will be located in Olympia, Washington (with NWCH director), Corvallis or Portland, Oregon (near other staff). There will be opportunities for professional development, including training and travel for field visits.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Jessica Halofsky (jessica.halofsky@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

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

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, 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 will be $66,531 to $73,098 per year, depending on experience. This appointment offers a health insurance allowance for the participant as well as a travel/training allowance.

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 have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree and will reach completion by the start date of the appointment. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Individuals enrolled in, or graduated from, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) or minority serving institutions are encouraged to apply.

Preferred skills:

• An MS or Ph.D. in natural or social science with demonstrated experience in natural resource management is preferred.
• Strong candidates for the fellowship should have:
  • Demonstrated success in science communication related to natural resource management
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills applicable in a range of contexts
  • Advanced computer skills, especially in Microsoft Office applications and geospatial applications
  • Exposure to federal land management and relevant policies, including the National Environmental Policy Act
  • Knowledge of key impacts of climate change on forests, other ecosystems, and communities in the Pacific Northwest
  • Knowledge in forest carbon tracking 

• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Earth and Geosciences (3 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (9 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (4 )
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).