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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.
USFS Office/Lab and Location: A fellowship opportunity is available to engage with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Southwest Climate Hub (SWCH) and Forest Service (USFS) Western Wildland Environmental Threat Assessment Center (WWETAC). The fellowship will be based at WWETAC headquarters at the USDA Forestry Sciences Lab in Olympia, Washington or be remote. The SWCH serves Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and the US Affiliated Pacific Islands by delivering science-based, region-specific technologies and practical information for climate-informed decision making. Additional information about the SWCH can be found at https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/hubs/southwest, and additional information about WWETAC can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/wwetac/.
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: Together with SWCH and WWETAC staff, the selected fellow will develop a climate change vulnerability assessment for cultural resources managed by the Forest Service in Arizona and New Mexico. The assessment will be developed through spatial analysis of expected changes in temperature, precipitation, streamflow, flood risk, fire risk, and erosion risk, as well as through evaluation and synthesis of published literature relevant to the resources of interest in the assessment area. Other available data and model output will be incorporated as appropriate and as time allows. This information will be integrated to evaluate the vulnerability of known cultural sites on Forest Service lands within Arizona and New Mexico. The fellow will collaborate with Forest Service managers and other partners to ensure that key information needs (related to climate change and cultural resources) are addressed in the assessment, to the degree possible. There will be opportunities to publish the results of the analysis in technical reports and/or peer-reviewed journals.
Learning Objectives: 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 address 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. There will be opportunities for professional development, including training and travel for field visits. In this unique role, the fellow can expect to develop skills and knowledge in:
- Diverse scientific disciplines, including ecology, climate change, hydrology, social science, and related fields
- Cultural resource management
- 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
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: February 6, 2023. Start date is flexible 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 is $66,214 - $70,628 per year, depending on experience. This appointment offers a health insurance allowance for the incumbent 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 doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields or be currently pursuing one of the degrees and will reach completion by the start date of the appointment. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.
A PhD in natural or social science with demonstrated experience in cultural resource management is preferred.
Strong candidates for the fellowship will have:
- A PhD in social sciences, anthropology, or natural sciences.
- Knowledge of key impacts of climate change on natural and cultural resources.
- Experience applying scientific analyses and results to resource management issues.
- Familiarity with climate data and impact models that project ecosystem changes with climate change.
- Experience with climate change vulnerability assessments and adaptation.
- Ability to effectively synthesize scientific information.
- Ability to write clearly and effectively for technical and non-technical audiences.
- A record of publishing scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals.
- Strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate highly technical information to non-technical audiences.
- Advanced computer skills, especially in geospatial applications.
- Exposure to federal land management and relevant policies.
- Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
- Academic Level(s): Postdoctoral.
- Discipline(s):
- Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
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