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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 will begin being reviewed on March 29, 2024.

USFS Office/Lab and Location: A fellowship opportunity is available with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS) within the Forest Service Southern Research Station (SRS) located in Asheville, North Carolina.

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 USDA Forest Service's Southern Research Station (SRS) is seeking a post-baccalaureate fellow to join a team researching a variety of questions related to the management, restoration, and sustainability of mixed-oak forests in the southeastern US. This effort will involve collaborating with scientists and land managers conducting applied field research related to the ecological outcomes associated with novel and ecologically-based silvicultural treatments as well as conventional silvicultural methods.

Learning Objectives: 

• To better understand how active forest management can be used to improve forest conditions and sustain critical ecosystems services, while improving forest resilience to changing conditions.
• Learn advanced forest ecology procedures related to forest monitoring, carbon cycling, and ecophysiology.
• Collaborate with a team of government and university scientists and technical support staff to achieve group goals
• The mentor for this opportunity is committed to providing a breadth of experience that will help the fellow prepare for and apply to a graduate research program in Forestry, Ecology, Botany, or other natural resource-related fields
• To enhance collaborative skills as a member of a scientific team by helping to plan, implement, monitor, and summarize field-based ecology studies

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Tara Keyser (tara.keyser@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: April 15, 2024.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 9 months 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, 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 ORISE.USFS.SRS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields (i.e. ecology, geography, environmental science/studies, or forest science). Degree must have been received within the past four years.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Experience in conducting vegetative surveys in disturbed and undisturbed forest conditions.
• Expertise in plant identification.
• Experience with data entry, QA/QC procedures, and general database management.
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment as well as independently.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and scientific writing skills.
• A valid driver's license.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to hike up to 3 miles and carry up to 20 pounds in rugged terrain.
• Interest in pursuing a career in research in Forestry, Ecology or other Natural Resources.

• Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 48 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (5 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (6 )