Title: Postdoctoral Scientist Position in Spatial Vegetation Modeling and
Landscape Ecology
(Research Ecologist, GS-408-11 or -12, salary range $52,912 - $63,417).
Location: Forest Landscapes and Ecosystems Team, Ecosystem Processes
Program, Pacific Northwest (PNW) Research Station, USDA Forest Service,
Corvallis, Oregon.
Start Date: October 1, 2007 (negotiable).
Application Closing Date: August 2, 2007.
The Position: The Forest Landscapes and Ecosystems Team seeks a
motivated individual to pursue research in spatial vegetation
modeling and landscape ecology. The position is with the PNW Research
Station at the Forestry Sciences Lab in Corvallis, Oregon. The
researcher also will be a member of the Landscape Ecology, Modeling,
Mapping, and Analysis (LEMMA) team (http://www.fsl.orst.edu/lemma),
comprised of two other scientists and three Faculty Research
Assistants from PNW and Oregon State University. At least two years
of funding are available, with the possibility of extension up to two
more years given additional funding.
The position will support a national pilot study to develop novel
methods for k-nearest-neighbor (kNN) mapping of forest vegetation and
landscape pattern. The kNN method of predictive vegetation mapping
uses statistical or gradient models to integrate detailed data on
vegetation composition and structure collected on field plots with
spatial data from satellite imagery, climate and topographic models,
and other sources. Resulting maps are used regionally in landscape
scenario analysis; wildland risk assessment for fire, insects and
diseases, and climate change; land management planning; and
biodiversity assessment and conservation planning. The national pilot
will evaluate kNN for seven ecoregions across the United States, in
collaboration with scientists from other regions. This position will
be responsible for three western ecoregions. The kNN methods
developed in this study ultimately will be applied nationally, to
develop maps and related products for a variety of applications. The
national pilot is a collaborative and jointly-funded effort among
Forest Service Research, State and Private, and National Forest
Systems. The scientist will be responsible for original research
related to the project, including study design, data analysis, and
oral and written communication of research findings to a variety of
audiences. Research questions may address alternative methods for
spatial modeling of plant communities and land cover, spatial scaling
issues in mapping vegetation and landscape pattern, monitoring
landscape change, methods for spatial accuracy assessment, or other
topics within the scientistâs areas of interest and expertise.
Qualifications:
* Ph.D. in ecology, geography, remote sensing, forestry, or related field.
* Knowledge of methods and software for quantitative ecology, gradient
analysis, spatial modeling, and statistics.
* Demonstrated ability to manipulate and analyze a variety of large,
complex spatial and relational databases.
* Experience with geographic information systems (GIS) analysis and
software.
* Knowledge of remote sensing, vegetation sampling designs and data
formats, and biogeography of plant communities of the Pacific Northwest are
desirable.
* Demonstrated scholarship through peer-reviewed publications and
presentations.
* Ability to work relatively unsupervised, plan work, achieve results, and
meet deadlines.
* Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
About the Community: Corvallis is a community of about 50,000 located in
the central Willamette Valley. Corvallis is home to Oregon State University
and offices of several government research and natural resource agencies.
Corvallis is within a two-hour drive of the Oregon Coast, wine country, the
Cascade Mountains, and the High Desert. The Siuslaw National Forest, the
OSU research forest, and the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest are nearby.
Forests in the region are world renowned for their diversity and magnitude
and for forest management controversies. Corvallis is a full service
community with an abundance of medical, dental, and legal services. The
Forestry Sciences Laboratory is located on the campus of Oregon State
University. The community is less than two hours from major airports in
Portland and Eugene. For more information see
http://www.visitcorvallis.com/visitors/index.html.
About the PNW Research Station: The PNW Research Station is comprised of 11
research labs and centers in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska
(http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw). Forest Service Research develops scientific and
technical knowledge for 1.6 billion acres of forests and rangelands in the
United States. The Forest Service has the most extensive and productive
program of integrated forestry research in the world. The PNW Research
Station has about 500 employees, with expertise in biological, physical,
and social sciences. Our mission is to generate and communicate scientific
knowledge that helps people understand and make informed choices about
people, natural resources, and the environment.
Conditions of Employment: This is a full time position at the GS-11 or
GS-12 level ($52,912-$63,417), depending on qualifications and experience.
The position includes health, retirement (including a 401k package), sick
leave, and vacation benefits. Candidates must be one of the following (for
more information see http://www.opm.gov/employ/html/citizen.asp):
* Citizen of the United States;
* Citizen of one of the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Bahamas,
Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica,
Cuba (as a signatory of the Rio Treaty in 1947), Czech Republic, Denmark,
Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece,
Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic
of), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua,
Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey,
United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Venezuela;
* Refugee of South Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laotia paroled into the United
States after January 1, 1975;
* Alien from Cuba, Poland, South Vietnam, the countries of the former
Soviet Union, or the Baltic Countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) lawfully
admitted to the United States for permanent residence;
* Native of American Samoa or Swains Island;
* National of the Peoples Republic of China who qualifies for adjustment of
status pursuant to the Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992.
To Learn More About the Position: Contact Janet Ohmann, e-mail
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
To Apply: By August 2, 2007, send electronic (preferred) or printed copies
of: (1) statement of interest describing your qualifications and experience
and availability dates; (2) complete curriculum vitae with dates of
employment, hours per week worked, and descriptions of duties; (3)
transcripts from graduate and undergraduate study (unofficial copies are
OK); (4) names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three
references; (5) reprints of up to five publications; and (6) Federal
Application OF 612 (available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/of.asp) to
Janet Ohmann, Forestry Sciences Laboratory, 3200 SW Jefferson Way,
Corvallis, OR 97331, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Incomplete applications will not be
considered.
USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
Revised 6/8/2005
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all
its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin,
age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial
status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information,
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income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited
bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large
print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDAâs TARGET Center at
(202)720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write
to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.,
Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382
(TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
