Postgraduate (BS, MS) Fellowship Program Opportunity US Forest Service Research & Development
US Department of Agriculture Boise, ID FS-2012-400 Project Description: A postgraduate fellowship project is available (via the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education) with the Rocky Mountain Research Station of US Forest Service Research and Development. RMRS maintains 12 research laboratories throughout a 12 state territory encompassing the Great Basin, Southwest, Rocky Mountains and parts of the Great Plains. The Station employs over 400 permanent full-time employees, including 100 research scientists. The fellow will support the Air, Water and Aquatic Environments Program's science delivery and application activities. AWAE conducts basic and applied research on the effects of natural processes and human activities on watershed resources including interactions between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The knowledge we develop supports the management, conservation, and restoration of terrestrial, riparian and aquatic ecosystems and provides for sustainable aquatic resources in the Interior West. The incumbent will work closely with scientists in the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Northwest Research Stations and in close partnership with aquatic and fisheries program managers in US Forest Service regions in the northern Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest to support the dissemination of current research and science support to resource managers and stakeholders. Some travel is required. Qualifications: Applicants must have received a Bachelor's or Master's degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, fisheries biology, hydrology, or a closely related field within five years of the desired starting date. The ideal candidate will have strong written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated capabilities in science writing, a proven ability to work independently, and a client oriented focus. Experience in freshwater fish biology and ecology and familiarity with the Pacific Northwest or Intermountain Region is preferred. Experience with web page design, management and publishing software is desired. Under the mentorship of the program leads, the Fellow will: * Help redesign and maintain a new program webpage (content and layout) to showcase AWAE's aquatic program research * Develop communication and marketing materials to increase access to science products that support management decisions * Communicate directly with Forest Service scientists and resource managers about current research as it relates to management concerns * Contribute to science planning and policy evaluation at a national level * Contribute to science syntheses on high priority or emerging issues (e.g., wildlife disease, invasive species, climate change) This position provides an opportunity to: * Learn about natural resource research and management issues at a regional scale * Gain first-hand knowledge of the Forest Service's aquatic research program * Improve science delivery to managers and stakeholders * Understand and contribute to the intersection of science and management While this is primarily an office-based fellowship, opportunities to support field research are possible. The fellow may explore options for future graduate research and take advantage of additional training opportunities. This appointment is full-time for one year and may be extended for up to three additional years upon the recommendation of the Forest Service and availability of funding. The annual stipend range for this position is from $42,209 up to $55,430, depending on qualifications. Housing, transportation and relocation costs will not be paid. Taxes and other federal, state, and local deductions are the responsibility of the Fellow. There will likely be opportunities for some professional travel during this appointment. The fellow must show proof of health insurance. Health insurance is available through Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). If the fellow selects coverage under the ORISE policy, a supplement to the stipend may be provided to offset a portion of this expense. The fellow does not become an employee of the Forest Service or ORISE. The program is open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, or status as a Vietnam era or disabled veteran. U.S. citizenship required. Interested applicants are encouraged to provide a preliminary application, consisting of a cover letter with statement of interest and goals and a resume/CV to Dr. Frank McCormick ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>; 208-373-4351). Application materials available at: www.orau.gov/usfs_rpp<http://www.orau.gov/usfs_rpp> Frank H. McCormick, Ph.D. Research Program Manager Air, Water and Aquatic Environments Program US Forest Service Research and Development Rocky Mountain Research Station 322 E Front Street Boise, ID 83702 W: 208 373 4351 C: 208 866 9816 "If you can see your path laid out in front of you... it is not your path." Joseph Campbell This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. 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