Research Opportunity in Biological Control of Weeds in Hawaiian Forests
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
MUST APPLY THROUGH EXTERNAL LINK. SUBMIT RESUME WITH APPLICATION.
A research opportunity is available with US Forest Service (USFS), Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry located in Hilo, Hawaii.
Plant invasions in Hawaii have devastating impacts on island forest ecosystems and the lives and livelihoods of citizens. Ongoing efforts using mechanical and chemical control provide short term solutions for incipient infestations and small areas that can be intensively managed, but invasions by certain plants are so widespread that long term management will depend on biocontrol using host-specific natural enemies. Our research program identifies and evaluates biocontrol agents to measure their effectiveness and suitability for release in Hawaii for long term management of weeds such as albizia, miconia, clidemia, and strawberry guava.
The selected participant will train with our staff of entomologists and ecologists in methods used to quantify the specificity and impacts of biocontrol agents for high priority weeds. The participant will learn techniques for rearing insects and evaluating their effects on plants at levels from a single individual to a population. The participant will practice taxonomic principles necessary for insect identification. Mentoring by Forest Service scientists will ensure that the participant acquires the skills to carry out a variety of activities essential for managing Hawaii’s forest ecosystems, including experimental design, plot establishment and monitoring, assessing plant health, and identifying insects and their damage.
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 the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The initial appointment is for six months, but may be renewed upon recommendation of USFS contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. The appointment can be full-time or part-time at USFS in the Hilo, Hawaii, area. Participants do not become employees of USFS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.
For more information about the USFS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received an associate's or bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields.
This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, 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.
If you have questions, send an email to USForestService@orise.orau.gov. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (USDA-USFS-2020-0101) in your email.