Postgraduate Research Opportunity in Ecology
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
A postgraduate research opportunity in fire ecology is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Rocky Mountain Research Station located in Missoula, Montana.
This project examines the impact of wildland fire on tree growth. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be involved in investigating forest dynamics and tree-level growth in areas that previously burned areas. The participant will collaborate with a crew to collect field data and learn how to collect growth cores, assign causal mortality agents from bark beetles, and basic forest mensuration techniques. The participant will also receive training on tree ring data methods and analyses. This opportunity will teach the participant about the field of dendroecology, as well as how to perform a wide variety of forest and fire ecology data collection protocols.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 1, 2020
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. 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 is full-time at USFS in the Missoula, Montana, area. Participants do not become employees of USDA, 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 a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields.
This opportunity is for US citizens only.
If you have questions, send an email to USForestService@orise.orau.gov. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (USDA-USFS-2020-0116) in your email.