USFS Postgraduate Research Opportunity in GIS/Statistics

A postgraduate research opportunity in GIS and Statistics is available with the Wenatchee Forestry Science Lab, part of the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station located in Wenatchee, Washington. PNWRS conducts research that serves the forest land managers and society, and advances science and management goals.

The participant will be placed on a dynamic research team led by Dr. Paul Hessburg (paul.hessburg@usda.gov) and Dr. Nicholas Povak (nicholas.povak@usda.gov) investigating landscape level changes and future trajectories of western US forest ecosystems. This opportunity is well suited for those who have experience and a strong interest in using ecological models, spatial and statistical analyses, data visualizations and big data methods to solve complex ecological problems.

The candidate will be expected to be self-directed within a highly collaborative research environment. This opportunity requires someone who can operate independently while participating in the collaborative culture of the team.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will provide GIS and database expertise to support ecology-based activities to include the collection and integration of data into a GIS, the processing, analysis and modeling of spatial data, and the provision of GIS products. The participant will assemble, evaluate, and summarize environmental and spatial data in order to run simulation models, summarize output for analysis, and perform statistical analyses. The participant will also have the opportunity to create, analyze, and interpret digital spatial data. They will help process raw image files; view, and interpret mono- and stereo- aerial imagery; perform quality assurance/quality control assessments; gather, organize, and interpret data; and help to develop proposals and complete reports.

The participant will contribute to the team by providing technical advice for specific projects as they relate to spatial data requirements. The participant will also conduct research to stay updated with latest developments in GIS technology and information management principles. The participant will assist in developing workflow and automation via scripting routines for developing, analyzing, and integrating spatial data into a common standard. The participant will assist in assembling background data and literature references, writing descriptions of methods and preparing tables, graphs, text and maps to summarize results. The participant will also support workflow modeling efforts, taught how to lead discrete tasks and projects, and make regular recommendations for process and productivity tool improvements.

The participant will be taught how to manage development, maintenance, and application processes of selected databases in support of unit planning and implementation processes. The participant will have a chance to assemble, manage, evaluate, and summarize ecological datasets from a wide variety of climate, vegetation, and physical databases. The participant will also learn how to incorporate ecological datasets into statistical modeling workflows including multivariate statistics, regression modeling, and machine learning for prediction, interpretation, and synthesis.

The appointment is full-time for one year with an option to be extend for four years depending on funding availability.  A competitive stipend is offered ranging from $53,000-$68,000 per year. The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, USDA, USFS, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens.

For more information about the USFS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.

If you have questions, send an email to USForestService@orise.orau.gov.