USFS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Applied Climate Change
*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
USFS Office/Lab and Location: A research training opportunity is available at the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station (PNW), Northwest Climate Hub, Western Wildland Environmental Threat Assessment Center (WWETAC). For the location of the appointment, the participant will be able to choose between Olympia, WA; Portland, OR; or Corvallis, OR. Due to the ongoing pandemic, remote participation will be permitted until Pacific Northwest Research Station Labs reopen.
The PNW Research Station is a USDA Forest Service research center that develops and delivers knowledge and innovative technology to improve the health and use of the Nation’s forests and rangelands—both public and private. WWETAC, which is housed at the PNW Research Station, is a Forest Service center that focuses on applied science and tools related to fire, drought, insects, invasive species, and climate change across the western United States. The Northwest Climate Hub, also housed at the PNW Station, is focused on delivering science-based knowledge and practical information to farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and Tribes that will help them to adapt to climate change. WWETAC and the Climate Hub comprise a vibrant group of research scientists and technical specialists located around the Pacific Northwest.
Research Project: In collaboration with WWETAC and Northwest Climate Hub team members, the selected participant will facilitate science-management partnerships to develop climate change vulnerability assessments and adaptation options for western landscapes. Under guidance of the WWETAC/Hub Director, the participant will also conduct research and develop tools and syntheses that help policymakers and land and watershed managers understand the effects of climate variability and change on natural resources, and to identify and describe adaptive land-management practices under changing climate with respect to water, vegetation, carbon, wildlife habitat, recreation, and other ecosystem services. The participant will assemble, interpret and disseminate data and information to provide options and priorities for managing natural resources in a changing climate. The participant will also assemble technical information, perform analyses, contribute to technical reports, and provide leadership in writing peer-reviewed journal papers.
A key role for the participant will be to collaborate with WWETAC and Hub team members to build effective relationships with information users, who range from governmental to non-governmental institutions and include (among others) federal and state natural resource management agencies; Tribes; industrial and non-industrial private landowners; and national and international policymakers addressing natural resources. The participant will present concepts and research results to diverse groups, such as scientists, federal and state agency managers, tribal representatives, universities, and non-governmental organizations. This fellowship will play a critical role in bridging the gap between science and land management by facilitating development of accessible climate change vulnerability reports and adaptation options, and developing tools to aid adaptation implementation. This fellowship will help promote the use of the best available science in natural resource management in the western U.S.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about climate change science and natural resource management issues in the West while helping integrate climate change information into national forest planning and projects
- Gain first-hand knowledge of Forest Service Research & Development science and National Forest System management
- Understand and facilitate interactions at the intersection between science and land management
The participant will have the opportunity to interact with scientists in Forest Service research stations, and managers in the National Forest System and other land management agencies and entities. The participant may explore options for future job or educational opportunities and take advantage of additional training opportunities.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Jessica Halofsky (Jessica.halofsky@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Spring 2021. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of USFS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Total Stipend will be $70,000 per year. A health insurance allowance, and a travel/training allowance will also be provided.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), 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.
ORISE Information: 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. Participants do not become employees of USDA, USFS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email USForestService@orise.orau.gov and include the reference code for this opportunity.