Postgraduate Fellowship – US Forest Service – Climate Change and Science Delivery — Arlington, VA

Organization: Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education

Job Title: Postgraduate Fellowship – US Forest Service – Climate Change and Science Delivery

Location: Arlington, VA

Hours and Compensation: Full Time — Salary: $51,630

Application Deadline: Dec. 31, 2012

Position Dates:  1 Year to Start (option for extending up to 3 years)

Posted On: Sep. 24, 2012

Description

A postgraduate fellowship project is available (via the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education) at the Climate Change Advisor’s Office (CCAO) of the U.S. Forest Service (FS). The CCAO works at the forefront of integrated science delivery and policy development aimed at sustainable management through adapting forests and grasslands to a changing climate, and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Responsibilities

The Fellow will perform activities independently and as part of a virtual team primarily focused on the translation and delivery of carbon assessment science and tools to National Forest System planners and managers. The assignment will include support to other climate change projects as time and priorities allow.

Under the mentorship of the natural resource staff specialist, the Fellow will:

• Support a team of scientists by translating and compiling carbon assessment products into useable formats for National Forest System field units. These could include compiling data sets, writing assessments, developing maps, and other products.
• Help develop and maintain a webpage (content and layout) to share carbon assessment science, tools, and products
• Develop communication materials to expand knowledge and use of carbon assessment research and tools
• Contribute to science syntheses and delivery on other high priority or emerging issues.

In addition to supporting the carbon assessment project, up to 50% of the Fellow’s time may be spent supporting other climate change projects, including webpage maintenance.

This position provides an opportunity to:

• Learn about natural resource research and policy issues at a national level
• Gain first-hand knowledge of the Forest Service’s response to climate change
• Improve science delivery to managers and other partners
• Understand and contribute to the intersection of science and policy.

The Fellow will have the opportunity to interact with scientists in our research stations and managers in the National Forest System. This is primarily a headquarters-based fellowship, but opportunities to support field operations and research are possible. The Fellow may explore options for future career opportunities and graduate research and take advantage of additional training opportunities.

Qualifications

Strong candidates for the position will have:

• Education/experience in forestry or other natural resource management, policy, and/or research
• Education/experience in carbon management or accounting principles and practices
• Experience with GIS technology and products
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to effectively synthesize information
• Experience with website design/management and publishing software is a plus.

Applicants must have received a Master’s degree in forest management, ecology, biology, environmental science, or a related field within five years of the desired starting date.

This appointment is full-time for one year and may be extended for an additional three years upon the recommendation of the Forest Service and availability of funding. The annual stipend for this position is $51,630.

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.

Benefits

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.

How to Apply

Application materials available at:www.orau.gov/usfs_rpp