USDA Forest Service Tribal Forest Management Fellowship

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

USDA Forest Service Office/Lab and Location: A fellowship opportunity is available with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station (PNWRS) within the Northwest Climate Hub (NWCH) located in Olympia, Washington.  The NWCH serves Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington by delivering science-based, region-specific technologies and practical information for climate-informed decision making. Additional information about the NWCH can be found at https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/hubs/northwest

At the heart of the USDA Forest Service’s mission is their purpose. Everything they do is intended to help sustain forests and grasslands for present and future generations. Why? Because their stewardship work supports nature in sustaining life. This is the purpose that drives the agency’s mission and motivates their work across the agency. It’s been there from the agency’s very beginning, and it still drives them. To advance the mission and serve their purpose, the USDA Forest Service balances the short and long-term needs of people and nature by: working in collaboration with communities and our partners; providing access to resources and experiences that promote economic, ecological, and social vitality; connecting people to the land and one another; and delivering world-class science, technology and land management.

Research Project:  Collaborating with NWCH staff, the selected fellow will focus on assisting with the integration of climate change in tribal forest management plans. The fellow will have an opportunity to develop relationships with Tribes in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, as well as scientists at the Pacific Northwest Research Station. More specifically, the fellow will collaborate with NWCH staff to contribute to efforts to:

• Synthesize and communicate the latest research on forest carbon and the effects of climate change on ecosystems, watersheds, and other resources in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.
• Co-develop fact sheets, decision tools, and other resources for Tribes to support integration of climate change consideration in management of forest management.

While much of the fellow’s efforts will focus on assisting with the development of producing materials to support Tribal forest management decisions, they may also have the opportunity to contribute to scientific publications.

Learning Objectives: In this unique role, the fellow can expect to develop skills and knowledge in:

• Science translation and communication through engagement with Tribes, land managers, and scientists
• The policy and practices that shape management of forests on Tribal lands.
• Diverse scientific disciplines, including ecology, climate change, hydrology, social science, and related fields

There will be opportunities for professional development, including training and travel for field visits.

Mentor: 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.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 2024.  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 extended 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. Annual stipend range is $60,000-$75,000 depending on qualifications, plus coverage for 75% of health insurance costs.

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, USDA Forest Service, 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 ORISE.USFS.PNWRS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a master’s or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion before the appointment start date. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Individuals enrolled in, or who have graduated from, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience engaging with American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Nations and awareness of their sovereign rights
• Demonstrated success in science communication related to natural resource management
• Strong verbal and written communication skills applicable in a range of contexts
• Advanced computer skills, especially in Microsoft Office applications and geospatial applications
• Knowledge of key impacts of climate change on forests, other ecosystems, and communities