USDA-FS Conservation Planning 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 (FS) within the Forest Service Northern Research Station (NRS). This opportunity is remote.

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: You will help with communication of science-based information to help farmers and forest managers maintain productivity. Ongoing projects include developing decision-support materials and reviewing and improving technical guides to improve farmer productivity and efficiency. Research and analysis will be in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team of analysts, scientists, communication specialists, and other fellows. You will have the opportunity to create an individualized learning plan associated with existing projects to collaborate with NRCS Conservation Planners.

Learning Objectives:  Under the guidance of a mentor, you will have the opportunity to learn to: (a) apply knowledge within real-world problem directives; and (b) detail the steps to develop materials useful for stakeholders

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Erin Lane (erin.d.lane@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 2026.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year and three months but may be extended upon recommendation of USDA Forest Service and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is part time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $1,200 – $1,500 monthly.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

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 USDA Forest Service. 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.NRS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a master’s degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred skills:

• Creative thinker
• Data science skills
• Interest in natural resource management, agriculture, or forestry

Stipend

$1,200.00 – $1,500.00 Monthly

Point of Contact

Michele

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master’s Degree received within the last 60 month(s).