USFS Fire Ecology Internship

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis, with priority given to applications received by March 24.

USFS Office/Lab and Location: A fellowship opportunity is available with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS) within the Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS located in Missoula, Montana).

At the heart of the U.S. 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 U.S. 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.

This opportunity is with the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory in Missoula, Montana. The Program conducts national and international cutting-edge work in wildland fire research. The Program’s scientists, technicians, and support staff continue a 60+ year legacy of proactively conducting the research we need tomorrow and into the future. By improving  fundamental understanding of wildland fire and developing tools and applications, the Fire Sciences Laboratory’s research increases the safety and effectiveness of fire, fuel, and smoke management and helps increase the health of our wildlands.

Research Project: This research opportunity will support projects investigating fire-caused small tree mortality to foster successful prescribed burning and to identify burning considerations to meet tree mortality-related objectives. Fuel treatments and prescribed burning are increasingly used to reduce the risk of high intensity fires and to restore ecosystems dependent on fire. These treatments can impact several ecosystem components, including vegetation and fuels. Research is needed to better understand how different treatments affect plant responses, fuel treatment longevity, and the ability of trees to survive subsequent disturbances and climatic stress. The intern will gain exposure to a variety of field techniques through assisting in field data collection. Field data collection will involve assessing fire effects, measuring trees, and collecting general forest stand information across sites in Montana, Idaho, eastern Washington, and potentially other areas. This experience requires long days spent outside in sometimes hot, cold, or wet conditions with a team of 2-3 people. The experience is a combination of camping (30-50%) and day trips from Missoula, MT. 

Learning Objectives: This opportunity will improve the participant’s knowledge and skills related to field ecology, forestry, and applied fire ecology and fuels management. 

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Sharon Hood (sharon.hood@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: April 1, 2024. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 6 months, 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. 

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 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 ORISE.USFS.RMRS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in the one of the relevant fields (e.g. forestry, ecology and/or environmental science). Degree must have been received within the past five years or is anticipated to be received by 5/20/2027.

Preferred skills:

• A background in forestry, ecology and/or environmental science with an interest in applied forest ecology and natural resource management.
• The ideal candidate will have experience conducting field research for ecological data collection.
• Familiarity with forestry and fire effects field methods is preferred.