USGS Climate Adaptation Fellow

USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) at the National Climate Adaptation Science Center (NCASC) located in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The USGS mission is to monitor, analyze, and predict current and evolving dynamics of complex human and natural Earth-system interactions and to deliver actionable intelligence at scales and timeframes relevant to decision makers. As the Nation’s largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, USGS collects, monitors, analyzes, and provides science about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems.

Research Project: This project will develop a framework that structures and guides the consideration and inclusion of climate adaptive practices for facilities in the Midwest region of the National Park system. This includes robust engagement of resource managers for local knowledge and context, climate change vulnerability and hazards assessments, consideration of planning process, and the identification of climate adaptation opportunities.

Learning Objectives: The selected participant will have the opportunity to learn how to fill critical information gaps in climate effects on infrastructure, build expertise in decision science, hone skills in science communication, better understand the needs of the natural resource management community, engage with federal partners, and gain valuable experience being a part of a partnership-driven program within a federal science agency.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Olivia LeDee (oledee@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

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

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for three years but may be extended upon recommendation of USGS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment will be full-time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend based on education, experience, and full-/part-time status. The current (full-time) stipend for this opportunity is $78,969-$102,657 per year plus an additional travel and supplies allowance.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents.

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 USGS. Participants do not become employees of USGS, 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: If you have questions about the application process, please email USGS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a master’s or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (Engineering, Hydrology, Climatology, Water Resources, or related disciplines). Degree must have been received within the past five years or is currently pursuing.