USFS Soil Data Management Specialist Fellowship
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
USFS Office/Lab and Location: A soil data management specialist fellowship opportunity is available with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS), Washington Office (WO) and Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS). This opportunity can be remote or located with RMRS in Moscow, Idaho or Boise, Idaho.
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.
The Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) researchers work in a range of biological, physical and social science fields to promote sustainable management of the Nation's diverse forests and rangelands. The Station develops and delivers scientific knowledge and innovative technologies with a focus on informing policy and land-management decisions. Our researchers work in collaboration with a range of partners, including other agencies, academia, nonprofit groups, and industry.
Research Project: This fellow will collaborate closely with principal investigators of the North American Long Term Soil Productivity (LTSP) Study, National Forest System soil scientists, and technical staff to curate, organize, and archive data to share relevant science with land managers and other stakeholders. An interactive LTSP database embedded in the Forest Service Soil Sharepoint site will also be developed. In addition, data from the Forest Soil Disturbance Monitoring Protocol (FSDMP) will curated, archived, and uploaded to the Forest Service database.
The LTSP and FSDMP data consolidation will be the principal focus and the fellow will support efforts to ensure all data is available to Forest Service researchers and managers. The fellow selected for this project will help connect the data with managers and decisionmakers by developing a web-based tool that easily displays desired data trends.
The fellow will contribute research alongside the lead LTSP principal investigator in RMRS and with appropriate WO staff and be mentored by a vibrant and dedicated team. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to build skills in STEM, data collection protocols, web design, science delivery, and data analysis. With guidance from experienced mentors, the participant will gain experience in collaboration with a variety of federal scientists and science users.
Learning Objectives: Specifically, the participant will gain experience by:
- Curating data from a variety of sources and in a variety of forms.
- Developing a uniform dataset to enhance data acquisition by a variety of Forest Service specialists.
- With guidance from a mentor, developing an interactive database.
- Learning database archival skills.
- Supporting data availability from two federally supported large-scale data collection efforts.
There will be opportunities for professional development by attending meetings and interacting with a wide range of soil scientists, managers, and researchers across the country.
Mentor: The mentor(s) for this opportunity are Andy Colter, WO National Soil Program Leader (robert.colter@usda.gov) and Debbie Page-Dumroese, RMRS Senior Research Soil Scientist (debbie.dumroese@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: March - April 2023. 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.
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 USForestService@orise.orau.gov and include the reference code for this opportunity.