Position summary

The US Geological Survey (USGS) Fort Collins Science Center is seeking an early career social scientist to contribute to a team that studies the use of science products for public land management, including wildfire risk assessments and science synthesis products. The candidate will be provided with important research and training opportunities, joining an existing collaboration between USGS scientists and resource managers from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and other agencies within and outside of the Department of the Interior that seek to coproduce science and data products that inform public lands decision making. The immediate focus of this position will be working with a USGS team to implement surveys and interviews of federal public land managers, analyze survey and interview data, interpret results, draft and publish research findings, and work closely with staff from partner agencies throughout the research process. The position may also contribute to related projects focused on developing actionable science and data products, including summary and synthesis products, to support decision making related to wildland fire management, energy development, livestock grazing, recreation, and other natural resource management actions on public lands. The candidate will work as part of a team under the direction of Dr. Sarah Carter at the USGS Fort Collins Science Center.

Position qualifications

Candidates must have completed an MS degree or higher in natural resources management, ecology, conservation, or a related field to be eligible for consideration. Candidates must be either currently enrolled at a college or university or have completed their latest graduate degree within the last 12 months to be eligible for the position. Full-time in person work at the USGS Fort Collins Science Center in Fort Collins, Colorado is preferred, but part time and remote options may be considered. Candidates must have experience implementing social science studies. Experience with survey methods, interview methods, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis is desired. Familiarity with natural resource management issues on western public lands is strongly desired. Familiarity with wildland fire and fuel management and the science-management or science-policy interface are also desired.

Applicants must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills and a strong desire to work with natural resource managers on public land management issues in western North America. Applicants should possess strong collaboration and time-management skills. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens and undergo a background check.

This position will be hired as a student services contractor. Student Services Contractors participate in scientific research projects at USGS Science Centers across the US and work directly with USGS scientists to gain hands-on experience in real-world science projects, build technical and professional skills, explore potential science careers and pathways, and receive mentorship from experienced scientists (https://www.usgs.gov/youth-and-education-in-science/student-services-contractors). Candidates will need to have an active SAMS account (System for Award Management, sam.gov) prior to appointment.