*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 Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) located in Fort Collins, Colorado.

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: The participant will be involved in research studies being conducted by the Forest and Woodland Ecosystems Program at the Rocky Mountain Research Station Located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The research is part of a series of studies aimed at increasing our understanding of the biology and ecology of western bark beetles and the development of sustainable management strategies for forested landscapes to mitigate mortality levels. The participant will be helping in establishing field research sites, processing tree cores from studies aimed at examining tree and stand resistance bark beetles and resiliency through the examination of growth rates and annual ring characteristics. In addition, the participant will be involved insect trapping studies by collecting and processing samples including identifying insect specimens.

Learning Objectives: The selected participant will learn and use forestry field measurement techniques, how to collect tree cores and postprocessing such as dating and measuring tree rings, data recording, using electronic field maps, collecting insects in traps and sample processing. The participant will also be mentored in establishing relationships with other members of Forest Service Units and collaborating with scientists from different disciplines. The participants will learn leadership skills, how to conduct research on teams, and how to implement a project.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Jose Negron (jose.negron@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 2025.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for four 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 monthly stipend is $1,500.

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

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing a bachelor's degree. 

Preferred Skills:

• Basic biology laboratory skills.
• Sample processing laboratory skills.
• Hiking in steep and uneven terrain.
• Availability to travel locally.