USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), located in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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: The research participant will closely collaborate with the Puerto Rico Coastal Zone Management Program (PRCZMP) within the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER).  PRCZMP specializes in building and maintaining partnerships to carry out coastal hazard mitigation projects.  In addition, the participant will be mentored by Dr. Legna Torres-García from U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center and local experts including university professors.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will prepare a progress report every three months to document tasks completed, key findings, and any challenges encountered. The participant will present to personnel from the DNER and other invited stakeholders at regular intervals. These presentations will serve as opportunities to gather feedback and ensure that stakeholder perspectives are incorporated throughout the development of the erosion assessment and monitoring protocol.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor the candidate will help in developing a coastal erosion protocol for Puerto Rico. Some of the learning experiences include:

• Conduct information research on plans and strategies of agencies (state, federal, and municipal) that work on coastal erosion, specifically focusing on procedures for implementing or searching for solutions to conduct analysis of the coastal erosion rate data and identify high coastal rates areas.
• Prepare reports on findings. 
• Be a part of meetings with staff from agencies (state, federal, and municipal) that have been identified as involved in or having implemented coastal erosion management in Puerto Rico. 
• Learn how to organize logistics for project staff meetings with agencies and municipalities. 
• Conduct data and information searches on emergency permits issued by agencies to manage coastal erosion (e.g., DNER, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), among others). 
• Learn to develop an information repository where data and procedures related to coastal erosion management are organized and presented. 
• Be mentored to complete effective projects.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Dr. Legna Torres-García (ltorresgarcia@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s). 

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 4, 2025. 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 renewed upon recommendation of DOI and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend: Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate.

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 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 have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields (Environmental Science, Marine Science, Environmental Planning, Environmental Engineering, or a related field).

Preferred Skills 

• Knowledge in Geographic Information System (GIS) technology 
• Bilingual (Spanish and English)
• Knowledge of sediment transport processes, protocols, and plans.  
• Experience and Knowledge: Extensive experience with protocols, governmental and permit processes, data management and interagency coordination.  
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences. 
• Team Player: Ability to perform collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple project tasks effectively.