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A complete application package consists of:

• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.
• A current resume/CV
• Two educational or professional recommendations. At least one recommendation must be submitted in order for the mentor to view your application.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

USGS Office/Lab and Location: Two research opportunities are currently available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center located in Amherst, Massachusetts.

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 objectives of the project the selected participants will be involved with are to 1) test and calibrate existing biodiversity monitoring protocols to quantify and track the unique biotic assemblages associated with mixed coarse substrate habitats, 2) collect current baselines of habitat classification and biodiversity data at key sites, and 3) develop a novel monitoring framework that can be implemented by the National Park Service and its partners moving forward in response to sea level rise, storms and adaptation actions on the coastline.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participants will be involved in the following research activities:

• Evaluate existing intertidal survey methods and protocols in terms of their feasibility to be adapted and implemented to novel habitat types on the Boston Harbor Islands
• Develop identification keys for intertidal species
• Identify and catalogue intertidal species
• Collaborate with a team of researchers at the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, USGS, UMass Boston and the National Parks Service
• Assist with communicating results through written technical reports, meetings with project partners, and PowerPoint presentations
• Conduct outreach with federal and state agency partners
• Assist in organizing workshops and other engagement activities with project partners

Learning Objectives: Through this fellowship, the participants will gain training and experience in climate vulnerability and adaptation strategies related to intertidal species and habitats in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park and Recreation Area. The participants will engage with federal and state partners to gain valuable experience being a part of a partnership-driven program within a federal science agency.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Michelle Staudinger (mstaudinger@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: May 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 USGS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is part-time (20 hours per week).

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, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

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.

The qualified candidate should have received a master's degree in one of the fields listed in the eligibility requirements section (e.g. Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Resource Conservation, Marine Science).

Preferred Skills:

• Strong background in natural resources, conservation, ecology or other related discipline
• Experience writing scientific reports or papers
• Experience working with large quantitative datasets
• Strong organizational and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work as part of a collaborative team
• Ability to use spreadsheets, statistical coding skills in programs such as R, and knowledge of spatial data analyses

• Degree: Master's Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Communications and Graphics Design
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences