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

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 US Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) seeks a Research Fellow to support the National Nature Assessment (NNA) team at the USGCRP. USGCRP is a Federal interagency program established by Congress that coordinates and integrates global change research across 15 Federal agencies to help the Nation and the world understand, assess, predict, and respond to human-induced and natural processes of global change.

The National Nature Assessment will provide a holistic picture of the state of nature, the many changes that are underway, and how nature matters to our lives. The NNA will allow us to better understand where we stand now and anticipate how nature and its benefits might change in the future. The NNA will identify opportunities for nature to help us achieve our societal and economic goals and will be a vital tool for governments, businesses, communities, and leaders across sectors. It is expected to be completed in 2026.

The fellow will be a part of the NNA team, collaborating closely with the other members of the team and USGCRP staff. Key learning areas include gaining experience with NNA development by Federal and non-Federal author teams, as well as NNA communications and engagement.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the fellow will learn about and gain experience in:

• Being a point of contact for several NNA1 chapters, helping authors navigate the process of development, review, and publication of the report;
• Contributing to research, authorship, and author support for development of NNA1 chapters and support materials;
• Developing stakeholder engagement events (both in-person and virtual) to inform the NNA development process; and
• Supporting additional projects related to USGCRP’s assessment efforts - and the research fellow’s personal interests - on an as-needed basis.

Mentor: The mentors for this opportunity are Bonnie Myers (bmyers@usgs.gov) and Tessa Francis (tfrancis@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s). 

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 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 be currently pursuing or have received a master's degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within 3 years. 

Preferred skills:

• Effective oral and written communications
• Experience organizing and facilitating interdisciplinary science groups
• Interest in climate science, global change science, and/or natural or social science broadly
• Ability to participate in a variety of technical systems (email; Microsoft Office, including Teams; Google Suite; Slack; Zoom; and other digital systems)