*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 Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSWRS) located in Guam. 

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 Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (https://research.fs.usda.gov/psw/programs/ipif) of the USDA Forest Service, Guam Forestry and Soil Resource Division of the Guam Department of Agriculture, the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and the University of Guam are coming together on a project that will focus on building resilient ecosystems using a functional trait-based approach. By understanding and incorporating plant functional traits, the project aims to create resilient ecosystems less vulnerable to disturbances and invasions. Partner engagement will be critical, with a kick-off forum involving various stakeholders, and technology transfer efforts that will focus on training local interns and resource managers on functional trait-based restoration tools like the Restoring Ecosystem Services Tool (REST). The project will proceed in two phases, with the first phase involving surveys of existing acacia plantations typically used in current restoration approaches in Guam and collection of functional trait data on native tree species within these plantations and also in areas outside of these plantations. The second phase will focus on a field demonstration of restoration sites and testing the effectiveness of restoring native woody cover to reduce fuel loads and fire risk. 

In Phase 1 of the project, the participant will be involved with field data collections related to plant functional traits, sample processing, and data entry. In Phase 2 of the Project, the participant will be involved with demonstration site scoping and site selection, seed collection and plant propagation of desirable plants of future restoration efforts, general upkeep of the greenhouse space, demonstration plot establishment, outplanting, and field monitoring of demonstration site. The participant will assist directly alongside project principal investigators on all phases and will also be engaged with the project mentors on data management, data analysis, and development of research products. The participant will research directly with Project Principal Investigators from the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Guam Forestry and Soil Resource Division, and the University of Guam to implement Phase 1 of the project in year 1 and Phase 2 in years 2 and 3. 

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, opportunities to gain skills and experience may include:

• Plant identification
• Standard ecological sampling and processing protocols 
• Data entry and basic data analysis
• Plant propagation technique for species with diverse needs 
• Functional trait-based restoration strategies
• Vegetation monitoring techniques
• Engagement with stakeholders and partners

Field conditions can be hot or rainy. Day to day activities of the participant will involve hiking and standing and may require lifting containers weighing up to 35 pounds.  Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Amanda Uowolo (amanda.l.uowolo@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

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

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for three years but may be extended upon recommendation of USDA Forest Service and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time. 

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The current stipend being offered is: Year 1 (12 months): $45,000, Year 2 (12 months): $47,250, and Year 3 (12 months): $49,000. Required supplies will be provided. There is a health insurance allowance of $500/month.

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

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred skills/experience:

• Ability to navigate in the field using GPS units, compasses, and maps.
• Previous experience in identifying plants and collecting ecological field data.
• Applicants should have a valid state driver's license as driving is required to get to the field sites.