*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 Missoula, Montana.

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: Under the guidance of the mentors, the Fellow will develop and contribute skills in data analysis, statistics, and survey methodologies research that seeks to improve techniques used in monitoring activity in the wood products sector. Research will focus primarily on the design and outcomes of the US Forest Service Timber Products Output program, a national survey of wood processing facilities that provides key information for natural resource planning and management. 

Learning Objectives: Research activities may include:

• Developing and organizing primary and secondary datasets.
• Conducting data analysis.
• Writing statistical software code to evaluate alternative techniques.
• Contributing to reporting. 

Mentor: The mentors for this opportunity are George Gaines (george.gaines@usda.gov) and Consuelo Brandeis (consuelo.brandeis@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: December 2, 2024.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

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

Level of Participation: The appointment may be full-time or part-time.

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 or Lawful Permanent Residents.

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 have received a bachelor's, master’s, or doctoral degree or be currently pursuing with degree completion before the start of the appointment. Degree must have been received within 60 months of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

• Experience in statistical programming using R or Python in an academic or professional setting.
• Demonstrated success working with large and varied data sources.
• Ability to problem solve and work independently.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Interest in forestry and wood products.