USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (SW CASC). Regional CASCs deliver science to support climate adaptation by natural and cultural resource managers. The selected candidate can report remotely, but preference will be given to candidates located in or willing to relocate to California, Arizona, Nevada, or Utah.

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 SW CASC delivers useful and useable science to natural and cultural resource managers so that they can plan for climate adaptation. The candidate will become part of a rapidly growing climate change adaptation-oriented team, which allows many opportunities to collaborate internally and with external partners. They will learn from interacting directly with regional partners. Project activities may include gaining experience with an assessment of the efficacy of ongoing climate adaptation research and engagement efforts in the region, fostering communication between local communities (e.g. science and research communities, local communities, special interest groups, governmental communities, communities of practice, traditional knowledge holding communities, etc.), contributing to a science communications/education portfolio to meet the quickly evolving needs of the center, and engaging in outreach. Activities may include development of printed materials, webinars, engagement through outreach events, mass communications, and partnership development.

Learning Objectives: These project activities will broaden the reach of climate adaptation science information interpretation, dissemination, and exchange. The appointment will provide the candidate with opportunities to learn more about climate adaptation science in the Southwest U.S. and about current co-production models being actuated between communities, scientists, and stewards of natural and cultural resources. The individual will also review and analyze research and co-create information products and outreach materials for a variety of audiences. Information created will broadly elevate literacy and education efforts to increase awareness and incorporation of climate change into decision making. The candidate will collaborate with the USGS Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center and many climate service partners in the region.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Sarah LeRoy (sleroy@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: November 12, 2024. 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 full time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend based on education, experience, and full-/part-time status. Health insurance for the candidate is provided, as are funds for project-related support and travel.

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 bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields (physical science, ecology, biology, geography, science communications, journalism, education or a related field). Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred skills:

• Experience or education in translating complex scientific information for a lay audience.
• Experience in creating communications and outreach materials.
• Experience with or interest in engaging with both academic and natural resource management partners to develop outreach materials and webinars related to climate adaptation in the southwestern U.S.
• Scientific background a bonus