USDA-FS Communications Fellow

*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 Northwest Research Station (PNWRS) located in Olympia, Washington, with the potential of being remote.

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: A fellowship opportunity is available with the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station to serve Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington by delivering science-based, region-specific technologies and practical information for decision making. The fellow will help translate science and develop communication materials (e.g., newsletters, briefing papers, web content, presentations) related to forestry, agriculture, and rangelands. 

Specifically, the fellow will collaborate with the team to:

• Develop communication materials, including website content, fact sheets, infographics, and newsletters.
• Evaluate outreach effectiveness by analyzing web metrics.
• Synthesize existing research and develop region-specific content and products to help managers, landowners, and producers.
• Support science-management convenings aimed at better leveraging existing information and tools, and co-producing a research agenda to address knowledge gaps.

Learning Objectives: This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to build skills in science delivery, public relations, communications, end user engagement, and outreach. The fellow may explore professional development and training opportunities, including travel to meetings, workshops, and conferences.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Jessica Halofsky (jessica.halofsky@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: March 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 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 anticipated stipend range is $50,000-$65,000 per year.

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

Salary : $50,000 - $65,000