Employer Position managed by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), for the US Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station Job Description, Responsibilities and Required Qualifications or Skills Research Project: The USDA Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW) is seeking a Research Fellow, preferably with experience in fire ecology/fire science, to join a team of USFS Research Scientists and University partners evaluating the effectiveness of fuel reduction treatments including mechanical thinning and prescribed fire, when impacted by wildfires. The objective of the project is to better understand the conditions under which treatments produce desirable outcomes, including reduction in fire severity, successful containment of fire spread by suppression operations, and well as reduction in wildfire impacts to homes and other infrastructure, to inform future adaptive management. The project involves both methodological development that will allow for future comparisons across geographic regions, and analysis of case studies in different landscapes. The Research Fellow will take on varying roles (flexible and to be determined, based on strengths and interests), and will gain experience with data acquisition and data analysis, as well as collaborating in the writing of manuscripts. The position is currently funded through Sept 30, 2026. Duty station for this position will be Redding, CA. Learning Objectives: • To better understand how fuel treatments including mechanical thinning and prescribed fire influence wildfire outcomes• To enhance collaborative skills as a member of a scientific team by helping to formulate research questions that meet needs of resource and fire managers, and plan data acquisition, collection, and analysis• To gain experience analyzing large datasets, and translating quantitative scientific results into products that enhance forest and fire management capabilities • To extend natural resource information-sharing capabilities by collaborating on the preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and communicating study results to scientists and forest managers via meetings, presentations, webinars, and field tours Required: Recent Ph.D. (within last five years) in related field. Candidates with an M.S. may also be considered. Job Field: Forestry Job Type: Full Time Location Detail: Redding, CA Salary: $85,000 annually with a Ph.D. and $66,500 with an M.S. Job Benefits: A stipend to purchase health insurance is also included. A travel allowance, supplies budget, and a USFS computer will be provided. Link to Full Job Posting: https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/USDA-FS-PSWRS-2025-0046
