Deadline: Fri, 09/15/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: US Forest Service Job Field: Forestry GIS/Technology Other Job Type: Full Time Location: California Location Detail: Redding Job Description: The USDA Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW) is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow and an Analyst, both preferably with experience in fire ecology/fire science, to work with scientists at all USFS research stations on a National research effort to evaluate the effectiveness of fuel reduction treatments including mechanical thinning and prescribed fire through case studies of wildfires interacting with those treatments. 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 in a changing climate. The project involves both methodological development that will allow for future comparisons across geographic regions, and analysis of case studies. The postdoc and analyst will take on different roles (flexible and to be determined, based on strengths and interests), but each 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, 2025, and possibly longer with good performance and if additional funding is identified. Duty station for this position will be Redding, CA, but remote options may be considered. Qualifications: The qualified candidate should have received a master's (Data Analyst) or doctoral degree (Research Fellow) in Forestry, Natural Resources, Ecology, Forest Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Fire Science, or a related field, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion by the start of their appointment. Applicants in the latter stages of completing a degree might also be considered in some circumstances. Preferred skills: • Demonstrated experience in data management and statistical analysis of ecological and/or fire-science related datasets. Quantitative skills in developing workflows in languages such as R, Google Earth Engine or Python, are desirable • Evidence of scientific and technical writing for peer-reviewed publication (more so for Research Fellow than Analyst) • Demonstrated understanding of fire ecology and/or fire science • Experience presenting on natural resource topics to both scientific and general/manager audiences • Capacity to perform both independently and as part of a team • Ability to prioritize multiple projects and activities within project deadlines • Interest in science applied to management questions • Some background or training in fire management, including basic NWCG (National Wildfire Coordinating Group) firefighter training (S-130, Firefighter Training and S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior) a plus, but not necessary Salary: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience but anticipated to be in the range of $85,000 annually for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow and $66,500 for the Analyst. Benefits: A stipend to purchase health insurance is also included. How to Apply: To apply: https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/USDA-USFS-PSWRS-2023-0370 A complete application package consists of: • An application • Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation. • A current resume/CV • Two educational or professional recommendations. Applications need at least one recommendation submitted in order to be viewed by the mentor. Please contact Eric Knapp (eric.e.knapp@usda.gov; 530 226-2555) if you have questions.
