USGS Climate Change Fellowship - Impacts on Birds and Butterflies

USGS Office/Lab and Location: Two research opportunities are available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), located in Amherst, Massachusetts.

The Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (NE CASC) is part of a network of nine Climate Adaptation Science Centers managed by the U.S. Geological Survey National Climate Adaptation Science Center. We work with natural and cultural resource managers to gather the scientific information and build the tools needed to help fish, wildlife, water, land, and people adapt to the impacts of climate change.

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 project is looking for 2 participants to investigate the impacts of climate change on songbirds and butterflies in the northeastern US. Ultimately, this research will provide information for natural resource managers and practitioners to improve management and conservation of wildlife in the face of global change. The opportunity will be located with the US Geological Survey Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (USGS-NE CASC; necasc.umass.edu) on the campus of the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA.

As part of NE CASC, the participant will engage in actionable science and science communication that serves the network. The participant will also actively participate in the NE CASC fellows group, developing professional skills around communication, synthesis, partner engagement, and other topics.

Learning Objectives: Specific learning activities include, but are not limited to: 

• Birds: Conduct field research on the impacts of forest management and climate change on songbirds
• Butterflies: Investigate the theoretical and practical implications for assisted migration/translocation for rare butterfly species
• Both: Analyze spatially-explicit occurrence and behavioral data to determine current and future habitat suitability of wildlife
• Publish two peer-reviewed papers on the above topics
• Present results at regional and national science and management meetings

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Toni Lyn Morelli (tmorelli@usgs.gov), a Research Ecologist with the NE CASC. If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 2, 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 renewed upon recommendation of DOI and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is part time.

Participant Stipend: Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate.

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 be currently pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields.

Preferred skills:

• Extensive experience in the White Mountains of the northeastern US.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Currently pursuing a Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree.