USGS Data and Information Fellowship for International and National Assessments

USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), located at Raleigh, North Carolina.

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:  Under the guidance of a mentor, the fellow will participate in two ongoing assessments which include the first National Nature Assessment (NNA) and the first North American Biodiversity and Climate Change Assessment. The fellow will split their time (50/50) on the two assessments.

• First National Nature Assessment: The National Nature Assessment will provide a holistic picture of the state of nature, the many changes that are underway, and how nature matters to our lives. The NNA will allow us to better understand where we stand now and anticipate how nature and its benefits might change in the future. The NNA will identify opportunities for nature to help us achieve our societal and economic goals and will be a vital tool for governments, businesses, communities, and leaders across sectors. It is expected to be completed in 2026.
• First-ever North American Biodiversity and Climate Change Assessment: The US Geological Survey (USGS) was charged by the US Congress in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget with conducting an assessment that characterizes the state of understanding concerning linkages between climate change and biodiversity for the United States. Climate-change impacts and biodiversity drivers cross national boundaries, and accordingly the geographic scope of assessment will include neighboring nations, particularly Canada and Mexico. The assessment process and report production will be led by USGS, in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada and Mexico’s La Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad (CONABIO), and will be conducted by scientists, knowledge holders, practitioners, and policy experts from all three countries. This assessment will be completed by the end of 2025.

The fellow will be a part of the assessment teams, collaborating closely with the other members of both teams. The fellow will be involved in collecting and organizing the data and information for both assessments.

Learning Objectives: 50% of the fellow's time will involve activities with the National Nature Assessment. Under the guidance of a mentor, the fellow's activities may include the following:

• Organize metadata review, tracking, and compliance.
• Track and review metadata associated with figures and other relevant content in the assessment is complete and aligns with USGS metadata policies.
• Track and review all copyrighted material contained in the National Nature Assessment for appropriate copyright and documentation in the assessment and in the associated metadata. Collaborate closely with the Points of Contact if additional copyrights are needed.
• In addition to the activities above, the fellow may have the opportunity to review final, edited figures for the Global Change Information System.
• Collaborate with authors and points of contacts to address metadata needs.

50% of the fellow's time will involve activities with the Biodiversity and Climate Change Assessment. Under the guidance of a mentor, the fellow's activities may include the following:

• Become knowledgeable in USGS Fundamental Science Practices (FSP), metadata policies and review protocols,
• Collect, compile, and document the metadata in USGS ScienceBase,
• Solicit and collaborate on completing metadata questionnaires for the assessment,
• Get all copyright permissions for the assessment,
• Create DOIs for datasets, figures, tables in the assessment,
• Other data-related tasks.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Bonnie Jean Myers (bmyers@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July 2024. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for two years 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. 

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 or have received a master's degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past three years, or anticipated to be received by 8/30/2024.

Preferred skills:

• Willingness to engage with authors and staff on international and national nature assessment issues,
• Experience with GIS, data management, and independent research,
• Possession of excellent communication and organizational skills, and
• Experience with complicated coordination and engagement efforts.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 36 months or anticipated to be received by 8/30/2024 12:00:00 AM.
• Academic Level(s): Graduate Students, Post-Bachelor's, or Post-Master's.