Ecological Data Science Intern

Title: Ecological Data Science Intern (Student/Recent Graduate)

Position: Student Service Contractor (SSC)

Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center 

Location: La Crosse, Wisconsin or Remote

Hourly Rate of Pay:

$25.29 (GS Scale Equivalent GS-07, BA/BS with Superior Academic Achievement)

$30.93 (GS Scale Equivalent GS-09, MA/MS-level)

Duration: 1 year

Application Deadline: 1 August 2024 or until filled

Start Date: As soon as possible, likely late Summer 2024 pending background check

$~25 to ~$30/hour depending on expertise.  Part-time/Flexible schedule 20 to 40 hours/week. 

Job Summary: We are a team of scientists at the United States Geological Survey working on issues related to North American bats, including wind energy development impacts. We seek well-organized, hard-working, experienced, undergraduate or graduate students or recent graduates interested in these topics and willing to perform statistical and geospatial analyses, modeling, and mapping. You will be hired as ‘student contractor’ at USGS, will need to register as a Federal contractor, complete a background check, and provide documentation of (recent) student status before the contract is finalized. The job will remain open until a candidate is found. Funding is available for 1 year and may be extended based on available funding. Federal student contracts can last a total of 2 years. 

Ideal candidates will have demonstrated experience in applied statistics, mathematics, or quantitative ecology, but the project(s) will be determined based upon the student’s background, interests, and USGS needs. Broadly, we are seeking help in developing, improving, and applying mathematical and statistical models for natural resource management. Specific areas could potentially involve assisting in 1) developing and applying statistical scenarios of bat fatality from wind, 2) applying and evaluating statistical models of bat species status and trend, 3) collating geospatial data and analyzing statistical sufficiency of bat sampling, 4) formatting code and data for public release, or, as time allows, 5) analyzing bird diet data and other studies in bird ecology. Skills in data analysis and the statistical language R is critical.

Qualifications: There are two sets of qualifications, depending upon the position: the BS/BA requires a baccalaureate or higher degree with superior academic achievement is required and general knowledge of statistical, biological, or mathematical modeling; and the MS/MA requires completion of at least 1 year graduate-level coursework in population ecology, quantitative ecology, quantitative fisheries science, quantitative wildlife science, quantitative conservation biology, applied mathematics, applied statistics, or biometrics. All levels require knowledge relating to statistical modeling and the ideal candidates will also have subject-area expertise in biology and ecology. Prior experience with hierarchical models and the R statistical language is essential; experience with Git, Markdown, and Bayesian statistics is desirable.

Required Documents: Cover Letter: brief letter describing interest in position, your interest in ecological/environmental problems, and how this position advances your career interests. Resume: include contact information as well as relevant knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and contact information for three references. Transcript: unofficial transcript that includes proof of degree earned and Superior Academic Achievement; or letter from university registrar or academic advisor. For description of Superior Academic Achievement see Section 5.4.f in https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies

Eligibility: Students are eligible if they graduated with a college/university degree less than 12 months ago and are at least 18 years of age. Non-US citizens may be eligible to participate, depending on their immigration status and the applicable regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. USGS employees, their spouses, and their children are not eligible to participate in this program.

Notice: Students are paid for each hour worked. Students will be working as independent contractors and do not receive a premium rate for work beyond 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. Additionally, students are paid only for hours worked (with no holiday or personal leave benefits). Students do earn 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Pay Rates for students include cost of self-employment taxes for social security and Medicare. This announcement is to fill one vacancy.

How To Apply, e-mail How to Apply:   Send brief cover letter and resume by email to Dr. Wayne Thogmartin, (wthogmartin@usgs.gov). Please include “NABat student contractor” in the subject line.