Organization: U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
Reference Code: DOI-USGS-2026-32
How to Apply
To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.
A complete application 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. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
- Two educational or professional recommendations.
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
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Description
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) located in Moffett Field, California
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: This project investigates how wildlife populations in the San Pablo Baylands and Napa–Sonoma Marsh Wildlife Area respond to environmental change in a dynamic coastal ecosystem. These wetlands face pressures from land-use change and ongoing habitat modification. Understanding how wildlife interact with habitat conditions across space and time is essential for guiding nature-based coastal resilience strategies.
Project:
- Compile remotely sensed satellite and airborne data and synthesize with existing wildlife and environmental data collected by USGS,
- Build statistical models to understand wildlife relationships with habitat variables,
- Create predictive models of wildlife abundance under habitat change scenarios, and;
- Engage with community stakeholders to share results and begin the process of linking wildlife outcomes to potential coastal resilience strategies.
Learning Objectives: You will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with mentors to gain additional experience with statistical modeling and manuscript production. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to interact and learn from multiple collaborators associated with the broader projects under which these data were collected, including resource managers at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and scientists at USGS (multiple Research Centers), University of California (Berkeley and Davis), and NASA Ames Research Center.
You will gain experience communicating with stakeholders, including underserved communities in northern San Francisco Bay, and would be expected to gain considerable insight into communicating results to a broad base of stakeholders and using feedback to improve and refine study questions. Lastly, you will learn about urban coastal ecosystems and have the opportunity to interact with rich long-term datasets to answer important questions regarding wildlife response to nature-based solutions for coastal resilience.
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Susan De La Cruz (sdelacruz@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 15, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 10 weeks, but may be renewed upon recommendation of DOI and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full 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, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.
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 bachelor’s or master’s degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past four years, or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2029.
Point of Contact: Rachel
Eligibility Requirements
- Degree: Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree received within the last 48 months or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2029 12:00:00 AM.
- Discipline(s):
- Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
- Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
- Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
- Earth and Geosciences (21 )
- Engineering (29 )
- Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
- Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
- Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
- Physics (16 )
- Science & Engineering-related (2 )
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (29 )
