What are the responsibilities and job description for the USDA-FS Fellowship for Preparation and Analysis of Environmental Samples for Forest Productivity Studies position at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education?
Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-FS-NRS-2026-0400
How To Apply
To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.
A Complete Application Consists Of
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!
Application Deadline
10/30/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
At the heart of the USDA Forest Service's mission is their purpose. Everything they do is intended to help sustain forests and grasslands for present and future generations. Why? Because their stewardship work supports nature in sustaining life. This is the purpose that drives the agency’s mission and motivates their work across the agency. It’s been there from the agency’s very beginning, and it still drives them. To advance the mission and serve their purpose, the USDA Forest Service balances the short and long-term needs of people and nature by: working in collaboration with communities and our partners; providing access to resources and experiences that promote economic, ecological, and social vitality; connecting people to the land and one another; and delivering world-class science, technology and land management.
Research Project: You will focus soil and forest floor samples and their preparation for long-term, forest-productivity studies. You will experience how to collect and analyze vegetation data. Mentored by a research scientist, you will train on laboratory techniques and equipment used by a laboratory manager (chemist), a physical sciences technician, forest ecologist, and other staff. Through these interactions, you will see how and why samples are prepared for chemical analysis, and how analysis of soil and vegetation data contributes to forest ecology studies. Forest Service staff will share through discussions and hands-on training how science support careers contribute to research in government agencies and academia.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, you will have the opportunity to learn to:
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for ten months but may be extended upon recommendation of USDA Forest Service and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is partial participation.
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 USDA Forest Service. Participants do not become employees of USDA, USDA Forest Service, 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: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.USFS.NRS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in the one of the relevant fields.
Stipend
$680.00 – $1,360.00 Monthly
Point of Contact
Michele
Eligibility Requirements">12 )
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-FS-NRS-2026-0400
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. At least one recommendation must be submitted in order for the mentor to view your application.
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!
Application Deadline
10/30/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
At the heart of the USDA Forest Service's mission is their purpose. Everything they do is intended to help sustain forests and grasslands for present and future generations. Why? Because their stewardship work supports nature in sustaining life. This is the purpose that drives the agency’s mission and motivates their work across the agency. It’s been there from the agency’s very beginning, and it still drives them. To advance the mission and serve their purpose, the USDA Forest Service balances the short and long-term needs of people and nature by: working in collaboration with communities and our partners; providing access to resources and experiences that promote economic, ecological, and social vitality; connecting people to the land and one another; and delivering world-class science, technology and land management.
Research Project: You will focus soil and forest floor samples and their preparation for long-term, forest-productivity studies. You will experience how to collect and analyze vegetation data. Mentored by a research scientist, you will train on laboratory techniques and equipment used by a laboratory manager (chemist), a physical sciences technician, forest ecologist, and other staff. Through these interactions, you will see how and why samples are prepared for chemical analysis, and how analysis of soil and vegetation data contributes to forest ecology studies. Forest Service staff will share through discussions and hands-on training how science support careers contribute to research in government agencies and academia.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, you will have the opportunity to learn to:
- Understand how and why samples are prepared for chemical analysis and apply that knowledge.
- Apply laboratory techniques and equipment used to prepare samples for chemical analysis.
- Develop laboratory skills to research and research operations that support the mission of Forest Service Research and Development.
- Understand how and why measurements are made and preliminary data analysis is completed.
- Detail how science support careers contribute to research in government agencies and academia.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for ten months but may be extended upon recommendation of USDA Forest Service and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is partial participation.
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 USDA Forest Service. Participants do not become employees of USDA, USDA Forest Service, 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: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.USFS.NRS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in the one of the relevant fields.
Stipend
$680.00 – $1,360.00 Monthly
Point of Contact
Michele
Eligibility Requirements">12 )
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree.
- Discipline(s):
- Chemistry and Materials Sciences (
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Salary : $680 - $1,360