What are the responsibilities and job description for the USDA-FS Fellowship Research at the Marcell Experimental Forest position at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education?
Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-FS-NRS-2026-0197
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
7/17/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
Grand Rapids is located among the forests, lakes, and headwater streams of the Mississippi River in rural, north-central Minnesota. The Northern Research Forestry Sciences Laboratory supports forest, ecology, aquatics, and hydrological research throughout the region, including research at the Marcell, Cutfoot, and Pike Bay Experimental Forests. The participant will report in-person to the facility up to 5 days a week, with no possibility for remote participation.
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: This opportunity will support a fellow to receive hands-on experience that complements their educational and career goals. The fellows will help long-term hydrological and ecosystems studies, while helping to advance the NRS-07 mission to provide a sound scientific understanding of factors that govern forest productivity and health. The fellow will participate in basic research measurements in the field associated with the Marcell Experimental Forest (MEF) and data recording, entry, and compilation. Field aspects of the opportunity involve various outdoor conditions requiring moderate exertion and traversing the landscape of the MEF. Additionally, the fellow will experientially learn about and participate in the Forest Service Research and Development environment and be exposed to day-to-day operations including troubleshooting and upkeep of research sites, instruments, and infrastructure, which provides essential knowledge of how research happens at long-running research sites. The fellow may also participate in the preparation and analysis of environmental samples in a chemistry laboratory.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the fellow will have the opportunity to learn about research and research operations support, which are both germane to gaining insight of routine stages of many different science support positions within research institutions, whether in a federal government research agency, academia, or the commercial sector. Importantly, fellows will have opportunities to interact with other technical staff, scientists, or cooperating partners in the field, laboratory or office associated with the NRS-07 Grand Rapids office research program that is inclusive of research on forest ecology, aquatic ecology, watershed hydrology, and soil science.
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Stephen Sebestyen (stephen.sebestyen@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 10 months, but may be extended upon recommendation of USDA Forest Service and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment can be part-time up to full-time participation.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $1,360 - $2,720 monthly.
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. Foreign national candidates may have a mandatory in-person requirement depending on visa status.
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.
Preferred Skills
$1,360.00 – $2,720.00 Monthly
Point of Contact
Michele
Eligibility Requirements">12 )
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-FS-NRS-2026-0197
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
7/17/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
Grand Rapids is located among the forests, lakes, and headwater streams of the Mississippi River in rural, north-central Minnesota. The Northern Research Forestry Sciences Laboratory supports forest, ecology, aquatics, and hydrological research throughout the region, including research at the Marcell, Cutfoot, and Pike Bay Experimental Forests. The participant will report in-person to the facility up to 5 days a week, with no possibility for remote participation.
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: This opportunity will support a fellow to receive hands-on experience that complements their educational and career goals. The fellows will help long-term hydrological and ecosystems studies, while helping to advance the NRS-07 mission to provide a sound scientific understanding of factors that govern forest productivity and health. The fellow will participate in basic research measurements in the field associated with the Marcell Experimental Forest (MEF) and data recording, entry, and compilation. Field aspects of the opportunity involve various outdoor conditions requiring moderate exertion and traversing the landscape of the MEF. Additionally, the fellow will experientially learn about and participate in the Forest Service Research and Development environment and be exposed to day-to-day operations including troubleshooting and upkeep of research sites, instruments, and infrastructure, which provides essential knowledge of how research happens at long-running research sites. The fellow may also participate in the preparation and analysis of environmental samples in a chemistry laboratory.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the fellow will have the opportunity to learn about research and research operations support, which are both germane to gaining insight of routine stages of many different science support positions within research institutions, whether in a federal government research agency, academia, or the commercial sector. Importantly, fellows will have opportunities to interact with other technical staff, scientists, or cooperating partners in the field, laboratory or office associated with the NRS-07 Grand Rapids office research program that is inclusive of research on forest ecology, aquatic ecology, watershed hydrology, and soil science.
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Stephen Sebestyen (stephen.sebestyen@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 10 months, but may be extended upon recommendation of USDA Forest Service and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment can be part-time up to full-time participation.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $1,360 - $2,720 monthly.
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. Foreign national candidates may have a mandatory in-person requirement depending on visa status.
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.
Preferred Skills
- Attention to detail
- Good interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to follow and adhere to protocols
- Willingness to perform research that requires moderate physical exertion and under a range of environmental conditions
- Ability and trainings to drive all terrain vehicles (ATVs) or utility task vehicles (UTVs).
- Ability to use common hand and portable tools for the repair and upkeep of field sites and instruments.
- Willing to take any required Forest Service trainings.
$1,360.00 – $2,720.00 Monthly
Point of Contact
Michele
Eligibility Requirements">12 )
- Degree: Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree.
- Minimum Overall GPA: 2.70
- Discipline(s):
- Chemistry and Materials Sciences (
Show more
Salary : $1,360 - $2,720