What are the responsibilities and job description for the USGS UAS and Satellite Remote Sensing to Survey Vegetation Conditions position at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education?
Organization
U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
Reference Code
DOI-USGS-2026-28
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!”
Description
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 mentored opportunity focuses on developing AI/ML and time-series remote sensing approaches to characterize fine-scale vegetation composition and configuration in the intermountain west. The project includes advancement of UAS (drone) survey techniques to assess vegetation conditions and potential fire behavior effects. You will train in classifying satellite and UAS imagery using AI/ML methods and gain experience in the development of geospatial models linking field and remotely sensed data. Activities will be tailored to your background and interests, with emphasis on coding, GIS modeling, and imagery analysis.
Activities for this internship would be dependent on candidate experience, interests, and capabilities. The primary Activities of this internship would be the classification of remotely sensed imagery from satellites and UAS with AI/ML techniques to characterize composition and configuration of vegetation. This data would be used by the intern to help in the training of geospatial models relating field data to satellite or UAS-derived imagery. Coding, GIS modeling, and imagery analysis tasks could be split flexibility to meet a student’s interest and ability.
Learning Objectives: You will gain experience in remote sensing, GIS, UAS applications, and AI/ML-based image analysis within an applied research and development setting. The internship will build skills in reproducible data processing and analysis using coding tools such as Python and notebook-based workflows. Through mentorship and project collaboration, you will strengthen technical, analytical, and scientific communication skills relevant to landscape ecology and fire science.
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Jason Kreitler (jkreitler@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">12 )
U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
Reference Code
DOI-USGS-2026-28
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.
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!”
Description
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
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 mentored opportunity focuses on developing AI/ML and time-series remote sensing approaches to characterize fine-scale vegetation composition and configuration in the intermountain west. The project includes advancement of UAS (drone) survey techniques to assess vegetation conditions and potential fire behavior effects. You will train in classifying satellite and UAS imagery using AI/ML methods and gain experience in the development of geospatial models linking field and remotely sensed data. Activities will be tailored to your background and interests, with emphasis on coding, GIS modeling, and imagery analysis.
Activities for this internship would be dependent on candidate experience, interests, and capabilities. The primary Activities of this internship would be the classification of remotely sensed imagery from satellites and UAS with AI/ML techniques to characterize composition and configuration of vegetation. This data would be used by the intern to help in the training of geospatial models relating field data to satellite or UAS-derived imagery. Coding, GIS modeling, and imagery analysis tasks could be split flexibility to meet a student’s interest and ability.
Learning Objectives: You will gain experience in remote sensing, GIS, UAS applications, and AI/ML-based image analysis within an applied research and development setting. The internship will build skills in reproducible data processing and analysis using coding tools such as Python and notebook-based workflows. Through mentorship and project collaboration, you will strengthen technical, analytical, and scientific communication skills relevant to landscape ecology and fire science.
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Jason Kreitler (jkreitler@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">12 )
- 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 (
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