Advancing Administrative Modernization in USGS Through Applied Artificial Intelligence

*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 Fort Collins, Colorado.

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: The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) increasingly relies on efficient, scalable administrative processes to support its broad scientific mission across field, laboratory, and data-driven research environments. However, many routine administrative tasks—such as data entry, reporting, documentation management, scheduling, and compliance tracking—remain largely manual, creating bottlenecks that reduce available time for scientific inquiry, collaboration, and decision-making. As scientific programs grow in complexity and volume, the administrative workload on USGS personnel, research coordinators, and project leads has similarly expanded, placing additional strain on limited staff capacity.

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in natural language processing, workflow automation, and decision-support systems, offer transformative potential for reducing administrative burden across the Bureau. Emerging AI tools can streamline repetitive tasks, surface key information, accelerate document preparation, improve data consistency, and support cross-team coordination—ultimately enabling USGS scientists and support staff to redirect time toward higher-value analytical, interpretive, and field-oriented activities. Yet, despite rapid progress in the AI landscape, there has been limited applied research examining how these technologies can be tailored to USGS-specific administrative contexts, constraints, and data environments.

This proposed project aims to fill that gap by systematically evaluating, prototyping, and testing AI-enabled tools designed to expedite time-consuming administrative processes within USGS science centers. Building on the program’s mission of fostering student engagement in real-world research settings, this project will engage a student researcher to explore applications of modern AI models and automation frameworks, assess workflow needs in collaboration with program staff, and develop functional prototypes that demonstrate measurable improvements in administrative efficiency. Outcomes from this research have the potential to reduce administrative overhead, support increased organizational resilience, and create reusable tools and methodologies that benefit multiple USGS programs and mission areas.

• Activity 1: Assess Administrative Workflow Needs and Pain Points
  • Conduct an assessment of existing USGS administrative processes—such as document management, data entry, reporting, and coordination workflows—to identify repetitive, high-burden tasks suitable for AI-enabled automation. Activities may include interviewing staff, reviewing process documentation, and mapping current workflows to highlight inefficiencies and potential automation targets.
• Activity 2: Research and Evaluate Applicable AI Tools and Methods
  • Investigate emerging artificial intelligence and automation technologies relevant to administrative workflows, including natural language processing, document summarization, task automation, and data extraction tools. This includes evaluating feasibility, risks, and benefits of various AI approaches in the context of USGS data, systems, and mission needs.
• Activity 3: Prototype AI-Enabled Administrative Tools
  • Design and build one or more functional prototypes that apply AI techniques to targeted administrative tasks. Prototype examples may include automated document summarizers, workflow assistants, intelligent form-fillers, data validation tools, or systems that streamline reporting and communication. Prototypes will developed with project mentors to ensure relevance, usability, and technical feasibility.
• Activity 4: Test, Refine, and Document Prototype Tools
  • Collaborate with USGS staff to pilot and refine prototype tools, incorporating user feedback, performance testing, and iterative improvements. Prepare documentation outlining tool functionality, workflow integration, and requirements for operational implementation.
• Activity 5: Produce Recommendations for Future Implementation
  • Based on assessment findings and prototype outcomes, develop guidance and recommendations for scaling or integrating AI-enabled solutions into USGS administrative environments. This may include identifying best practices, dependencies, governance considerations, and next steps for continued development.

Learning Objectives: You will gain a rich, hands-on professional development experience grounded in real-world application of artificial intelligence, workflow analysis, and federal scientific operations. Through direct collaboration with USGS scientists and technical staff, you will:

• Develop applied AI and automation skills by researching, designing, and prototyping tools that address authentic organizational challenges within a federal science environment—expanding both technical capabilities and problem-solving experience.
• Strengthen systems thinking and workflow-analysis expertise through structured assessments of administrative processes, exposure to organizational operations, and participation in collaborative solution-development.
• Gain professional experience alongside USGS scientists, where students deepen their subject-matter knowledge while receiving technical guidance and mentorship.
• Build career-relevant competencies in communication, documentation, project planning, and user-centered design—skills that are essential across scientific, technical, and public-sector career paths.
• Gain understanding of how emerging technologies can support mission-driven science and operational modernization within USGS.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Brian Reichert (breichert@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.