What are the responsibilities and job description for the USDA-ARS Implementing Silvopasture Systems to Improve Cattle Welfare position at Zintellect?
*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.
ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Booneville, Arkansas.
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.
Research Project: The Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center plays a role in supporting small livestock producers in the southeast by developing strategies that reduce production risks, improve profitability, and encourage adoption of innovative and sustainable farming practices. Much of this research focuses on temperate forage and grazing systems important to the U.S. beef industry, particularly in the southeastern region where more than half of the nation's beef supply originates from forage-based systems. In the northern areas of the southeast, these systems rely on the dominate cool season forage tall fescue, in which the majority is infected with an endophytic fungus. The consumption of infected tall fescue causes “fescue toxicosis” resulting in reduced weight gain, milk production, conception, and an inability to dissipate heat. By intentionally integrating trees into infected tall fescue pasture, livestock may graze under shade and thus reduce heat stress while maintaining intake.
Under the guidance of the mentor, the participant will collect data and curate the data in preparation for analysis. Data collection involves plant sampling in the field and plant sample processing (drying and grinding), measuring plant height, identifying plant species, and recording plant physiological stage in the field. The participant will also collaborate with the animal staff to move cattle from pasture to pasture and participate the collection of cattle weight data.
Learning Objectives: The participant will learn how to identify common plant species and characteristics of plants in different physiological stages in order to classify plants in the field. The participant will learn about low-stress cattle handling techniques when participating in the movement and weighing of cattle. The participant will learn how to organize data and prepare the data for analysis.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Christine Nieman (christine.c.nieman@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
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 on year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is $35,000 - $40,000 annually.
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 ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, 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.ARS.Southeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Salary : $35,000 - $40,000