USGS Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Wetland Response to Changing Hydrologic Regime

*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 Reston, Virginia.

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: Coastal wetlands are impacted by a range of hazards, including coastal storms, droughts, wildfire, and land-use change, overprinted on a long-term rise in regional sea level. By examining sites on a coastal gradient, the study aims to identify coastal resilience as wetlands transform under rising sea level.  The Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain are influenced by differing rates of regional sea level, climate, and coastal stressors. This project uses sediment cores collected from coastal forested freshwater wetlands and marshes on both the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain to examine impacts of changing hydroclimate, sea level, fire regime, and land use on accretion and carbon density.

The project will be lab-based, using techniques from soil science, paleoclimate, and geochemistry to measure bulk density, organic matter content, elemental concentrations, and stable isotopes (carbon and nitrogen). Some data analysis and data management will be involved. There will also be opportunities to learn additional lab techniques, including pollen extraction, plant macrofossil analysis, and charcoal analysis to be able to link physical properties to changing vegetation and environmental conditions through time. 

Learning Objectives: You will be introduced to a broad range of lab analyses and will be able to hone lab skills in a federal science lab. In addition to the new lab skills gained through the project, you will also be introduced to a broad range of science taking place at the USGS National Center through seminars and other interactions.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Miriam Jones (miriamjones@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.