USGS Landscape-Level Variability in Soil Properties

OrganizationU.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)Reference CodeDOI-USGS-2026-12How To ApplyTo submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.A Complete Application Consists OfAn applicationTranscript(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 listTwo educational or professional recommendations. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.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!”DescriptionApplications 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 Moffet Field, California.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.Project Description: Wildfire and precipitation regimes are shifting across the western United States, and soil physical and geochemical properties may influence ecosystem resilience and recovery following drought and fire. In this mentored research experience, you will contribute to ongoing studies of giant sequoia groves in northern California by preparing and analyzing soils for particle size distributions and carbon and nitrogen concentrations to evaluate how soil characteristics vary with topography and relate to tree stress. Activities may include laboratory preparation and analysis of soils, data quality review using established workflows, and, depending on timing and interest, participation in field sampling in California or Oregon. You will engage regularly with USGS scientists and collaborators through structured mentoring and laboratory and project meetings in a collaborative federal research environment.Learning Objectives:Through this opportunity, you will gain hands-on experience preparing field-collected soil samples for particle size and elemental analysis, operating laser diffraction and combustion instrumentation, and applying quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure reliable data. You will strengthen understanding of soil biogeochemistry and its role in ecosystem resilience within a federal research laboratory setting. If participating in field activities, you will develop skills in soil and vegetation sampling under diverse environmental conditions. Depending on your interests, you may also build experience compiling, evaluating, and interpreting soil data in relation to landscape characteristics and post-disturbance recovery.Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Courtney Creamer (ccreamer@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 22, 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: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend range is between $4,200 – $6,400 monthly. 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.QualificationsThe 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 (<a href="#" data-bs-toggle="popover" tabindex="0" role="button" data-bs-title="Chemistry and Materials Sciences" data-bs-content="Analytical ChemistryBio-inorganic ChemistryBio-organic ChemistryBiophysical ChemistryChemistry (General)Environmental ChemistryInorganic ChemistryMaterials SciencesOrganic ChemistryPhysical ChemistryPolymer ChemistryTheoretical ChemistryCommunications and Graphics Design (2 )Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )Earth and Geosciences (21 )Engineering (28 )Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )Life Health and Medical Sciences (49 )Mathematics and Statistics (11 )Physics (16 )Science & Engineering-related (2 )