ORISE Communications Fellow

Job Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis, though priority screening will begin October 15, 2024. 

USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Location is negotiable within Idaho, Oregon, or Washington.

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.

The Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (NW CASC) is one of nine regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers across the Nation, dedicated to delivering science to help fish, wildlife, water, land and people adapt to a changing climate. Established by the Department of the Interior and administered by the USGS, the NW CASC is a partnership between the federal government and a Consortium of university and non-university partners. The NW CASC Consortium is hosted by the University of Washington and includes the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, Boise State University, Northwest Indian College, Oregon State University, Portland State University, University of Montana, Washington State University, and Western Washington University. Key partners of the NW CASC are the Department of the Interior bureaus (especially National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation), Northwest Tribes and Northwest state fish and wildlife and natural lands agencies.

The NW CASC USGS team members are based in Corvallis, Oregon, and the NW CASC Consortium team members are based at the University of Washington. The ORISE participant will be overseen by the NW CASC USGS team but will work closely with the NW CASC communications manager on the Consortium side to support communications for NW CASC’s portfolio of funded research projects. Ideally, the selected candidate will be located in the Northwest region (ID, OR, or WA).

Research Project: Guided by the NW CASC communications strategy, the chosen candidate will gain experience in developing communications products and conducting outreach for NW CASC’s science users; evaluating opportunities for strengthening communication of NW CASC-funded research to various audiences; and supporting internal communications. In this opportunity, the fellow may:

Learn to develop tailored communications products:

• Distill and translate technical research into compelling written materials for NW CASC science users.
• Design creative and tailored communications products, such as one-pagers, visualizations and infographics, for NW CASC science users.
• Proofread, edit and lay out documents for clarity, accuracy and effectiveness.
• Be a part of pulling together NW CASC research products and content for topical website pages.
• Ensure compliance with USGS and UW communication requirements.

Learn to conduct outreach:

• Participate in project check-in calls with funded researchers to stay apprised of research products and opportunities for sharing project findings.
• Participate in NW CASC Advisory Committee meetings to understand how communications can support members and help them connect NW CASC science to their organizations.
• Explore opportunities to share research products with NW CASC audiences through different channels (e.g., in-person meetings, webinars, email lists).
• Consult with NW CASC communications manager about upcoming products to plan external communications pushes (newsletter highlights, etc.).
• Build relationships and translate/transfer knowledge across communities.

Learn to evaluate communications efforts:

• Help design evaluation for our communications efforts within our funded projects.
• Identify barriers to communication and access to knowledge.

Learn internal communications:

• Gain experience understanding how to efficiently and effectively communicate internally by attending regular meetings to help share information between the Consortium and USGS sides of the NW CASC and between the NW CASC and regional CASCs.

Learning Objectives: The project activities will provide the participant with opportunities to learn best practices around communicating and connecting decision-relevant science with its intended users as well as coordinating and sharing information across entities. The participant will not only be engaging with the NW CASC team, but also with many scientists, resource practitioners, traditional knowledge holders and community members involved in complex research endeavors.

The appointment will provide the candidate with opportunities to gain skills in:

• Translating technical research into compelling written and visual materials that are tailored to specific audiences
• Collaborating across diverse teams of scientists and natural resource practitioners to connect decision-relevant science with its intended users
• Evaluating and adjusting communications efforts to ensure they’re meeting organizational goals
• Coordinating and sharing information across a complex organization with a distributed team

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Leona Svancara (lsvancara@usgs.gov) If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: November 2024. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of DOI and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is part-time or full-time and is negotiable.

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 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 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 master’s or doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields (Biology, Zoology, Wildlife, Environmental or Marine sciences, Social and behavioral sciences, Communications and graphic design). Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2024.

Preferred skills:

• Experience with science communication and interest in translating science into understandable language and visual design for diverse audiences
• Experience developing evaluation metrics and processes
• Experience with resource practitioners from multiple agencies and organizations (e.g., federal, state, Tribal)
• Ability to thrive independently as well as operate in a team environment
• Knowledge about Northwest species, ecosystems and climate impacts in the region
• Excellent writing skills
• Excellent people skills, including the ability to listen intently, lead conversations and practice flexibility and patience.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master’s Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2024 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Communications and Graphics Design
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences
  • Earth and Geosciences
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences
• Age: Must be 18 years of age