Ecologist, USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station
Grand Rapids, MN or Durham, NH
About the Position:
The Northern Research Station is announcing an upcoming vacancy for an Ecologist (GS-0408-11) position that will provide science support to the Center for Research on Ecosystem Change in the Northern Research Station. The position is a permanent appointment with a full-time tour of duty, stationed in either Grand Rapids, MN or Durham, NH.
Job Description:
The NRS07 Ecologist will be responsible for (1) alignment of digital data with the historic 60 year analog data set for both the Hubbard Brook and Marcell Experimental Forests, (2) processing of ~75 million data points per year collected with our environmental sensor systems; (3) working with Unit scientists and staff to perform QA/QC to insure that experimental forests maintain the highest standards in data quality; (4) provide experimental forest and laboratory data to our collaborators in a timely fashion; and (5) providing oversight and data management for the Smart Forest Network and the SPRUCE Experiment.
Knowledge Required:
Knowledge of managing large climatological, hydrological, ecological and biogeochemical data bases is critical. The incumbent must have modern information management skills and the ability to manipulate lage data dets in near real time. Ability to efficiently QA/QC climatological, hydrological, ecological and biogeochemical data. An understanding of suitable data exchange mechanisms for within Forest Service and with collaborators and students outside of of the agency. An understanding of web-based development methods, Geographic Information Systems, environmental modeling, and a strong statistical background is preferred.
Other Information of Interest:
- The area of consideration is all United States citizens
- One position will be advertised
- Work will include overnight travel
- Basic entry qualifications for this series are a Master's degree in Ecology or similar, and/or degrees in natural resources, soil science, water resources, ecology, atmospheric sciences, hydrology, information science or related disciplines that have proficient skills in information technology.
- Good written and verbal communication skills are essential
- An ability to work both independently and in a team setting is necessary
- United States citizenship required
The Research Environment
The focus of the research program is on 1) understanding ecosystem processes and functions at multiple scales; 2) predicting ecosystem responses to disturbance and change; 3) assessing management approaches to address factors that change ecosystems; and 4) evaluating long-term responses to change and management utilizing our experimental forest. We manage the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire and Marcell Experimental Forest in Minnesota, both sites of long-term collection of data on hydrology, water chemistry, soil, climate and ecosystem biogeochemical data across multiple watersheds.
To Express Interest:
To learn more about the job duties or other questions about the position, contact Randy Kolka at (218) 326-7115 (e-mail: rkolka@fs.fed.us)