ARS is the USDA's chief scientific research agency and one of the worlds premiere scientific organizations. ARS Postdoctoral Research Associates are hired to supplement a lead scientists research on agricultural problems of high national priority affecting American agriculture. The incumbent will be assigned to the Rangeland Resources Systems Research Unit (RRSRU) and is located within the Center for Agricultural Resources Research (CARR) in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Summary
ARS is the USDA's chief scientific research agency and one of the worlds premiere scientific organizations. ARS Postdoctoral Research Associates are hired to supplement a lead scientists research on agricultural problems of high national priority affecting American agriculture. The incumbent will be assigned to the Rangeland Resources Systems Research Unit (RRSRU) and is located within the Center for Agricultural Resources Research (CARR) in Fort Collins, Colorado.
The incumbent will a) link hyperspectral remote sensing data with high quality ground based observations to develop new high-volume workflows and analysis tools for mapping grassland plant communities at a fine spatial scales and b) use results to predict livestock performance in semi-arid rangelands. The incumbent will (1) map plant species composition using National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) hyperspectral imagery and ground-based data collected in 2013 and 2017 by developing targeted hyperspectral analysis techniques that can effectively separate key plant community types in grasslands (e.g., different types of perennial grasses, annual grasses, wildflowers, succulents, and short-statured shrubs); (2) develop hyperspectral analysis processes and tools (e.g., scripts and software workflows) for use by the broader remote sensing communities; and (3) evaluate how spatial patterns in plant community composition, mapped via hyperspectral imagery, can be combined with high-resolution topographic models to predict spatial and temporal variation in livestock foraging behavior and resultant animal weight gains. Possible methods include combining supervised remote sensing classification techniques (e.g., spectral angle mapping, support vector machine, and machine learning algorithms such as convolution neural networks) with targeted vegetation indices to classify NEON hyperspectral imagery; implementing state-of-the-art software that is easily ported to computing resources such as SCINet or cloud computing platforms to process, analyze, and evaluate the remote sensing data; and using spatially-explicit statistical approaches to assess impacts of plant community composition on livestock weight gains and foraging distributions.
A Ph.D. is required that was obtained within the last four years
Appropriations Law and Immigration Law requirements must be met
Pre-employment fingerprint check with successful adjudication is required
Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. If selected you may be subject to a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and a credit report inquiry.
This appointment is Not to Exceed 2 years, with possible extension up to 4 years total.
U.S. citizens, permanent residents who meet certain eligibility requirements and non-citizens who meet certain eligibility requirements
**ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR December 17, 2019**
Qualifications
This position requires a Ph.D in Remote Sensing, Rangeland Ecology, Ecosystem Science and Management, or a closely related field of study that has equipped the applicant with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Knowledge of contemporary remote sensing techniques is required; GIS skills alone are insufficient. Knowledge of advanced computer programming, spatial statistics, and animal foraging behavior are desirable.
Applicants must meet basic Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standard's requirements of the scientific discipline necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
This position has a positive education requirement. You must submit a copy of your academic transcripts OR a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify education when applying for this position. If this information is not provided, your education may not be appropriately evaluated and you may lose consideration for this position. If you are selected for this position, you will have to provide an official copy of your transcripts prior to entering on duty. Application materials will not be returned.
Education
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Foreign education must be evaluated by an approved organization. For additional information, refer to the U.S. Department of Education web site at http://www.ed.gov. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
Additional information
• Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
A Benefits Package will be authorized for appointments made for a period of more than one year.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application will be evaluated to determine if you meet eligibility and minimum qualification requirements, and on the extent to which your application shows that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position as defined above under "Qualifications".
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
A Benefits Package will be authorized for appointments made for a period of more than one year.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
If application packages do not contain all of the requested information, you may lose consideration for the job. To help you ensure your application fully outlines your qualifications and eligibility for this position, please submit the following documentation as appropriate. Some of the items listed may not apply to you. NOTE: Applications received in postage paid government envelopes will not be considered.
APPLICATION PACKAGE CHECKLIST
__ Resume, Curriculum Vitae, or other document outlining your qualifications The following information is required of all applicants: __ Announcement number, title, and grade(s) of the position
__ Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and evening phone numbers (with area code)
__ Indicate country of citizenship __Copy of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Only if claiming veterans preference. Visit the following web site for additional information: http://www.opm.gov/employ/veterans/html/vetguide.asp)
__SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veterans Preference) plus the supporting documentation required by this form (if claiming 10-point veteran's preference). Visit http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp to obtain the form.
As an Applicant for a Postdoctoral Research Associate Position, you must also submit the following:
__ A one-page abstract of Ph.D. dissertation
__ A resume of any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitations); and publications.
__ A list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, and recognition.
If this is your first time applying for a federal job, or if you wish to view more detailed information about various aspects of applying for federal jobs, go to http://www.usajobs.gov/ResourceCenter.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applications may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the appropriate address and/or facsimile number listed below:
Mail: Lauren Porensky, USDA-ARS, 1701 Center Ave., Fort Collins, CO
E-mail: Lauren.Porensky@ars.usda.gov
Phone: 970-492-7139
Fax: 970-492-7160
If sending your application as an attachment to an email, do not send zipped files. They will be removed in accordance with standard electronic security procedures.
If application packages do not contain all of the requested information, you may lose consideration for the job. To help you ensure your application fully outlines your qualifications and eligibility for this position, please submit the following documentation as appropriate. Some of the items listed may not apply to you. NOTE: Applications received in postage paid government envelopes will not be considered.
APPLICATION PACKAGE CHECKLIST
__ Resume, Curriculum Vitae, or other document outlining your qualifications The following information is required of all applicants: __ Announcement number, title, and grade(s) of the position
__ Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and evening phone numbers (with area code)
__ Indicate country of citizenship __Copy of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Only if claiming veterans preference. Visit the following web site for additional information: http://www.opm.gov/employ/veterans/html/vetguide.asp)
__SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veterans Preference) plus the supporting documentation required by this form (if claiming 10-point veteran's preference). Visit http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/sf.asp to obtain the form.
As an Applicant for a Postdoctoral Research Associate Position, you must also submit the following:
__ A one-page abstract of Ph.D. dissertation
__ A resume of any honors or awards received; memberships in professional or honor societies; invitations to make presentations at scientific/technical meetings; scientific society office and committee assignments; presentations (other than invitations); and publications.
__ A list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of persons familiar with your stature, contributions, and recognition.
If this is your first time applying for a federal job, or if you wish to view more detailed information about various aspects of applying for federal jobs, go to http://www.usajobs.gov/ResourceCenter.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applications may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the appropriate address and/or facsimile number listed below:
Mail: Lauren Porensky, USDA-ARS, 1701 Center Ave., Fort Collins, CO
E-mail: Lauren.Porensky@ars.usda.gov
Phone: 970-492-7139
Fax: 970-492-7160
If sending your application as an attachment to an email, do not send zipped files. They will be removed in accordance with standard electronic security procedures.
