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What General Information Do I Need to Know About This Position?
Salary: $86,962 (Step 01) to $113,047 (Step 10).
NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.
Incentive Possible - A recruitment incentive MAY be authorized in filling this position.
Summary continues in the duties section.
09/20/2024 to 11/01/2024
$86,962 - $113,047 per year
GS 12
Few vacancies in the following location:
Yes
Not applicable, this is a remote position.
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position (2-5 nights per month)
No
Term - 2 years
Full-time
Excepted
None
No
No
USGS-SAC-24-12534536-MH-JM
810534000
Open to all qualified candidates who meet the eligibility requirements of the Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. Because this fellowship is a U.S. Government position, preference must be given to U.S. citizens. Citizens of other nations may be considered under certain circumstances, i.e., when there are no qualified U.S. citizen applicants available. In those instances, the USGS may consider making an offer to a non-citizen provided applicable laws and regulations are followed.
SUMMARY CONTINUED:
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies in other U.S. Geological Survey offices.
DUTIES:
Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellowship - Research Opportunity #: 23-29. Social indicators for drought vulnerability on public lands in the western United States
Research Opportunity Description
Drought is a well-known threat to ecosystems and intensifying in its effects across the globe. In the western United States, persistent drought is threatening the condition of public lands and potentially changing how managers address both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Although many tools exist for assessing meteorological, hydrologic, and ecological impacts of drought, there is a need to further develop actionable approaches and tools for addressing the social context within which these forms of drought affect natural resources and the people who depend upon them. This reflects increasing recognition that the health of ecosystems, and particularly the condition of watersheds, is affected by a range of human actions and that the success of restoration activities depends upon a range of social, economic, and process constraints.
This Mendenhall Fellowship Opportunity seeks social science research proposals from candidates interested in conducting research as part of a larger interdisciplinary, interagency effort. The larger project is focused on helping the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) understand watershed condition across the approximately 245 million acres it manages. Specifically, a team of ecologists and hydrologists are developing and operationalizing indicators for ecological drought that can be used by field-level BLM managers. The larger project is a national priority for both USGS and BLM.
Proposed Duty Station: Anywhere in the U.S. (Remote)
Areas of Ph.D: Natural resource management, political science, sociology, human geography, planning, public administration, or related fields (candidates holding a Ph.D. in other disciplines but with knowledge and skills relevant to the Research Opportunity may be considered).
Qualifications: Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: Research Social Scientist, Research Sociologist, or Research Geographer
(This type of research is performed by those who have backgrounds for the occupations stated above. However, other titles may be applicable depending on the applicant's background, education, and research proposal. The final classification of the position will be made by the Human Resources Specialist.)
Physical/Environmental Demands:
Physical Demands
Work is usually performed in an office setting. The work area normally involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of offices or meeting and training rooms. There may be periods of time spent in field. The field work requires some physical exertion such as walking over wet, rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities.
Work Environment
Work is performed in an office and/or in the field. The office is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Temperature and weather extremes may be encountered in the performance of the outdoor work. Field duties may require the use of special protective gear. The incumbent is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow workers, or property with which entrusted.
Key Requirements:
Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?
General Information
The Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program provides an opportunity for postdoctoral fellows to conduct concentrated research in association with USGS scientists, often as a final element to their formal career preparation. The Program also provides: 1) research experiences that enhance the scientific stature and credentials of the Fellows; and 2) scientific expertise to assist in the implementation of the USGS Strategic Plan and the science strategy of its programs. Mendenhall Fellows are expected to publish their results in peer-reviewed scientific outlets.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to be considered for these opportunities, candidates must:
(1) have successfully completed a Ph.D. in a field related to the described Research Opportunity no earlier than September 20, 2019 (5 years before the announcement opening date); OR
(2) if close to completion, have all Ph.D. requirements completed and must submit proof of completion prior to receiving an official start date;
(3) meet the qualification requirements described in the Research Opportunity. The research proposal submitted must demonstrate that the applicant is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties for the specific Research Opportunity.
Start Date and Completion of PhD:
It is anticipated that this position will start no later than March 2026. The person selected must have all PhD requirements completed and MUST submit proof of completion prior to receiving an official start date. Exceptions may be made for a later start date on a case-by-case basis.
NOTICE TO NON-CITIZENS
Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. A Federal agency is permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position, AND the non-citizen meets the appropriation act and immigration laws. Read the information provided in the following link. If a non-citizen does not meet the appropriation act and immigration laws, then they cannot be considered for this Mendenhall Opportunity. Please contact the person under Agency Contact Information for questions about eligibility and further assistance. https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/.
Foreign Education. You must provide proof, if the foreign education determines your qualifications for the position. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if the applicant can show that the foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide such evidence when applying for Federal jobs. If selected, you will be required to provide official proof that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.usgs.gov/about/organization/science-support/human-capital/how-foreign-education-evaluated-federal-jobs .
You must meet all eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The Human Resources Office will provide the hiring official with application material for review and consideration. The Research Advisor and/or hiring official will review the application material and contact candidates for interviews as needed. A subject matter expert panel will be convened. If an applicant is chosen for an opportunity and meets the qualification requirements, the Human Resources Office will contact the applicant and make a firm job offer. For Research Opportunities with multiple duty stations, the selection of the official duty station will be made by the USGS.
Applicants must submit the following for each individual Research Opportunity for which they are applying.
Applications should be prepared as follows (preferably in PDF): 1) Research proposal ONLY; 2) Budget estimate; 3) Resumé or CV; 4) Educational transcripts; 5) List of literature references cited in the proposal, if applicable; and 6) supporting veterans documentation, if applicable.
Clicking on the "APPLY NOW" button in each Research Opportunity will take applicants to the USAJOBS application for that particular Opportunity. For technical assistance for submitting an application through USAJOBS, contact the HR Specialist listed as the Point of Contact listed in this announcement.
PDF conversion tools are readily available via the Internet. Some examples can be accessed at the following sites: http://www.ps2pdf.com/ http://www.pdf995.com/ Disclaimer: Hypertext links and other references to non-USGS products and services are provided for information only and do not constitute endorsement or warranty, express or implied, by the USGS, DOI, or U.S. Government, as to their suitability, content, usefulness, functioning, completeness, or accuracy. In addition, documents that do not easily lend themselves to conversion may be faxed. Contact the appropriate Human Resources Office to make arrangements.
If a complete application package is not submitted, the applicant will not be considered for the position. Requests for deadline extensions will not be granted. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure the successful conveyance of the application package. Applicants will receive a confirmation e-mail upon receipt. Application packages must be received by 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Time) on the closing date of the announcement. It is against the law to submit applications for employment using Government paid postage envelopes or mail services (18 USC 1719). Such application packages will not be considered. Application material will not be returned.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
If an applicant is chosen for an opportunity and meets the qualification requirements, the Human Resources Office will contact the applicant and make a firm job offer.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/810534000. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.