USGS Analysis of Evaporation Data from Lake Mead

Overview

Organization
U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)

Reference Code
DOI-USGS-2026-07

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

• An application
• Transcript(s) – An unofficial transcript or copy of student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.  for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

USGS Office/Lab and

Location:

A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) located in Boulder City, Nevada. The USGS mission is to monitor, analyze, and predict dynamics of human and natural Earth-system interactions and deliver actionable intelligence for decision makers. USGS is a civilian science agency that collects, analyzes, and provides information about natural resource conditions and problems. The project includes collecting eddy covariance data to measure evaporation rates from Lake Mead.

Project context:
The Colorado River basin is currently in drought; knowledge of evaporation losses remains important for water resources management.

• Use the Aquarius software package to process evaporation data.
• If in-person at the duty station, site visits and learning equipment maintenance and data collection.

You will learn to use Aquarius, a software package for the analysis of time-series hydrologic data. You will also learn the basics of evaporation data collection and analysis, with time spent in a professional environment.

The mentor for this opportunity is Geoff Moret (gmoret). For questions about the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment

Start Date:

June 15, 2026. Start date is flexible. Appointment Length: 10 weeks initially, may be renewed contingent on funds. Level of Participation:
Full time.

Participant Stipend:
Stipend rates vary by opportunity, location, education, and experience. If interviewed, inquire about the exact stipend rate. If selected, the appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate.

Citizenship Requirements: US citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals may participate. Non-US citizen applicants should refer to program guidelines for acceptable immigration statuses.

This program is administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) via ORISE. 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; health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

For questions about the application process, please email USGS and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past four years, or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2026.

Degree:
Bachelor's Degree received within the last 48 months or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2026.

• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Bio-inorganic Chemistry
  • Bio-organic Chemistry
  • Biophysical Chemistry
  • Chemistry (General)
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Materials Sciences
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Theoretical Chemistry

Communications and Graphics Design (2) — 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 (1).