USDA-FS Wildland Fire Weather Research

Position: USDA-FS Wildland Fire Weather Research Opportunity

USDA-FS Wildland Fire Weather Research Opportunity

Join to apply for the USDA-FS Wildland Fire Weather Research Opportunity role at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education.

How to Apply

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

Application Requirements

• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the 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. At least one recommendation must be submitted in order for the mentor to view your application.
• All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Organization

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Reference Code

USDA-FS-PNWRS-

Final date to receive applications

2/27/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. A fellowship opportunity is available with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS) within the Pacific Northwest Research Station (PNWRS) located in Seattle, Washington.

The fellowship focuses on the role of weather in wildland fire, addressing atmospheric influences on lower intensity fires, which are typical of prescribed fires. The area of research is broadly defined, allowing significant flexibility. Studies may include understanding the relationship between atmospheric model output and on‑ground weather, measurement techniques for fire behavior and smoke lofting, remote sensing of fire behavior using UAS, satellites, or acoustics, and development of educational materials to communicate fire weather science to fuel managers and firefighters.

The fellow will collaborate with leading experts in fire meteorology and smoke transport and dispersion, learning about interactions between the planetary boundary layer, complex terrain, and mixing processes involved in smoke and fire.

Mentor

The mentors for this opportunity are Susan O'Neill (susan.oneill1), Brian Potter (brian.potter), and Joseph Charney (joseph.j.charney). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentors.

Appointment

Start date:

January/February 2026 (flexible). Length:
Initially up to one year, may be extended upon recommendation of USDA Forest Service and contingent on the availability of funds. Level of Participation:
Full time.

Stipend

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience, with an anticipated range of $70,000–$90,000 annually.

Citizenship Requirements

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) 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 USDA Forest Service. Participants do not become employees of USDA, USDA Forest Service, 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

Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.USFS.PNWRS and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a master's degree in one of the relevant fields.

Preferred Skills

• Previous experience with coupled fire‑atmosphere models.

Point of Contact

Michele

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree:
  Master's Degree
• 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
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences
  • Earth and Geosciences
  • Engineering
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Physics
  • Science & Engineering-related
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences

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