The US Geological Survey (USGS) Fort Collins Science Center is seeking an early career researcher to assist with summarizing and synthesizing science to inform management of western lands. The candidate will be part of an existing collaboration between USGS scientists and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) resource managers that seeks to coproduce science and data products that inform public lands decision-making. A core task will be working with a USGS team to develop a series of annotated bibliographies summarizing research findings and management implications for species of concern in the western US. The immediate focus of this position will be to support development of an annotated bibliography for the invasive annual grass, cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). We anticipate work on annotated bibliographies for additional topics of management concern, potentially including Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) and climate topics relevant to the management of sagebrush ecosystems (Artemisia sp.). The candidate will be responsible for identifying appropriate scientific papers and reports, critically analyzing scientific results, and summarizing results and implications for land managers. The candidate will also take part in an internal “colleague” review process by critically reviewing summaries written by project coauthors and incorporating team feedback into their own summaries. This position may also be responsible for providing project leadership support including contacting and incorporating feedback from researchers, drafting, reviewing, and editing the final manuscript as part of the USGS peer review process; coordinating with staff from the USGS, BLM, and US Fish and Wildlife to gather input on project direction and facilitate project completion; scheduling and leading team meetings; and providing training to new team members. The position may also contribute to related landscape science projects focused on developing actionable science and data products to support analysis and decision-making on public lands under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Additional tasks may include collaborating with BLM to develop short science syntheses on priority topics to help inform BLM NEPA analyses. The candidate will work as part of a team under the direction of Drs. Sarah Carter and Nathan Kleist at the USGS Fort Collins Science Center.

Job qualifications: The position may be hired at the MS or PhD level, with commensurate pay and responsibilities. Length of the position may be limited to 1 (PhD) or 2 (MS) years. Full time work is desirable. Work may start remotely and transition to the Fort Collins office at a later date. Candidates must be currently enrolled or have completed their latest degree within the last 12 months to be eligible for this position. A background in natural resources, ecology, conservation, or a related field is required, along with an interest in public land management and conservation issues. Applicants must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills and a strong desire to work with natural resource managers on public land management issues. Applicants should possess strong collaboration and time-management skills. The recipient must be a licensed driver, as operation of a government vehicle may be necessary. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens and undergo a background check.

Applicants should submit (1) a cover letter describing their experience, qualifications, and interest in the position and listing the date they received, or anticipate receiving, their degree, (2) a resume, (3) a primary-authored writing sample, (4) undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial is fine), and (5) contact information for three professional references.  Materials should be submitted to Logan Maxwell (lmmaxwell@contractor.usgs.gov) as one compiled PDF file; please use “Summarizing Science for Western Lands Ecologist Application” in the subject line. For full consideration, please submit applications by November 12, 2021.