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USFS Physical Science Technician Internship

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
USFS Office/Lab and Location: A fellowship opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS) Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory located in Missoula, Montana.
At the heart of the U.S. Forest Service's mission is their purpose. Everything they do is intended to help sustain forests and grasslands for present and future generations. Why? Because their stewardship work supports nature in sustaining life. This is the purpose that drives the agency’s mission and motivates their work across the agency. It’s been there from the agency’s very beginning, and it still drives them. To advance the mission and serve their purpose, the U.S. Forest Service balances the short and long-term needs of people and nature by: working in collaboration with communities and our partners; providing access to resources and experiences that promote economic, ecological, and social vitality; connecting people to the land and one another; and delivering world-class science, technology and land management.
Research ProjectWe have an opportunity for a physical science technician to join the existing cadre of researchers in exploring new dimensions of flame dynamics and heat transfer associated with wildland fire spread. Research into the physical processes governing wildfire behavior and spread by the USFS Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory has been ongoing for decades. This research requires knowledge of physics, including heat transfer and fluid mechanics, as well as computational methods associated with physical phenomena. The research involves laboratory research, data collection, analysis, and computer modeling. The technician will collaborate closely with scientists and staff of the National Fire Decision Support Center onsite at the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory in Missoula, MT. The technician is required to have a degree in Physics or Engineering.
Learning Objectives
  1. Gain experience with laboratory and field-scale experimental methods used in wildland fire behavior research
  2. Gain experience with computer modeling wildland fire spread and behavior
  3. Gain understanding of major scientific problem areas in wildland fire behavior, heat transfer, and combustion
MentorThe mentor for this opportunity is Mark Finney (mark.finney@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 16, 2023.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment LengthThe appointment will initially be for one year, but may be extended upon recommendation of USFS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.
Participant StipendThe participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.
Citizenship RequirementsThis opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
ORISE InformationThis 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 USFS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, USFS, 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 USForestService@orise.orau.gov and include the reference code for this opportunity.