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Opportunities with the USDA Climate Hubs

This is a living page showing open and past opportunities with the USDA Climate Hubs. List of opportunities will be updated as they become available.

Northwest Climate Hub & Washington State University Postdoctoral Research Associate

A postdoctoral scholar will work with the USDA Northwest Climate Hub, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and other agencies and end users to identify high-priority research, information, and tool needs related to climate-smart practices in the Northwest. The research associate will conduct research, develop summary reports and syntheses, and present results centered around the mitigation potential of a set of agricultural practices. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in soil science, agronomy, crop science, agroecology, biological systems engineering, or a related field, and experience with one or more carbon measurement and modeling approaches (e.g., DayCent, DNDC, Cycles). Applications are due 24 November 2024. 


Northern Plains Climate Hub Science Coordinator

This position will work for the USDA Northern Plains Climate Hub within the Agricultural Research Service to serve as a science coordinator and focal point for the synthesis and communications of science related to climate change and agroecosystems, including the effects of mitigation and adaptation practices on soil health, nutrient cycling, greenhouse gases, and other related ecosystem services. Click here for additional details, including qualifying experience and education. Applications are due 5 November 2024.


Northern Plains Climate Hub & University of Wyoming Extension Fellow

This USDA Northern Plains Climate fellow will be hired through the University of Wyoming (UW) Extension to focus on enhancing the climate resilience of rural, agricultural communities in Wyoming. This work will involve increasing the weather and climate capacity of Extension professionals and other local technical service providers who serve those communities, by building climate literacy; facilitating knowledge exchange; and translating and extending existing research and extension efforts. The Fellow will also work in collaboration with the project team to translate weather and climate data into impacts to the cropland and rangeland systems prevalent in Wyoming. Click here to see the learn more about this 3-year position, including how to apply. Complete applications submitted by 22 October 2024 will receive full consideration.


Past opportunities

Midwest Climate Hub & Agricultural Research Service Climate Outreach Coordinator

This coordinator will work in the USDA Midwest Climate Hub & Agricultural Research Service to support the Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Fellowship, a program focused on climate training for farmers and agricultural advisers. The coordinator will also develop and deliver climate services (i.e. near-term and long-term decision support guided by weather and climate outlooks) to broad stakeholders, including farmers, land managers, agricultural advisors, and extension services. Please see advertisement for details on qualifying experience and education. 


Midwest Climate Hub & Agricultural Research Service Climate Mitigation Fellow (two openings)

Two postdoctoral fellows will work in the USDA Midwest Climate Hub, Agricultural Research Service. They will work alongside university partners to synthesize the current science and research on climate-resilient agricultural systems and practices. The research associates will conduct literature reviews, develop novel research, and support expert listening sessions. They will develop summary reports and syntheses, and present results to and with external partners. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in soil science, agronomy, crop science, agroecology, ecology, or a related field. 


Northern Plains Climate Hub Fellow (Post-Doc) in Agronomy/Soils/Ecology

The Northern Plains Climate Hub is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Research Agronomist/Soil Scientist/Ecologist), based with USDA ARS (1 vacancy among the following locations: Mandan, North Dakota; Brookings, South Dakota; Clay Center, Nebraska; Fort Collins, Colorado), to conduct science synthesis and outreach on climate change and cropping systems or integrated crop-livestock systems in the Northern Plains region. Taking applications until position is filled.


Northwest Climate Hub Tribal Forest Management Fellowship

The selected fellow will collaborate with Northwest Climate Hub staff and focus on supporting the integration of climate change in tribal forest management plans. The fellow will get an opportunity to develop relationships with Tribes in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, as well as Alaska Natives. The fellow will also get to work with scientists at the Pacific Northwest Research Station. While much of the fellow’s efforts will focus on assisting with the development of producing materials to support Tribal forest management decisions, they may also have the opportunity to contribute to scientific publications. 


USFS Tribal Climate Equity Fellowship with the USDA Northeast Climate Hub

The USDA Northeast Climate Hub and US Forest Service Northern Research Station are seeking a fellow to engage in research and collaboration on climate equity specifically for Tribes and Tribal communities in our region. This is an opportunity to work with diverse partners to integrate indigenous knowledge for application to climate adaptation and mitigation related to working lands and waters. While opportunity is remote, there is strong preference for residence in the Northeast region.  The appointment will be for one to two years, but may be renewed upon recommendation of USFS and is contingent on the availability of funds.


USDA Northeast Hub Climate Mitigation Fellowship

The ORISE Fellow will engage in outreach, research, and collaboration on climate mitigation and climate equity. The first project will focus on identifying climate mitigation and equity issues in the region using  literature reviews, collaboration, listening sessions, and other research methods. In this context, climate mitigation includes reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving soil carbon, and increasing GHG sequestration on working lands by supporting the awareness and implementation of agriculture and agroforestry practices. We will define the scope and scale of these issues, communicate these results to our stakeholders, and collaborate with other scientists, other ORISE fellows, Hub leadership, and partners to determine potential solutions and pathways for achieving climate mitigation. While opportunity is remote, there is strong preference for residence in the Northeast region. The appointment will initially be for two years, but may be extended upon recommendation of USFS and is contingent on the availability of funds. 


USDA Northeast Climate Hub Communications Fellow

The ORISE Fellow will conduct research, outreach, coordination, and communications contributing to multiple projects within the climate hub mission. They will gain feedback from project partners on their methods, product design and development, and meeting outreach objectives. The Fellow will support outreach activities that promote research results and collaborations. The Fellow will also have an opportunity to engage with project collaborators to develop and enhance their network of climate adaptation experts. While opportunity is remote, there is strong preference for residence in the Northeast region. The appointment will initially be for one year but may be extended upon recommendation of USDA Forest Service and is contingent on the availability of funds.


Fellowship Opportunity Assessing Climate Change, Forest Management, and Forest Products in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands

This Postdoctoral Research Fellowship will offer the opportunity to collaborate with our team to assess forest management scenarios and carbon sequestration benefits and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and science communications.


Southwest Climate Hub Fellow (Post-Doc): impacts of brush management and prescribed fire on carbon sequestration in rangelands 

The Southwest Climate Hub is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Research Agronomist/Soil Scientist/Biological Systems Engineer/related fields), based at the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range in Las Cruces, NM. The successful candidate will conduct science synthesis and outreach on the impacts of brush management and prescribed fire on short- and long-term carbon storage in rangeland soils in the Southwest Hub region. 


Climate Literacy Fellowship Opportunity in the Caribbean

This fellowship will offer the opportunity to collaborate with our team to increase the level of climate-smart decision-making by farmers, ranchers, forest land managers, and the people and agencies that provide advice, technical expertise, and incentives. 


Midwest Climate Hub - ARS Fellowship in Agricultural Meteorology

The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is hiring a climatologist or related expertise who will serve as a USDA Midwest Climate Hub Fellow. This position will work with the Midwest Climate Hub and its regional partners to evaluate spatial and temporal variability of climate change, assess impacts to agricultural production, and assemble current research data or models related to climate and ag. It will be located at the National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment in Ames, Iowa. 


USDA Climate Hubs - Resource Assistants Internships

The USDA Climate Hubs have three Resource Assistants internships available. The Resource Assistants Internship is a rigorous and immersive paid internship for individuals who are interested in conservation, natural and cultural resources, and research and development. The program engages students, recent graduates, and underrepresented populations helping the Forest Service to attract and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce and carry out mission-critical work. Internships will start 15 July.

Northwest Climate Hub: Climate Communications Specialist in Olympia, WA or remote 

Northern Forests Climate Hub Climate Adaptation Communications Specialist in Houghton, MI or remote 

Southeast Climate Hub Climate Education and Outreach Coordinator in Durham, NC


Midwest and Northern Forests Climate Hubs - ARS Fellowship in Agroforestry and Climate

The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is hiring an ecologist/interdisciplinary scientist who will serve as a USDA Climate Hub Fellow. This position will work with the Midwest and Northern Forests Hubs to assess agroforestry as a strategy for climate change mitigation and adaptation. It will be located at the National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment in Ames, Iowa. Initial work will center on a literature review and meta-analysis related to soil carbon and other attributes of agroforestry practices in the Midwest. 


Northern Forests Climate Hub: Assess Climate Vulnerability for forest ecosystems in the Midwest and Northeast US

Join our team! The Ohio State University is hiring a Research Associate to serve as a USDA Climate Hub Fellow with the USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub. This person will help create new climate change vulnerability assessments for forest ecosystems in the Midwest and Northeast US, including geospatial analysis to integrate spatial data to inform the assessments. This person will work closely with the USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub and USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station scientists in Delaware, Ohio. This is a two-year term position, based at the OSU Columbus campus. 


Northwest Climate Hub Fellow: Carbon Management on Working Lands

An ORISE (Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education) fellowship with the USDA Northwest Climate Hub. The fellow will engage with USDA Climate Hub, USDA and Forest Service staff to develop information on carbon management on working lands (forests). The fellow will collaborate with USDA staff to help 1) Develop information to guide management planning practices for the National Forest System related to carbon and greenhouse gases. 2) Engage with Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station's carbon initiative to develop communication materials for land managers. 3) Develop synthesis and communications on carbon for natural resource land managers. 4) Conduct research related to carbon dynamics in forest systems.


USFS Fellowship in Climate and Forest Management

A fellowship with the USDA Northeast and Midwest Climate Hubs and Cornell University’s Northeast Region Climate Center is open for applications. This post-doctoral fellowship will provide opportunity to engage in research, collaboration, and outreach on a project which aims to align climate change indicators with the needs of forestry stakeholders. Tracking trends in weather and changes in conditions using indicators can help guide forest managers in the development of effective adaptation, resilience, and sustainability practices. 


USFS Tribal Climate Equity Fellowship with the USDA Northeast Climate Hub

The USDA Northeast Climate Hub and US Forest Service Northern Research Station are seeking a fellow to engage in research and collaboration on climate equity specifically for Tribes and Tribal communities in our region. This is an opportunity to work with diverse partners to integrate indigenous knowledge for application to climate adaptation and mitigation related to working lands and waters. This fellowship is available to those who are post-Masters or post-PhD. 


USDA California Climate Hub Fellows (2)

The USDA California Climate Hub has an open advertisement via USA Jobs (ARS-RA-23-PWA-12005267-mds) for up to two (2) USDA Climate Hub Fellows. The announcement was purposely crafted to be broad in scope and could be filled by individuals with either physical, natural/life, or social science training and expertise. The California Climate Hub is dedicated to supporting climate informed decisions via applied research applications related to climate adaptation science and/or mitigation opportunities within the agricultural or forestry sectors. The California Climate Hub welcomes individuals interested in working alongside Forest Service-Pacific Southwest Research Station scientists especially in support of Forest Service-Pacific Southwest Region of the National Forest System priorities (ex. Wildfire Crisis Strategy, post fire recovery/reforestation) or with other USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists in California engaged with applied climate solutions for agriculture or water management/scarcity questions. More information about the nature of the USDA California Climate Hub portfolio can be found at either our webpage or the ARS landing page for our program. Applications for this position can be sent to steven.ostoja@usda.gov.  The required documents to apply for this opening are outlined on the USA jobs announcement. 


USDA FS Pacific Southwest Research Station and California Climate Hub Postdoctoral Urban Forestry Fellowship

The USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station in collaboration with the USDA California Climate Hub is recruiting a talented individual to serve as an Urban Forestry Fellow and develop science-based tools and information products that will improve urban forest management in the context of a changing climate. The scope of the projects undertaken by the fellow can adjust to align with the fellow’s skills and interests but should be anchored in California and enhance collaboration between the USDA Forest Service and Climate Hubs. The fellow will join a cohort of interdisciplinary fellows in the network of 10 USDA Climate Hubs. This is a full-time two-year paid fellowship, and people with a doctorate degree received within the past 5 years are eligible (or expected completion by December 31, 2023). The selected participant may participate out of the Vallejo or Riverside Forest Service offices in California. Options for hybrid or remote participation may be considered. 


Midwest and Northern Forests Climate Hubs Fellow: Regional Climate Impacts Assessment and Evaluation

This ORISE fellowship will offer the opportunity to support an assessment and evaluation of scientific literature and related resources provided to the region. The update will support climate services and outreach efforts at the Midwest and Northern Forests Climate Hubs. The selected candidate has the option to participate remotely or on location in Ames, IA. 


Midwest Climate Hub Fellow: Impacts Assessment and Climate Services Evaluation

This ORISE fellowship will offer the opportunity to provide support on an assessment of the Midwest Climate Hub’s role in facilitating ag-climate research, communications, and outreach. Fellows will also assess regional climate services.  The selected candidate has the option to participate remotely or on location in Ames, IA. 


Midwest Climate Hub Fellow: Ag-Climate Crop Management Changes

This ORISE fellowship will offer the opportunity to learn more information about how climate change issues are changing management practices across a variety of cropping systems in the Midwest. The fellow will partner with the USDA Climate Hubs and USDA Long Term Agro-ecological Research (LTAR) network to analyze and summarize LTAR data and research results about various Midwestern management practices and their climate interactions. (Note: if you are a PhD candidate or recent graduate who received your master’s degree more than five years ago, the application form will restrict your eligibility. If this is the case for you and you are interested in applying, please contact Laurie Nowatzke at laurie.nowatzke@usda.gov.) 


Northwest Climate Hub Fellow (Post-Doc) for inland Pacific Northwest Agriculture 

This postdoctoral research associate will work with USDA-Agriculture Research Service, Northwest Sustainable Agroecosystems Research Unit in Pullman, Washington. This position will develop decision tools using the model CropSyst that support climate adaptation and climate mitigation in wheat-based cropping systems of the inland Pacific Northwest. The fellow will participate in workshops to solicit user feedback that will guide tool development. 


Northwest Climate Hub Fellow for Alaska Agriculture

This Associate in Research position is offered through Washington State University to serve as a USDA Climate Hub Fellow for Alaska. The fellow will work with the Northwest Climate Hub and its co-lead at the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Northwest Sustainable Agroecosystems Research Unit. The focus of this position will be to develop a current state of knowledge focused on soil management for the variety of cropping systems in Alaska. Additionally, the fellow will organize a convening of producers, technology transfers specialists, and scientists to develop a summary of long-term research needs for agriculture in Alaska in a changing climate. 


National Climate Hub Fellow

This ORISE fellow will engage with Climate Hub staff, partners, and stakeholders; Forest Service Research and Development staff; and other USDA scientists and managers. The fellow will collaborate with the above staff to develop science-based tools and information products that will help land managers better manage forest and rangeland resources considering direct and indirect impacts of climate change (adaptation) and to increase carbon storage and sequestration (mitigation). Activities of the Climate Hub Fellow include supporting, synthesizing, and communicating the research of Climate Hubs to land managers. Research topics will focus on a range of priority issues across the US such as reforestation, climate equity, drought, mitigation benefits, and adaptation actions. This research and science delivery opportunity is available in Washington, DC at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS) Office of Research and Development in Sustainable Forest Management Research to support the USDA Climate Hubs. The candidate has the option to participate remotely or in Washington, D.C.


USFS Agroforestry Fellowship for the USDA Climate Hubs

New ORISE Agroforestry Fellowship opportunity to work with the USDA Climate Hubs and the National Agroforestry Center. The focus of this position will be to support producers and technical service providers in the uptake of agroforestry across the US. The fellow will collaborate with National Agroforestry Center and Climate Hub staff to develop science-based tools and information that will help managers of working lands use agroforestry to better manage their resources in light of the direct and indirect impacts of climate change. 


Southern Plains Climate Hub Fellow (Post-Doc)

This position represents a partnership between K-State and the USDA Climate Hubs to equip more producers, water managers, and other stakeholders with training, network and confidence to take action to improve an effort to develop and deliver science-based, region-specific information and technologies to agricultural and natural resource managers that enable climate-informed decision-making, and to provide access to assistance to implement those decisions.


USFS Northeast Climate Hub Fellowship in Climate Equity

The ORISE Fellow will engage in research and collaboration for two projects. The first project will focus on identifying climate equity issues in the region using literature reviews and other research methods. The second project will involve developing a regional graduate student engagement network for emerging leaders working on climate adaptation and mitigation. Following a successful pilot program—GradCAP (the Graduate Student Climate Adaptation Program), the new network will include a focus on addressing equity. The Fellow will be actively involved in the design and execution of this new program.