Early career economist or social scientist research participation opportunity with USGS

[Nnenia Marie Campbell]

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Early career economist or social scientist research participation opportunity

Position summary: The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Fort Collins Science Center is seeking an early career economist or social scientist to participate in one or more applied research projects conducted by the Social and Economic Analysis branch (https://www.usgs.gov/centers/fort-collins-science-center/science/social-and-economic-analysis-research-support-public). The candidate will be provided with important research and training opportunities, joining existing collaborations between USGS scientists and resource managers and scientists from other agencies within and outside the Department of the Interior.

The immediate focus of this position will be working with teams to inform natural resource management on public land management issues, with an emphasis on western North America. The position will entail participating in economic and social science research, for example cleaning and analyzing data, designing and implementing surveys and interviews of federal public land managers, conducting mathematical or statistical modeling, interpreting results, and drafting and publishing research findings, all while working closely with staff from USGS and partner agencies. The position may participate in projects focused on wildland fire management, fish and wildlife management and conservation, and outdoor recreation, among others.

Qualifications: To be eligible for consideration, candidates must have completed an MS degree or higher in economics, social science, natural resources management, or a related field. Candidates must either be currently enrolled at a college or university or have completed their latest graduate degree within the last 12 months. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and undergo a background check.

Candidates must have experience implementing economics or social science research. Experience with quantitative data analysis is desired, including but not limited to analyzing and modeling survey, spatial, or other data in open-source coding platforms (e.g., Program R, Python). Experience with qualitative research methods is also desired, including but not limited to developing interview or survey tools and analyzing results (e.g., using NVivo).

Applicants must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills and a strong desire to work with natural resource managers on public land management issues in western North America. Familiarity with public land or species management, wildland fire and fuel management, or recreation on public lands is desired. Applicants should also possess strong collaboration and time-management skills.

Either full-time or part-time candidates will be considered. Remote options are available.

This position will be hired as a student services contractor. Student services contractors participate in scientific research projects at USGS Science Centers across the U.S. and work directly with USGS scientists to gain hands-on experience in real-world science projects, build technical and professional skills, explore potential science careers and pathways, and receive mentorship from experienced scientists (https://www.usgs.gov/youth-and-education-in-science/student-services-contractors). Candidates will need to have an active SAMS account (System for Award Management, sam.gov) prior to appointment; more information will be provided upon selection.

How to apply:  Applicants should submit (1) a cover letter describing their experience, qualifications, and interest in the position, (2) a CV (or resume) (with the month and year for degrees received/anticipated clearly listed), (3) a primary-authored writing sample, (4) undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial is fine) showing completion of their most recent degree, and (5) contact information for three professional references. Materials should be submitted to James Meldrum (jmel...@usgs.gov) in PDF format; please use "SEA SSC opportunity application" in the subject line. For full consideration, submit applications by February 20, 2026.

 

Thank you,

James

__________________________

James R. Meldrum, PhD

Supervisory Research Economist

Branch Chief (acting), Social and Economic Analysis

U.S. Geological Survey | Fort Collins Science Center

2150 Centre Ave Building C | Fort Collins, CO 80526

jmel...@usgs.gov