USAEC Summer/Fall 2025 Natural Resources Internship

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant and under the guidance of a mentor, you will be a part of a wide array of tasks pertaining to natural resource management – this can include forest management, invasives species, wildlife surveys, recreation enhancements, and environmental outreach on Fort Drum. You may also have the opportunity to develop and carry out small-scale projects depending on your interests.

Why should I apply?

As an ORISE participant you will have the opportunity to hone your skills as well as develop new skills by engaging in a wide array of projects pertaining to natural resource management on a military installation. In addition, you will be exposed to day-to-day activities and special projects. Maybe more importantly, you will be included in meetings to understand how management decisions are made.

Where will I be located?

Fort Drum, New York

What is the anticipated start date?

Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate, the preferred start date is May/June 2025.

What is the appointment length?

This appointment is a three to six-month summer research appointment, with the possibility to be extended into the fall. This appointment may be renewed for additional research periods depending on the availability of the candidate, funding availability, project assignment, and program rules.

What are the benefits?

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Training and Travel Allowance

About USACE

Fort Drum is a 108,000+ acre US Army installation in northern New York--approximately 80 miles north of Syracuse, 30 miles from Canada, and between Lake Ontario and the Adirondacks. Fort Drum is managed by a professional natural resources staff which is concerned with forests and grasslands, invasive plants, endangered species, wetlands, fish/wildlife management, human-wildlife conflict, recreation, and outreach. For information about Fort Drum, its natural resources, and recreational opportunities, see https://fortdrum.isportsman.net/.

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (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 DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Application Requirements

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• One recommendation. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

Additional Information:

• Candidates must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
• While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with DoD or any other agency, this opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.
• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
• Discipline(s): Not specified
• Age: Must be 18 years of age
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
• The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!