USGS National Synthesis of Prescribed Fire under Nonstationarity

Reference Code: DOI-USGS-2026-68

About the Role

This opportunity is based at the National Climate Adaptation Science Center (NCASC), located at USGS headquarters in Reston, Virginia. Hybrid arrangements are available. The USGS mission is to monitor, analyze, and predict current and evolving dynamics of complex human and natural Earth-system interactions and to deliver actionable intelligence at scales and timeframes relevant to decision makers.

The National Climate Adaptation Science Center (NCASC) provides leadership on administration, partnerships, information management, and communications, and conducts research on climate-change impacts to ecosystems, fish, and wildlife at national and multi-regional scales. One of NCASC's primary roles is to convene subject-matter experts on the application of best-available ecological science to pressing land- and ecosystem-management challenges and to provide synthesis assessments at a national scale relevant to decision makers.

Research Project

This project will provide training on the development, implementation, and analysis of a national research initiative to assess barriers and opportunities surrounding the effective use of intentional fire (prescribed fire, cultural burning, and managed wildfire) under non-stationarity. Key activities include:

• Learn about collaborative wildfire science, prescribed fire research, and science-to-management partnerships through participation in a national group involving federal and academic scientists, fire managers, and partners across multiple agencies.
• Gain experience and skills in planning and coordination under mentor guidance, including agenda development, meeting materials, facilitator support, committee activities, and logistical coordination.
• Collaborate on a national assessment focused on barriers and opportunities for prescribed fire implementation under non-stationary environmental conditions while learning how actionable science and decision-theoretic approaches inform management and policy decisions.
• Gain skills through literature review, organization of scientific information, and support for associated data analysis and communication materials, including peer-reviewed publications.
• Gain professional development and mentorship in collaborative research, scientific synthesis, science communication, and the application of science to on-the-ground fire management information needs.

Results of this work will inform the future of prescribed fire management by clarifying ecological, social, and governance constraints and identifying decision-informed research opportunities to support resilient ecosystems. There will be additional opportunities to collaborate with Regional CASCs on fire-related research projects and explore other areas with applications to decision-relevant research topics.

Learning Objectives

• Strengthen expertise in fire science and fire-use decision models, including applying multi-criteria decision analysis, scenario planning, and other actionable science tools to advance robust decision making in prescribed fire management.
• Strengthen research and synthesis capabilities through hands-on experience applying adaptation menus, decision frameworks, and science-based guidance for land and fire management.
• Gain experience designing a national synthesis assessment of barriers and opportunities related to the effective use of prescribed fire under climate change.
• Gain experience in scientific facilitation by collaborating on working-group meetings and thematic subgroup sessions.
• Collaborate closely with NCASC science staff and partners and contribute to dissemination of findings to the fire and ecosystem manager community.

Appointment Details

Anticipated appointment start date: September 1, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors. The appointment will initially be for one year but may be renewed upon recommendation of DOI and is contingent on the availability of funds. This is a full-time opportunity.

Requirements

• The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a master's or doctoral degree in ecology, fire science, environmental science, geography, natural resource management, environmental policy, or a closely related field. Preference is for doctoral candidates, but those with a master’s degree and relevant experience may also be considered if their background strongly aligns with the opportunity.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with fire ecology and fire-management concepts, including topics such as uncertainty and non-stationarity in ecological systems.
• Experience applying tools of decision analysis and structured decision making to complex natural resource management concepts, including translating technical concepts to management planning and decisions.
• Experience conducting synthesis research assessments and translating scientific findings for policy or management.
• Fluency conducting spatial or ecological analysis using R, Python, GIS, or similar tools.
• Knowledge of pressing issues in fire science and ecosystem management, including baseline knowledge of ecology and the effects of climate change on ecosystem management.
• Highly motivated self-starter with demonstrated ability to act independently as well as part of a collaborative team, including experience convening and facilitating collaborative groups.
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills.

Pay

Stipend range: $85,447.00 – $102,415.00 yearly.

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Madeleine Rubenstein (mrubenstein@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.