Advancing Administrative Modernization in USGS Through Applied Artificial Intelligence

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 27,552 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education is seeking a student researcher for a project focused on enhancing administrative workflows using artificial intelligence. The role involves evaluating existing processes, developing prototypes, and collaborating with U.S. Geological Survey staff.

Applicants should have a recent degree in a relevant field, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. This opportunity, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, anticipates a start on June 15, 2026. A competitive stipend will be provided for full-time participation.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or received degree within past four years.
• Strong analytical skills for assessing workflows.
• Proficiency in modern AI technologies.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate administrative processes for AI application.
• Research applicable AI tools for USGS workflows.
• Design prototypes to demonstrate AI efficiency.
• Test and refine developed prototypes in collaboration with staff.
• Provide recommendations for future AI integration.

Skills

AI and automation skills

Systems thinking

Communication

Project planning

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fields

Job description

How To Apply

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

Application Materials

• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Organization

U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)

Reference Code

DOI-USGS-2026-34

Complete Application Notes

A Complete Application Consists Of

• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations.

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Description

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) located in Fort Collins, Colorado.

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. As the Nation's largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, USGS collects, monitors, analyzes, and provides science about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems.

Research Project

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) increasingly relies on efficient, scalable administrative processes to support its broad scientific mission across field, laboratory, and data-driven research environments. However, many routine administrative tasks—such as data entry, reporting, documentation management, scheduling, and compliance tracking—remain largely manual, creating bottlenecks that reduce available time for scientific inquiry, collaboration, and decision-making. As scientific programs grow in complexity and volume, the administrative workload on USGS personnel, research coordinators, and project leads has similarly expanded, placing additional strain on limited staff capacity.

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in natural language processing, workflow automation, and decision-support systems, offer transformative potential for reducing administrative burden across the Bureau. Emerging AI tools can streamline repetitive tasks, surface key information, accelerate document preparation, improve data consistency, and support cross-team coordination—ultimately enabling USGS scientists and support staff to redirect time toward higher-value analytical, interpretive, and field-oriented activities. Yet, despite rapid progress in the AI landscape, there has been limited applied research examining how these technologies can be tailored to USGS-specific administrative contexts, constraints, and data environments.

This proposed project aims to fill that gap by systematically evaluating, prototyping, and testing AI-enabled tools designed to expedite time-consuming administrative processes within USGS science centers. Building on the program’s mission of fostering student engagement in real-world research settings, this project will engage a student researcher to explore applications of modern AI models and automation frameworks, assess workflow needs in collaboration with program staff, and develop functional prototypes that demonstrate measurable improvements in administrative efficiency. Outcomes from this research have the potential to reduce administrative overhead, support increased organizational resilience, and create reusable tools and methodologies that benefit multiple USGS programs and mission areas.

Activities

• Activity 1: Assess Administrative Workflow Needs and Pain Points
  • Conduct an assessment of existing USGS administrative processes—such as document management, data entry, reporting, and coordination workflows—to identify repetitive, high-burden tasks suitable for AI-enabled automation. Activities may include interviewing staff, reviewing process documentation, and mapping current workflows to highlight inefficiencies and potential automation targets.
• Activity 2: Research and Evaluate Applicable AI Tools and Methods
  • Investigate emerging artificial intelligence and automation technologies relevant to administrative workflows, including natural language processing, document summarization, task automation, and data extraction tools. This includes evaluating feasibility, risks, and benefits of various AI approaches in the context of USGS data, systems, and mission needs.
• Activity 3: Prototype AI-Enabled Administrative Tools
  • Design and build one or more functional prototypes that apply AI techniques to targeted administrative tasks. Prototype examples may include automated document summarizers, workflow assistants, intelligent form-fillers, data validation tools, or systems that streamline reporting and communication. Prototypes will developed with project mentors to ensure relevance, usability, and technical feasibility.
• Activity 4: Test, Refine, and Document Prototype Tools
  • Collaborate with USGS staff to pilot and refine prototype tools, incorporating user feedback, performance testing, and iterative improvements. Prepare documentation outlining tool functionality, workflow integration, and requirements for operational implementation.
• Activity 5: Produce Recommendations for Future Implementation
  • Based on assessment findings and prototype outcomes, develop guidance and recommendations for scaling or integrating AI-enabled solutions into USGS administrative environments. This may include identifying best practices, dependencies, governance considerations, and next steps for continued development.

Learning Objectives

• Develop applied AI and automation skills by researching, designing, and prototyping tools that address authentic organizational challenges within a federal science environment—expanding both technical capabilities and problem-solving experience.
• Strengthen systems thinking and workflow-analysis expertise through structured assessments of administrative processes, exposure to organizational operations, and participation in collaborative solution-development.
• Gain professional experience alongside USGS scientists, where students deepen their subject-matter knowledge while receiving technical guidance and mentorship.
• Build career-relevant competencies in communication, documentation, project planning, and user-centered design—skills that are essential across scientific, technical, and public-sector career paths.
• Gain understanding of how emerging technologies can support mission-driven science and operational modernization within USGS.

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Brian Reichert ([e-mail]). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Start and Appointment Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 15, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 10 weeks, but may be renewed upon recommendation of DOI and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Compensation and Citizenship

Participant Stipend: Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

ORISE Information: This 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 USGS. Participants do not become employees of USGS, 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

If you have questions about the application process please email [e-mail] and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past four years, or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2029.

Point of Contact

Rachel

Eligibility Details

• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 48 months or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2029 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
    • Analytical Chemistry
    • Bio-inorganic Chemistry
    • Bio-organic Chemistry
    • Biophysical Chemistry
    • Chemistry (General)
    • Environmental Chemistry
    • Inorganic Chemistry
    • Materials Sciences
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Physical Chemistry
    • Polymer Chemistry
    • Theoretical Chemistry
• Communications and Graphics Design
• Computer, Information, and Data Sciences
• Earth and Geosciences
• Engineering
• Environmental and Marine Sciences
• Life Health and Medical Sciences
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Physics
• Science & Engineering-related
• Social and Behavioral Sciences