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The American Geological Institute is accepting applications for next year's William L. Fisher Congressional Geoscience Fellowship. The successful candidate will spend 12 months (starting in September 2006) in Washington working as a staff member in the office of a member of Congress or a congressional committee. The fellowship represents a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience with the federal legislative process and make practical contributions to the effective and timely use of geoscientific knowledge on issues relating to the environment, resources, natural hazards, and federal science policy. The postmark deadline for 2006-2007 fellowship applications is February 1, 2006.

The AGI Fellow will join more than two dozen other scientists and engineers for an intensive orientation program on the legislative and executive branches, organized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), which also guides the placement process and provides educational and collegial programs for the fellows throughout the year.

The Fisher Endowment

Funding for the fellowship is provided through an endowment recently established by the AGI Foundation to honor William L. Fisher, the Leonidas T. Barrow Chair in the Department of Geosciences and the director of the John A. and Katherine G. Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas, Austin. For three decades, as director of the Bureau of Economic Geology, Fisher was the state geologist of Texas. At the national level, Fisher served as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Energy and Minerals under President Ford. Over several administrations, he has been an advisor to the President and to the Secretaries of Energy and the Interior, and he has chaired numerous National Research Council committees and boards. For more on Fisher and the endowment, please see the column "Endowing the AGI Congressional Fellowship" in the October 2003 Geotimes. Also available is a press release announcing the endowment.

Qualifications and Application Procedures
Prospective applicants should have a broad geoscience background and excellent written and oral communications skills. Minimum requirements are a master's degree with at least three years of post-degree work experience or a Ph.D. at the time of appointment. Although prior experience in public policy is not necessary, a demonstrable interest in applying science to the solution of public problems is desirable. Due to the nature of the position, preference will be given to applicants who are US citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must be a member of one of AGI's 44 member societies, a list of which is available at www.agiweb.org/members/index.html.

The fellowship carries an annual stipend of up to $49,000 plus allowances for health insurance, relocation, and travel.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and a curriculum vitae with three letters of reference. All application materials must be postmarked by February 1, 2006 and sent to:

William L. Fisher Congressional Geoscience Fellowship
American Geological Institute
4220 King Street
Alexandria VA 22302-1502

For more information about the fellowship, visit the Government Affairs website at www.agiweb.org/gap or send inquiries to govt@agiweb.org.

AGI is an equal opportunity employer and especially welcomes applications from women and minorities.

Other Fellowship Opportunities
Several of AGI's Member Societies also sponsor Congressional Science Fellowships. For further information, contact the American Geophysical Union, Geological Society of America, or Soil Science Society of America. AAAS itself also offers a number of fellowships for both Congress and the executive branch. It is acceptable to apply to more than one society and fellowship. Stipends, application procedures, eligibility, timetables, and deadlines vary.

Update prepared by Katie Ackerly, AGI Government Affairs Program

Please send any comments or requests for information to the AGI Government Affairs Program.

Posted November 22, 2005

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