| Public Land Name: | Yosemite National Park | | Position Title: | Geologist (Guest Scientist) | | Position ID Number: | 113 | | Location: | El Portal, CA | | Position Description: | The GeoCorps participant will assist with numerous geoscience projects in Yosemite National Park, and will work both in the field and in the office. The field portion will primarily be spent assisting the park geologist with a range of landslide studies in Yosemite Valley, including assessing geologic hazards beneath Yosemite Valley cliffs, documenting rock fall events as they happen (Yosemite typically experiences several rock falls each winter/spring), mapping historic rock fall deposits, sampling prehistoric rock avalanche deposits for cosmogenic exposure dating, and working with remote sensing data to quantify talus extents and volumes. Fieldwork may also include mapping and sampling of glacial deposits to determine the Last Glacial Maximum ice extent in Yosemite Valley, and subsurface trench investigations to determine the sedimentation history of Yosemite Valley. There may be occasional tasks with a hydrology component. Field outings may include long hikes and days in less than ideal conditions (rain, hail, snow, high winds) with the possibility of backcountry overnights. In the office, the participant will organize and compile rock fall data, draft digital maps, and assist in geologic report writing. Developing written content for the web and other media is also a possibility. Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required. This position is offered through the Geological Society of America's GeoCorps America Program in partnership with the National Park Service’s Geoscientists-in-the-Parks Program. | | Qualifications: | Applicant must have completed at least three years toward an undergraduate degree in the geosciences or earth sciences. Graduates and graduate students are also welcome to apply. Previous geologic field research and writing experience are desirable. The applicant should be able to work well independently both in the office and in the field, have basic map reading and GPS orientation skills, and must be comfortable hiking cross-country in a rugged mountain environment. Basic computer skills are required, including working with spreadsheets. ArcGIS and desktop publishing skills are a plus. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. | | Position Dates: | Nov 2009 - Mar 2010; 20 weeks; start/end dates flexible | | Payment: | $4600 (20 weeks); housing provided | | Housing Available: | The park will provide housing at no cost to the participant, most likely in the town of El Portal. El Portal is on the western boundary of Yosemite National Park in the Merced River Canyon, and is about a 10 minute drive (20 minute bike ride) to park offices. Seasonal park housing typically consists of a private room with shared bath and kitchen. The setting in the Merced River Canyon is spectacular. | Physical/Natural
Environment: | Yosemite National Park is famous for its soaring cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, deep glacial valleys, and rugged wilderness. Yosemite Valley includes such geologic landmarks as Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. The elevation of the park ranges from 2,127 ft in the western foothills to 13,114 ft at the crest of the range. Yosemite National Park is in the center of the Sierra Nevada mountains, which were formed during two phases of mountain building. The Yosemite landscape consists of primarily granitic rocks with sparse metamorphic roof pendants. Small glaciers and snowfields still cling to the highest peaks and feed clear rushing creeks and rivers. The 11,000 feet of altitudinal variation in the park supports a wide variety of life forms. | | Work Environment: | During the dates this position is open, much of the high country above 8,000 feet is under snow, but Yosemite Valley and the Merced River Canyon are generally snow-free for much of the winter. Most of the field work will take place in these areas. The job may involve strenuous physical activity (steep hiking for several hours at altitude), and exposure to heights and to weather extremes. The participant will receive training in backcountry safety, travel, and navigation. Mariposa, the nearest community, has a large grocery store, hospital, public library, etc. These facilities are also located in Yosemite Valley. Fresno (~90 miles away) is the nearest large (university) town with a full range of amenities, including Fresno International Airport. Yosemite National Park has almost unlimited hiking, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing opportunities in the winter, and hosts a small ski resort at Badger Pass. | | # of current Applicants: | 31 |
If you have questions about the application and selection process, please contact Anny Jones. If you have questions about any aspect of the position — description, qualifications, housing, dates — please contact the primary or secondary contact below:
| | | SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION | | Contact Name: | Joe Meyer | | Title: | Branch Chief, Physical Sciences and GIS | | Street Address: | 5083 Foresta Road | | City/State/Zip: | El Portal, CA 95389 | | Phone: | (209) 379-1185 | | Email: | joe_meyer@nps.gov | | Website: | http://www.nps.gov/archive/yose/nature/geology.htm |
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