| Public Land Name: | BLM Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area & Wilderness | | Position Title: | Paleontologist | | Position ID Number: | 177 | | Location: | Montrose, CO | | Position Description: | The GeoCorps participant will conduct field surveys of selected localities within the Gunnison Gorge NCA and Wilderness. The area lies at the northern end of the Gunnison Uplift and features Precambrian metamorphic and igneous rocks overlain by Jurassic and Cretaceous sediments. Most of the locality lies within the BLM’s Potential Fossil Class Yield (PFYC) 4 and 5, and displays prominent outcrops of Jurassic age Morrison Formation (exhibiting both Brushy Basin and Salt Wash members) and Cretaceous Burro Canyon Formation. Numerous fossil occurrences are known, along with several recorded dinosaur bone localities, however, little formal paleontological survey has been accomplished. This survey will be as in-depth as possible, focused on determining and recording the presence or absence of fossil resources, with more detailed study to follow.
Methods will consist of hiking pre-determined target areas within the Gunnison Gorge NCA while closely examining Jurassic and Cretaceous age rock outcroppings for fossil materials (with an emphasis on vertebrates such as dinosaurs). When sites are found, they will be documented using standard format field forms, GPS, and digital photography and assessed as to significance.
In addition to the paleontology work, the participant will also be given opportunities to assist NCA and Field office staff on various work assignments. Those assignments will include: Wilderness and Wilderness Study Area (WSA) monitoring, river and vehicle patrols, resource protection projects, and user education and outreach projects in the Gunnison Gorge NCA, other NLCS areas (Adobe Badlands and Camel Back WSAs, Tabeguache Area), and other high profile areas managed by the Uncompahgre Field Office. These additional tasks will serve to broaden the participant’s work experience, knowledge of BLM multiple-use management, and awareness and understanding of the National Landscape Conservation System’s mission and vision. Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required.
| | Qualifications: | Applicants should be advanced undergraduate or graduate students whose educational background and career objectives are in paleontology. An undergraduate degree in geology or a geoscience-related discipline is preferred. Graduates, faculty candidates and retired professionals are welcome and encouraged to apply. Knowledge of vertebrate and invertebrate fossil types and their general significance is also very important. Applicant must possess an understanding of sedimentary geology and patterns of occurrence of fossil bones in terrestrial depositional environments. The applicant can have gained this knowledge either through relevant course work (e.g. vertebrate anatomy, vertebrate paleontology, invertebrate paleontology) or a minimum of two years practical field work experience working on vertebrate or invertebrate paleontological research and/or fossil management on public lands. Experience working with dinosaurs of the Morrison Formation is helpful. Familiarity with USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps, GPS, and UTM coordinate systems is preferred. Applicants should also demonstrate through actual work experience the ability work well independently and be self-motivated. Good physical conditioning and the ability to hike in rugged, remote terrain, as well as potentially camping in remote regions without supervision is required. | | Position Dates: | Apr – Oct; 12 weeks; start/end dates flexible | | Payment: | $2750; housing provided | | Housing Available: | Housing will be provided by the BLM Gunnison Gorge NCA office in Montrose at no expense to the participant. Housing will be in a BLM trailer located in a recreational vehicle (RV) park in Montrose. The park offers a swimming pool, jacuzzi, laundry and Wi Fi and is located close to downtown and city bike paths. Housing may be shared with 1-2 BLM river rangers who will be intermittently using the trailer when they are not at the backcountry ranger station in the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness. A private vehicle is highly recommended and will be required in order to travel on personal time and to and from work. A BLM vehicle will be provided for field work. | Physical/Natural
Environment: | The Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area is located on the eastern edge of the Colorado Plateau in Montrose and Delta Counties in west central Colorado. Elevations range from 5,200 feet at river level to 8,000 feet at Green Mountain. Vegetation of the NCA corresponds with elevation, and ranges from Mancos Shale lowlands with sparse desert shrub vegetation through Serviceberry/Sagebrush steppe to the Pinyon Juniper forest found on the Dakota Sandstone canyon rims. The area is scenic, rough and isolated; accessibility is through rough jeep trails, steep footpaths and by river raft. The Gorge is one of 14 National Conservation Areas managed by BLM as part of its National Landscape Conservation System. The NCA is noted for its outstanding geology, including its extensive Mancos Shale hills and the spectacular Gunnison Gorge Wilderness canyon which is the northern geologic extension of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The NCA offers an outstanding diversity of landscapes and recreational opportunities including whitewater rafting and kayaking, Gold Medal trout fishing, backpacking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and off-highway vehicle use.
| | Work Environment: | The participant will work out of the Uncompahgre Field Office in Montrose, Colorado. Participant will be predominantly independent but will work with the BLM archaeologist and NCA manager. Field work will be extensive and conducted in a hot, dry climate in rugged terrain. The work requires strenuous hiking on unstable slopes and in isolated areas while carrying equipment for several hours a day. Participant will need appropriate personal equipment including boots and field clothes. Field instruments will be provided. Weather patterns in the NCA generally follow a trend of cool to cold winters and hot, dry, summers. Summer monsoons can bring drenching rain making driving treacherous. The landscape of the Gunnison Gorge NCA is often rough, travel distances can be long, and most areas are only accessible on foot. Montrose is a growing agricultural and retirement community in close proximity to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the San Juan Mountains. There is a regional airport in Montrose as well as a wide variety of stores and recreational opportunities. Montrose is considered one of the West’s best towns to live and play in due to is excellent location close to spectacular mountain ranges, rivers, and desert environments which all lie within a couple of hours drive from town. | | # of current Applicants: | 8 |
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:
| | PRIMARY CONTACT INFORMATION | | Contact Name: | Glade Hadden | | Title: | Archaeologist | | Street Address: | Gunnison Gorge NCA
2465 South Townsend | | City/State/Zip: | Montrose, CO 81401 | | Phone: | 970-240-5303 | | Email: | glade_hadden@blm.gov | | Website: | http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ggnca.html |
| | SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION | | Contact Name: | Karen Tucker | | Title: | NCA Manager | | Street Address: | Gunnison Gorge NCA
2465 South Townsend | | City/State/Zip: | Montrose, CO 81401 | | Phone: | 970-240-5309 | | Email: | karen_tucker@blm.gov | | Website: | http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ggnca.html |
|
|
