| Public Land Name: | Lake Clark National Park and Preserve | | Position Title: | Quaternary Geologist (Guest Scientist) | | Position ID Number: | 201 | | Location: | Port Alsworth, AK | | Position Description: | The GeoCorps participant will be the lead for a portion of a project to map, date and interpret the quaternary history of eastern Lake Clark NP. USGS has recently completed a draft surficial geology map for the park. These data can be the foundation for synthesis of previous work in the area and selection of sample sites to evaluate the stratigraphy and to collect samples to date various events and features. Obvious geomorphic history includes several regional glacial advances, volcanic eruptions, marine transgressions, proglacial lakes, outwash, beach formation and tectonic/isostatic uplift. Tasks for the geoscientist include literature review and writing a synthesis report, tied to the surficial geology map. IKONUS images and air photos are available for interpretation and mapping. Some field work will focus on verifying processes and collecting samples for dating. Aerial reconnaissance will be used to verify the map features and interpret more detail sequencing of events. Where appropriate, map unit description on the surficial map will be augmented, or map features mapped in more detail, in consultation with the USGS author. The desired products from this effort include: 1) a synthesis report of previous work, including better known areas on the north and east sides of the Cook Inlet Basin and the participant's field observations, 2) additional detail for the surficial map unit descriptions, 3) samples for dating various events, and 4) interpretations of sequence, magnitude and timing of glacial, tectonic and volcanic processes. Work will be a combination of office work reviewing literature, consulting with other geologists, writing and mapping.
Field work will require strenuous backcountry hiking and flights in small aircraft. There will be bears. There will be dense alder. This will be new work in a dynamic landscape with minimal previous investigations into surficial geomorphic processes. This effort will form the basis of continuing investigations, fill out the quaternary story of the Cook Inlet basin and provide valuable data to park managers for facilities and access issues on the coast. This project could be an excellent topic for a doctoral dissertation. 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: | The applicant should be pursuing, or have completed, a graduate degree in surficial geology or Quaternary geomorphology, and have experience mapping and interpreting glacial, volcanic, fluvial and coastal processes. The applicant must be able to work independently, both in the backcountry and in the office. Geological oversight will be minimal. The applicant must be experienced and comfortable conducting strenuous field work in remote locations and living in field camps or primitive cabins. Logistics involve small aircraft landing at off-airport areas (beaches and lakes), some helicopter flights and perhaps small boats. The applicant will be required to qualify for NPS firearm use, bear behavior, and as a small aircraft crew member. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license. | | Position Dates: | April – Dec; 6 months; start/end dates flexible | | Payment: | $9000 (6 mo); housing provided; travel allowance available | | Housing Available: | The park will provide housing at no cost to the participant. This housing will be a combination of shared duplex/bunk housing and backcountry cabin or tent camp. All facilities have kitchens, bedding and laundry facilities. If in the bunkhouse, the participant would share a room with up to three other people, depending on transients passing through to the field. If in a duplex, they would likely share with one other person, but have their own room. Duplex or bunkhouse will depend on how many seasonal staff we have in Port Alsworth. For field time, we have two ranger cabins on the coast, with two bedroom in each. The participant would likely share the cabin with the ranger on duty. These cabins have bunks, mattresses, kitchens and running water, but no electricity, bedding or laundry. The participant will be required to bring their own sleeping bag, and to purchase groceries before traveling into the park. Cell phone reception may be poor or non-existent in the park. | Physical/Natural
Environment: | Lake Clark NP&P spans the Alaska Range from the maritime Cook Inlet across to the subarctic Bristol Bay region, headwaters of the world's largest wild salmon fishery. The eastern 2/3 of the park is mountainous wilderness. Four (or more) major glaciations have covered the area during the Quaternary. Glaciers and their features dominate the landscape. Two active volcanoes pierce the thick Jurassic sediments. The study area is a complex interplay of glacial, volcanic, tectonic and fluvial processes and features. The western slope of the park has more subdued terrain with complex morainal systems from Wisconsin or older advances, large lakes, outwash deltas and channels and multi-level lake shores from proglacial lakes. Elevation ranges from sea level to over 11,000 ft. Weather will be alternately sunny and warmish (+60 F) to wet, windy and miserable. Brown bears patrol the beaches and salt marshes. Much of the lower slopes are covered in (nearly) impenetrable alder. Glaciers still occupy most mountain valleys. Waterfalls tumble off cliffs. Salmon swarm up the rivers in July and August. It is a challenging landscape filled with beauty. | | Work Environment: | Port Alsworth, where office work will be conducted, is a small seasonal community where the park's field headquarters is located. In summer, it is a busy place with several lodges and air taxis. All food and supplies must be flown out as there are NO stores or restaurants. Office and living quarters will likely be shared with other staff. Field work will be strenuous and remote. At the end of your time in the park, it will likely be the most fun you've ever worked so hard for. | | # of current Applicants: | 10 |
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: | Page Spencer | | Title: | Chief of Natural Resources, Lake Clark | | Street Address: | 240 W 5th Ave | | City/State/Zip: | Anchorage, AK 99501 | | Phone: | 907-644-3629 | | Email: | page_spencer@nps.gov | | Website: | http://www.nps.gov/lacl/ |
| | SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION | | Contact Name: | Bruce Giffen | | Title: | Geologist, Alaska Regional Office | | Street Address: | 240 W 5th Ave | | City/State/Zip: | Anchorage, AK 99501 | | Phone: | 907-644-3572 | | Email: | bruce_giffen@nps.gov | | Website: | http://www.nps.gov/lacl/ |
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