| Public Land Name: | Dinosaur National Monument | | Position Title: | Field Paleontologist (2 positions) | | Position ID Number: | 209 | | Location: | Jensen, UT | | Position Description: | The GeoCorps participant will collect field data on the geographic and stratigraphic distribution of vertebrate, invertebrate, and paleobotanical fossils in the Late Triassic Chinle Formation in Dinosaur. The formation has extensive exposures within the monument but has been poorly studied. Previous fieldwork has revealed diverse fossil footprints documenting the presence of a large terrestrial reptile fauna in the monument. However, few skeletal remains are known. Sites will be documented using standard format field forms, GPS, and digital photography, and assessed as to significance. Efforts will be made to relocate historic trackway sites to improve documentation of sites with GPS data, photographs, etc. Small surface collections of fossils or datable sediments will be made, but large excavations will not be undertaken. Some field time will involve GPS mapping of contacts of stratigraphic units of the formation. Office work will involve entering data in computerized databases and creating locality files with hardcopies of data. The purpose of this inventory work is for management planning and research purposes. 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 paleontology, including coursework in historical geology, paleontology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, field methods, and mapping. Graduates, faculty candidates and retired professionals are also welcome to apply. Experience in the field discovery and evaluation of paleontological resources and some knowledge of Triassic continental fossils is desirable. Experience using GPS units and post-processing software would make the applicant more competitive. The applicant should be able to work well independently, both in the office and the field, with little supervision. Ability to hike cross-country and navigate steep rugged slopes is essential. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. | | Position Dates: | May - Sept; 12 weeks; start/end dates flexible | | Payment: | $2750; housing provided | | Housing Available: | Housing will be provided at no cost to the participant. Housing is furnished as a dormitory situation (with generally 4-6 fellow roommates) with stove, refrigerator, sink & cupboards, cookware and dishes, hot and cold running water, shower, and laundry facilities. | Physical/Natural
Environment: | Participant will be part of a two person field team, and will work out of the Green River Resource Center. Field areas are accessible by vehicle, so overnight camping is unnecessary. Field work will be performed in a park environment where the terrain is moderately sloped to steep, uneven, and rocky. Field work will involve moderate to strenuous exertion with long periods of hiking at an elevation of about 5,000 ft. Sturdy footwear is required. Summer daytime temperatures can reach 100 – 105 degrees F. Inventory areas are on bare slopes and ridges. | | Work Environment: | The employee housing is in the Green River District (Utah). A small convenience store and gas station is located 7 miles away. Vernal, with city amenities, is 20 miles to the east. There is no public transportation, so while not necessary, it is recommended that participant drive a personal vehicle. Government vehicles will be available, though these will be shared among several users. Radio communication with park dispatch is available in most field areas. | | # of current Applicants: | 26 |
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: | Daniel Chure | | Title: | Park Paleontologist | | Street Address: | Dinosaur National Monument
Box 128 | | City/State/Zip: | Jensen, UT 84035 | | Phone: | 435-781-7703 | | Email: | danchure@easilink.com | | Website: | http://www.nps.gov/dino |
| | SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION | | Contact Name: | Wayne Prokopetz | | Title: | Chief, Resource Management and Research | | Street Address: | Dinosaur National Monument
Box 128 | | City/State/Zip: | Jensen, UT 84035 | | Phone: | 435-781-7721 | | Email: | A_Wayne_Prokopetz@nps.gov | | Website: | http://www.nps.gov/dino |
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