| Public Land Name: | Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve | | Position Title: | Geoscientist / Hydrologist | | Position ID Number: | 250 | | Location: | Mosca, CO | | Position Description: | The GeoCorps participant’s responsibilities will include collecting groundwater, surface water, dune movement, and streambed deposition data. Due to a recent court decision, the National Park Service has secured a ground water right on the new park lands which were part of a park expansion occurring in 2000. This right is to be administered by continued monitoring of the existing monitoring wells, and as part of the new right; ten new wells will be drilled on the park boundary in order to monitor the ground water. The streams flowing either side of the dunes are also an important part of the hydrologic picture. The stream flows are measured by flumes; however, it is important to collect terminus of flow data showing the extent and duration of flow before infiltrating into the aquifer. The creeks bordering the dunes also play an important role in the “recycling” of sand by transporting sand from the dunes back to the valley floor to be blown back into the dunes. The work would include hiking on sand and mountain trails and driving a four-wheel drive vehicle. Instruments used will include: GPS, stream gauging equipment, transit, level, and m-scope (water level indicator). The participant would also assist in facilitating research projects with USGS, Smithsonian, and colleges and universities. Additionally, presenting geological-based interpretive programs or field trips may be possible. 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: | Applicants must have at least an undergraduate degree in geology, hydrology, physical geography, or a related field. The ability to hike steep and sandy terrain in varying weather conditions is required. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license. | | Position Dates: | May - Sept; 12 weeks; start/end dates flexible | | Payment: | $2750; housing provided | | Housing Available: | The park will provide housing at no cost to the participant. Housing consists of private or semi-private room with shared kitchen, bath, and laundry facilities. A personal vehicle is recommended, but not necessary. Cell phone reception may be poor or non-existent in most areas of the park. | Physical/Natural
Environment: | The Great Sand Dunes are the tallest dunes in North America. They are located in the San Luis Valley of Colorado at an elevation of 8,175 feet. The park is part of a fragile, dynamic system that influences and sustains the dunes. The dunes mass is a huge deposit of pure sand nestled against the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. The sand sheet surrounds the dunes mass and is stabilized by grasses and other low-growing plant life. The sabkha (sand deposit hardened by minerals) is located west of the sand sheet, and is cemented by minerals deposited seasonal wetlands. Stream born high in mountains recycle wind-blown sand back to and around the dunes. The mountains that make up the preserve create an impressive landscape with several peaks over 13,000 ft. in elevation. Over time, sand, wind, and water combine and join forces to shape the ever changing dunefield. | | Work Environment: | The job involves considerable field work in wilderness terrain, walking over rough and uneven surfaces, and exposure to sun, wind, rain, snow, cold and other environmental hazards. The trails are steep or non-existent in many places. Office space is available and provides the essentials of an office work environment. | | # of current Applicants: | 14 |
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: | Andrew Valdez | | Title: | Park Geologist | | Street Address: | Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve | | City/State/Zip: | Mosca, CO 81146 | | Phone: | 719-378-6362 | | Email: | Andrew_Valdez@nps.gov | | Website: | http://www.nps.gov/grsa |
| | SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION | | Contact Name: | Fred Bunch | | Title: | Resource Management Specialist | | Street Address: | Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve | | City/State/Zip: | Mosca, CO 81146 | | Phone: | 719-378-6361 | | Email: | Fred_Bunch@nps.gov | | Website: | http://www.nps.gov/grsa |
|
|
