| Public Land Name: | Mount Rainier National Park | | Position Title: | Geomorphologist | | Position ID Number: | 33 | | Location: | Ashford, WA | | Position Description: | The GeoCorps participant will assist the Regional Geomorphologist in examining increasing geologic hazards at Mount Rainier National Park. Because of an excess of sediment, the park’s rivers are aggrading – that is, river beds are rising by as much as 6 feet a year. This means that for the same size storms, the flood potential is ever-increasing. Being older parks, many roads are located in valley bottoms, and subject to flooding and debris flow damage. For basic planning and safety, it is necessary for us to understand the rate of river bed rise, and attendant flood hazards. There is substantial evidence of increased debris flows associated with glacier melting and climate change. The participant will be involved in the following efforts to understand the causes and extent of river aggradation: (1) Precision surveying of river cross sections, to characterize recent aggradation; (2) “Forensic” geomorphology at the initiation sites of recent destructive debris flows, to identify triggering mechanisms (to help predict future debris flows); and, (3) Glacier mapping of terminus positions and stagnant ice.
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 geomorphology, geology, geohydrology, glaciology or a related field. Knowledge of GPS and GIS is required, as is the ability to hike steep terrain in varying weather conditions is required. Glacier and river experience a plus. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license. | | Position Dates: | May - Sept; 12 weeks; start/end dates flexible | | Payment: | $2750; housing provided | | Housing Available: | Park will provide housing at no cost to the participant. Private or semi-private room with shared kitchen, bath, and laundry facilities. Housing may be located either within the park at Longmire, or nine miles outside the park at Tahoma Woods. 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: | Mount Rainier is an active volcano blanketed with more than a cubic mile of glacial ice and permanent snow. It presents significant hazards for the Puget Sound communities downstream, in the form of outburst floods, lahars, and debris flows. The processes that created and re-create this inspiring beauty continue today. The geologic story of Mount Rainier is the source of its striking scenery, diverse flora and fauna and life zones, weather patterns, and recreation. The mountain was set aside as a national park in 1899 as an outstanding example of volcanic and alpine scenery and processes. The Nisqually Glacier is one of the longest-studied in North America. On November 6th and 7th of 2006, the park had a record-breaking rain event, causing massive flooding, a great deal of infrastructure damage, and debris flows. For more information, visit the park's website at http://www.nps.gov/mora. | | Work Environment: | 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. The offices are simple, but provide the essentials of a work environment. Cell phone reception may be poor or non-existent in most areas of the park. | | # of current Applicants: | 20 |
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: | Paul Kennard | | Title: | Region Geomorphologist | | Street Address: | Mt Rainier NP
55210 238th Ave East | | City/State/Zip: | Ashford, WA 98304 -9751 | | Phone: | 360-569-2211 x3394 | | Email: | paul_kennard@nps.gov | | Website: | http://www.nps.gov/mora |
| | SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION | | Contact Name: | Barbara Samora | | Title: | Biologist | | Street Address: | Mt Rainier NP
55210 238th Ave East | | City/State/Zip: | Ashford, WA 98304-9751 | | Phone: | 360-569-2211 x3372 | | Email: | barbara_samora@nps.gov | | Website: | http://www.nps.gov/mora |
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