| Public Land Name: | Congaree National Park | | Position Title: | Fluvial Geomorphologist (Guest Scientist) | | Position ID Number: | 320 | | Location: | South Carolina (Hopkins) | | Position Description: | The GeoCorps Guest Scientist participant at Congaree National Park will help assess the geomorphic evolution of the modern meanderbelt of the Congaree River. This research will focus on describing and sampling meander scroll, point bar, and levee deposits along the park boundary. These deposits contain wood and leaf litter detritus that can be used to date discreet horizons (flood events, cutoff events, etc.) and determine both long term vertical accumulation and lateral accretion rates. Samples will be collected and sent to the University of Georgia Center for Applied Isotope Studies (CAIS) for analysis. The goal is to identify specific events, such as the large 1929 flood, and then push the flood record back as far as possible to understand how the flooding regime may have changed. The data will also be used to calculate (and predict) meander migration rates and meander cutoff frequency as well.
The participant will be supervised through the Old-Growth Bottomland Forest Research nd Education Center, which is hosted in the resource management division of Congaree National Park. The guest scientist will be expected to work on all phases of the project, including coordination and execution of fieldwork; radiocarbon sample collection and handling; data entry, analysis, and interpretation; and reporting. Field work will likely be conducted with at least one other intern, volunteer, or park staff. Many sites are remote, and will require extensive hiking (up to a roundtrip of 10 miles off trail in flat, but swampy terrain), camping, canoeing, or other boating for access.
This position is offered through the Geological Society of America's GeoCorps Program in partnership with the National Park Service’s Geoscientists-in-the-Parks Program. Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required.
| | Qualifications: | Applicants must have completed at least three years towards a degree in the geosciences, with coursework in sedimentology, stratigraphy, and geomorphology. Applicants should have previous research experience or geology field school; should be capable of safely, reasonably, and comfortably conducting physically strenuous fieldwork in a hot, humid floodplain environment complete with snakes, chiggers, and poison ivy. This will include camping, hand augering, canoeing, and hauling at least 50 lbs of equipment. Applicant must be able to work well under minimal supervision, both independently and with a team; to coordinate fieldwork, sample shipment, and writing deadlines with park staff; to carefully collect, handle, and process organic sediment samples for radiocarbon analysis. Applicants must have excellent computer, writing, and oral communication skills. The following will make the applicant more competetive: coursework and laboratory experience with both analytical chemistry and isotope geology; knowledge of desktop publication software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite; hand auger experience; GPS experience; GIS training; current certification in Basic CPR and first aid | | Position Dates: | April - Sept; 5 months; start/end dates flexible | | Payment: | $5,500 (5 mo); housing provided | | Housing Available: | Housing will be provided at no cost to the participant in shared, bunk-style dormitory facilities at the Old-Growth Bottomland Forest Research and Education Center, which is located on-site at Congaree National Park. Living quarters include a kitchen, living room, restrooms, workshop/computer lab, and storage facilities shared by visiting researchers. Laboratory equipment, field equipment, educational materials, and a small scientific reference library are also available. The participant will need to provide his/her own bedding, but common kitchenwares (plates, silverware, pots, pans, coffeemaker, microwave, toaster) are all provided. The Research and Education Center is in walking distance to the park's main Visitor Center, where most of the park offices are housed.
The participant will need to bring basic camping gear for camping near remote field sites in the Congaree River floodplain. A personal vehicle is required. | Physical/Natural
Environment: | Congaree National Park encompasses over 26,000 acres and protects the largest contiguous tract of old growth bottomland hardwood floodplain forest remaining in the southeastern United States. This unique floodplain ecosystem harbors exceptional biological diversity including national champion trees, and is also an international biosphere reserve and a globally important bird area. More than 20 miles of backcountry hiking trails and a designated canoe trail provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and wilderness exploration. Much of this Park is federally designated wilderness, allowing for experiencing an untouched landscape. Congaree National Park is conveniently located less than 20 miles from Columbia, South Carolina, (South Carolina's capital) in the event that reconnecting with city life is desired. | | Work Environment: | Much of the fieldwork will be conducted in the backcountry of the flood plain, with access by foot, canoe, or power boat; camping may be required to get access to all sites. Radiocarbon samples will be stored and pre-processed in the laboratory at the Old-Growth Bottomland Forest Research and Education Center is located near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center at the park. Office space, including computer access, is available at the Old-Growth Bottomland Forest Research and Education Center as well as the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. | | # of current Applicants: | 12 |
If you have questions about the application and selection process, please contact Matthew Dawson. 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: | Bill Hulslander | | Title: | Resource Manager | | Street Address: | 100 National Park Road | | City/State/Zip: | Hopkins, SC 29061 | | Phone: | 803-647-3960 | | Email: | bill_hulslander@nps.gov | | Website: | www.nps.gov/cong |
| | SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION | | Contact Name: | Dr. David Shelley | | Title: | Education Coordinator | | Street Address: | 100 National Park Road | | City/State/Zip: | Hopkins, SC 29061 | | Phone: | 803-647-3966 | | Email: | david_shelley@nps.gov | | Website: | www.nps.gov/cong |
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