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Public Land Name:
BLM Canyon Country District Office Position Title:
Paleontological GIS/Resource Assistant Agency: BLM Position Type: GeoCorps Position ID Number:
2016403 Location:
Moab, UT Accepting Applications? # of current Applicants: 0 Position Description:
Responsibilities include development, maintenance, and management of a GIS database, geospatial analysis and modeling, and geospatial referencing. The intern will also be responsible for creating and maintaining metadata and creating map projects from digital spatial data. The Utah BLM Paleontological Resources Program is working to update and expand its current GIS database to include all paleontological resource projects that have occurred within the State of Utah BLM Lands, particularly in the Canyon Country District Office. The intern will update the current database with accurate information by using reports dating as far back as the 1970s, where locality information is located as a combination of coordinates and maps in paper based reports. Georeferencing these reports will likely be required. The intern will also review current data within the geodatabase and assess them for accuracy.
The intern will be assisting the Canyon Country District Paleontologist in completing paleontological inventories for various projects within the district office. Occasional monitoring of fossil sites will also be required. The intern will learn the skills needed to record and monitor paleontological sites, which include writing site descriptions, describing the lithology, and identifying fossils in the field. The intern will be hiking transects, identifying, and documenting fossil resources and will be responsible for the paperwork for those projects (site forms and reports). The intern will also become proficient in recommending site mitigation options to protect threatened paleontological resources. Additionally, the intern will assist with the in-field use of GPS units to map paleontological resources and will be responsible for the production of maps for paleontological resource reports using digital spatial data.
Field work will be conducted largely in the interior of the rugged and remote Eastern Colorado Plateau, although other priorities may arise as the season progresses. Methods consist of hiking pre-determined target areas within the Eastern Colorado Plateau while closely examining Late Triassic to Late Cretaceous age rock outcroppings for fossil materials (with an emphasis on tracks and vertebrate fossils). This position is offered through the Geological Society of America's GeoCorps America Program in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management.
Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
The goals of this position are to update and expand the current paleontological resource program GIS database and to assist with and complete various paleontological resource surveys. This position will also contribute to the goals of paleontological resource management by compiling and verifying spatial data and site documentation that can be used to protect paleontological resources for future generations. Finally, this position will contribute to the future management of lands managed by the BLM Utah State Office through the completion of site documentation, report completion, and paleontological resource management recommendations. Materials produced will include site documentation, reports, shapefiles, geodatabases, maps, metadata, and cartographic products related to the description provided above. Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
The intern would be mentored by the District Paleontologist and mentor will provide support to the intern as they start to familiarize themselves with their responsibilities. Mentor and mentee will have weekly meetings on the progress of projects and internship. This person will consistently check in with the intern, show them around the area, answer any questions they have, and help make sure the intern’s needs are met. Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
Training would include radio use, first aid/CPR, and safety. They would also receive an introduction to interpretation, regional geology, current research, and fossil identification. During the season they would also receive at-site safety briefings and trainings for job-specific projects. This intern would have to take on many different duties and responsibilities. By completing these projects, the intern will gain valuable on the job experience in GIS and GPS, including data management, metadata creation, and geospatial analysis using ESRI software. Some projects may involve working directly with BLM staff on a joint effort, while other projects may only require occasional oversight. Leadership Development:
Presenting Project Results:
Physical/Natural Environment:
The Canyon Country District is located in the southeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau. Outcrops are widespread & generally excellent & many classic geological features & global tourist destinations are nearby such as Arches & Canyonlands National Parks, & Deadhorse Point State Park. Work Environment:
The participant will work out of the Moab Field Office. Supervision will be by the District Paleontologist. The work week will generally be Monday-Friday, with some weekend days required. Fieldwork will be done largely independently in office & occasionally in a remote backcountry setting. Qualifications:
Applicant must be patient, detail oriented, and comfortable working in a diverse team environment. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing is necessary. The participant must be able to work well independently, both in the office and in the field with little supervision. Applicant should have or be working toward a degree in geology, geography, information systems, environmental science, or other related field. Undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates are welcome to apply. Geoscience faculty are also welcome to apply. Preference will be given to students having an excellent academic record and a demonstrated ambition to pursue paleontology as a career. Those who are beginning graduate or undergraduate thesis projects are especially encouraged to apply.
Knowledge of vertebrate and invertebrate fossil types and their general significance is important, but not critical; experience working with dinosaurs or dinosaur tracks in particular is a plus. The intern will be working with ESRI based GIS software (the market/government standard) and Trimble GPS hardware/software. The intern should extensive experience with GIS software (minimum of two classes), be familiar with GPS technologies, and have previously developed geodatabases. The participant should be able to work well independently, both in the office and in the field with little supervision. The applicant must be able to read, use and navigate off maps, and hike in rugged, remote terrain. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record, and be a US Citizen or a US Permanent Resident. A government security background clearance must be completed prior to reporting for duty.
Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable):
Moab agmt or a new one? Position Dates:
May-September, flexible start/end dates Position Duration: 12 weeks Hourly Wage: TBD Housing Details:
Housing may be available for early applicants. Moab has no public transportation system. Personal vehicle or bike is recommended as available housing is 10 miles to the south of Moab. In town housing could possibly be found by the participant, and would lessen the need for a personal vehicle. If you have questions about the application and selection process, please contact GSA's GeoCorps managers. If you have questions about any aspect of the position — description, qualifications, housing, dates — please direct them to the contact(s) listed in the project description. Remember, application materials can only be submitted online. The project contact(s) will not accept application materials sent to them via e-mail, mail, fax, etc. See the full program details at the GeoCorps homepage. PRIMARY CONTACT INFORMATION
ReBecca Hunt-Foster
District Paleontologist
82 East Dogwood
Moab, UT 84532
 (435) 259-2179
 rhuntfoster@blm.gov
 Website SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Jennifer Jones
Acting Supervisory Recreation Planner
82 East Dogwood
Moab, UT 84532
(435) 259-2136
jljones@blm.gov
Website
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