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Public Land Name:
Dakota Prairie Grasslands Supervisor’s Office Position Title:
GIS Assistant - Geology / Paleontology [NEW! Apply by Dec. 1] Agency: USFS Position Type: GeoCorps Position ID Number:
2017454 Location:
Bismarck, ND Accepting Applications? # of current Applicants: 0 Position Description:
This is a new opportunity. Apply by Dec. 1. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will be filled ASAP, when a well-qualified applicant is identified.
The GeoCorps participant will assist with developing tools for assisting with the protection of paleontological resources in the Dakota Prairie Grasslands (DPG) in partnership with the North Dakota Geological Survey. The participant will work with USFS and NDGS personnel to develop GIS layers documenting known paleontological localities within the DPG, evaluate the current state of paleontological inventories on the DPG, identify areas of highest priority for future paleontological surveys, and assist with the cataloging and curation of fossils previously collected from the DPG. The majority of paleontological locality data is currently paper-based or digitized on a broad level, requiring refinement and integration within a single GIS layer. Many of the previously collected fossils are currently organized by paleontological locality and are in need of final identification and cataloging into the paleontological specimen database. Participant will work with personnel from the NDGS Paleontology program on identification and cataloging of specimens, and with USFS and NDGS personnel on the development of GIS layers. Most of the participant's time will be spent working in the paleontology department at the Heritage Center of ND. This position is offered through the Geological Society of America's GeoCorps America Program, in partnership with the Minerals and Geology Management Program of the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
The participant will produce updated GIS layers of paleontological localities in the Dakota Prairie Grasslands. A written report on the status of the paleontology inventory of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands that includes an evaluation of geographic areas and/or geological formations with the highest production potential, geographic areas in need of further field surveys/assessments, and a summary of the current state of the DPG fossil collection. Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
Participant will be mentored by ND state paleontologist, DPG geologist and other DPG staff. Participant will receive basic training in first-aid/CPR, and safety. The applicant will also receive a laboratory training for paleontological and geological specimens. Leadership Development:
Presenting Project Results:
N Physical/Natural Environment:
The Dakota Prairie Grasslands is a place where pristine vistas inspire the imagination; where the rugged unspoiled beauty of the land invites exploration; and where the sights and sounds of the wide, rolling prairie stimulate the senses.
Stretching over 1,259,000 acres, the Dakota Prairie Grasslands offer visitors the opportunity to view elk, antelope, whitetail and mule deer, bighorn sheep , coyote, sharptail grouse, greater prairie chicken, pheasant, wild turkey, eagles, falcons, and the busy prairie dog. Some recreational opportunities available are hiking, camping, horseback riding, photography, canoeing, fishing, hunting, and backpacking. See more on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DakotaPrairieNationalGrasslands
Work Environment:
Work is carried out in a normal office space, with adequate lighting, heating, ventilation, etc. The participant will work 40 hrs/wk., with most weekends and holidays off. The Dakota Prairie Grasslands Supervisor office and North Dakota Heritage Center is located in the capital of the state of ND. Bismarck is the second-most populous city in North Dakota after Fargo. The city's population was estimated in 2016 at 72,417, while its metropolitan population was 131,635. In 2015, Forbes magazine ranked Bismarck as the seventh fastest-growing small city in the United States. The elevation of Bismarck is 1,686 ft. Situated in the middle of the Great Plains, between the geographic centers of the United States and Canada, Bismarck displays a highly variable four-season humid continental climate with strong semi-arid influences. Bismarck's climate is characterized by long, cold, somewhat snowy and windy winters, and hot summers that are at times humid. Thunderstorms occur in spring and summer, but much of the rest of the year is dry. Qualifications:
Applicants must have a Bachelors degree in geology with course work that includes stratigraphy and paleontology. Must also have completed at least introductory level course work in GIS and be familiar with the use of the ARCGIS suite of programs. Optional course work in anatomy, prior work with fossils, and familiarity with the geology of North Dakota would make the applicant more competitive. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent legal resident (“green-card-holder”). Prior to starting this position, the participant will need to pass a background check either with the host agency, Aerotek (GSA’s staffing partner), or both. Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable):
A personal vehicle is required, for personal errands, for travel between housing and the work-site, and for exploring the area independently during time off. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. Position Dates:
1/2/18-3/27/18; flexible start and end dates Position Duration: 12 wks Hourly Wage: $10.35/hr (or more) Housing Details:
Housing is not provided. There are a number of rental units within the city of Bismarck. As of September 2017, one bedroom apartments in Bismarck rent for $778 a month on average and two bedroom apartment rents average $908. 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
Sabry Hanna
DPG minerals and geology program manager
Region 1, Dakota Prairie grasslands, 2000 Miriam Circle
Bismarck, ND 58501
 701-989-7311
 sabryhanna@fs.fed.us
 Website SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Clint A. Boyd
Senior Paleontologist, Curator
600 East Boulevard
Bismarck, ND 58505-0840
(701) 328-8163
caboyd@nd.gov
Website
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