GSA Online Application System

 

 
 

Public Land Name:
Tongass National Forest

Position Title:
Cave Guide (3 Positions) [APPLY BY MAR. 6]

Agency: USFS

Position Type: GeoCorps

Position ID Number:
2016304

Location:
Thorne Bay, AK

Accepting Applications?

# of current Applicants: 0

Position Description:
DEADLINE: MARCH 6, 2016. El Capitan Cave is the largest mapped cave in Alaska, with over two miles of explored passages. The USFS is seeking a GeoCorps participant to work as a Cave Guide in this unique and scenic environment. Primary duties include leading small groups (15 or less) on interpretive tours of the El Capitan Cave. Tours generally last two hours and discuss the areas natural, cultural and geological features. On Mondays, Cave Guides provide tours to a small cruise line. These days are very busy, because guides give upward to 8 tours in one day. Secondary duties include minor trail work and brushing, cleaning and mowing administrative camp area, and other work assigned. Guides are encouraged to explore the surrounding public lands to become better sources of area information. Guide training will be provided on-site. In addition, field orientation with specialists (geology, archaeology, etc.) and required safety training (e.g., first aid/CPR, bear awareness, defensive driving) will be provided. Former guides have recommended that cave guides bring their own vehicle if possible to allow for some freedom to explore the island during off time. This position is offered through the Geological Society of America's GeoCorps America Program in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. There are 3 positions available under this description at this location during this season (2016). To be considered for any of these positions, a candidate only needs to submit an application for this one.

Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
The most important deliverables are: Cave tour safety; distributing and collecting cave tour program surveys to visitors and; accurate logging of cave tour visitor numbers. Expectations include delivery of high quality, safe cave tours, catering to all different audiences. Assistance with recreation maintenance duties, such as weedeating, around the interpretive site and other nearby recreation sites will be expected.

Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
The volunteer will be partnered with two other GeoCorps volunteers. He or she will also receive oversight and supervision from the Prince of Wales Island Recreation staff and Tongass Geologist.

Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
The volunteers will receive Forest Service safety trainings such as First Aid and CPR; also cave safety specifics. They will work directly with the Recreation Planner to manage the Cave Interpretive Program, including interpretation/education, communications, health and safety, customer service, and marketing. The volunteers will have the opportunity to network with local geologists and archeologists.

Leadership Development:

Presenting Project Results:

Physical/Natural Environment:
The position is located on the Tongass National Forest, Thorne Bay Ranger District on Prince of Wales Island in southeast Alaska. Thorne Bay is located on Prince of Wales Island, approximately 40 air-miles from Ketchikan, Alaska. Thorne Bay is accessed via the Interisland Ferry or by charter float plane. The community of Thorne Bay (approximately 450 people) is remote with minimal amenities; however, there is a market, tackle shop, tire store, and gas station. The largest community on the island is Craig (approx. 1,500 people) and is located 50 miles from Thorne Bay. There are hundreds of miles of roads on Prince of Wales, most unpaved. Recreation and learning opportunities are abundant with water-based activities such as boating and fishing being very popular. There is little development on the island. The setting is typical of southeast Alaska with abundant rain, rugged terrain and dense old-growth forests.

Work Environment:
Work is carried out mostly in caves and outdoors, but some office work may be required. Guides generally work 4-5 days on, 2-3 days off and provide 3 guided tours a day on their work days (with occasional extra tours thrown in.) 2 Mondays a month are dedicated to cruise ship tourists.

Qualifications:
Good knowledge of geology, especially cave/karst features. Confidence to question the established and skripted information provided. Comfortable in a damp cave environment. Good physical fitness level (ability to ascend 370 stairs 3 times daily to cave entrance). Comfortable living at a remote camp (tight living quarters in trailers, rustic facilities, no amenities nearby, black bear activity in area). Ability to drive 4x4 vehicles. Wear a Forest Service uniform and maintain a neat appearance for the public. Comfortable working with people and speaking in front of small groups. Interpretive experience is a plus, but not required (interpretive training will be provided at the beginning of the season). Self-initiative, ability to work with little supervision. A positive attitude is important. Caving can be a new experience for some visitors and often they are hesitant to enter the cave. A qualified guide will have a presence that invokes a feeling of safety and trust. Candidates must be able to work a minimum of 12 weeks, but there is a possibility of working up to 16 weeks. The applicant should have a valid drivers license and a good driving record. Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required.

Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable):
Early and late in the season, interpreters may have the opportunity to perform school program about caves and geology at the local schools. Add $250 to admin if extended 4 weeks.

Position Dates:
May - mid-September, 2016. Need as long a season as possible. Somewhat flexible.

Position Duration: 12 weeks; may extend to 16 weeks.

Hourly Wage: $4,848 for 12 weeks ($404 for additional weeks)

Housing Details:
Free on-site housing is provided by USFS at no cost to the participant. Housing will be provided at the El Capitan Cave site on work days and at the Thorne Bay Bunkhouse on off days. "On Duty" days (El Capitan Cave site) – Housing is in a rustic bunkhouse that fits 4 individuals. The shared bunkhouse space offers basic kitchen appliances, dishware, utensils, pots/pans, etc and basic shower and heat in the facility. The bunkhouse has an outhouse. "Off Duty" days (Thorne Bay) – Bunkhouse rooms are provided, rooms may be shared with one other person. Bunkhouse has full kitchen, shower, laundry, and common living room area. Bunkhouse is located approximately one mile from grocery store, ¼ mile from convenience store, ½ mile from video store and library (free internet access).

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
Katie Rooks
Acting Recreation Planner, Safety Officer
Craig Ranger District, PO Box 500
Craig, AK 99921
 907-826-1639
 krooks@fs.fed.us
Website

SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Matt Anderson
District Ranger
Craig and Thorne Bay Ranger Districts, PO Box 500
Craig, AK 99921
 (907) 826-1600
 mdanderson@fs.fed.us
Website