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Public Land Name:
BLM Bruneau Field Office

Position Title:
GIS Specialist / Archaeologist

Agency: BLM

Position Type: GeoCorps

Position ID Number:
2015403

Location:
Boise, Idaho

Accepting Applications?

# of current Applicants: 0

Position Description:
Shoofly Rock Alignments (Summer 2015) The BLM is looking for a geoscience student who wants to exercise their archaeological expertise to help the BLM to better document and interpret the cultural and natural resources at a specific site. Participant will aid in conducting field research, cataloging, mapping, GIS analysis, site evaluations, resource inventorying and developing an informative media presentation to educate BLM staff as well as wilderness visitors. The intern would be working with the BLM Bruneau Field Office to develop a comprehensive inventory, map and resource description of a large, (culturally significant) rock alignment complex and antelope drive with an associated prehistoric campsite in the vicinity. The project is located in the Little Jack’s Creek Wilderness in SW Idaho. A working knowledge of Great Basin prehistory and identification of culture material including lithic tools and manufacturing processes, types of lithic material, lithic debitage, ground stone artifacts, rock alignment features, rock cairns and historic components of the sites would be preferred. A class III, intensive inventory of 100 – 160 acres would need to be conducted. The two known sites and newly discovered sites would be monitored for impacts, recorded and mapped using GPS technology and digital photography. The site information would be entered into GIS and Access databases. Additionally, historic documents research would be conducted to add information regarding historical use of the area by the livestock industry, including sheep ranching. A narrative report and site records would be completed for BLM and for submission to the Archaeological Survey of Idaho, Idaho State Historic Preservation Office. A comprehensive recordation of this site would be highly valuable to interpreting and conserving a culturally significant hunting/trapping area. This work will also be critical to the completion of the landscape level environmental analysis for the permit renewal within Battle Creek and East Castle Creek landscape analysis. The participant may work closely with the archaeologist, ecologists, GIS specialists, range conservationists, wildlife biologists and other BLM specialists as well as independently. The applicant must be able to work with a variety of personalities. The participant will organize monitoring data form different specialties into one database for the purpose of finding efficiency in BLM monitoring efforts. Strong GIS skills, navigation with GPS and maps, familiarity with database (e.g. Excel), valid driver’s license, and general computer skills are required. The participant may also assist with other BLM monitoring, GIS, data entry, and other office and fie

Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
The study of this important cultural site is important to experiencing and interpreting a primitive experience where native americans created rock alignments to herd and capture antelope. The sought after deliverable for this intern project is a comprehensive inventory, mapping, and description of this culturally important and geologically interesting site. This deliverable is important to the interprative opportunities that the BLM can provide at this location as well as to the planning and decision making process for the BLM Bruneau Field Office related to resources in this area. Through completing this project, the intern will be involved and gain insightful exposure to relevant natural resource issues. This position will also contribute to generating well documented cultural and natural resources within the proposed project area.

Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
The BLM Field Office plans to pair this intern with either a seasoned archaeologist who is familiar with the resources of the proposed project.

Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
The intern will have many opportunities to learn more about the BLM's mission and wide array of programs. They will also have opportunities to be involved in rafting trips, recreation events, etc. where they will be able to gain a better overall understanding of the BLM's multiple use mission. On-the-job training and informal mentoring will occur on a regular basis to teach resource related information as well as public service character development.

Leadership Development:

Presenting Project Results:

Physical/Natural Environment:
The Bruneau Field Office manages public lands in SW Idaho.This area contains some of the most spectacular and untouched high desert in the United States and includes 5 wilderness areas and 12 wild and scenic rivers.

Work Environment:
The work is approximated to be 80% office work and 20% field work. Field work is expected to be consistent with hot, high-desert climate in a remote area. 40 hrs. per week is expected.

Qualifications:
Applicant should have or be working toward a degree in geography, anthropology, geology, environmental science, natural resources or other related field. Undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Previous experience in utilizing geospatial sciences (beyond basic or introductory coursework) is essential for this position. The applicant must have a valid driver’s license and be willing and able to work in a professional office environment at the BLM office located in Boise, Idaho. The applicant will need to complete a government security background check. The applicant will mostly be working in an office setting but may participate in field work. The intern will be working with ESRI based GIS software. The intern should have moderate experience with GIS software and be familiar with GPS technologies. The participant should be able to work well independently, as well as in a group setting. The applicant must have good attention to detail, superb written and oral communication skills and must be able to work with a variety of personalities.

Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable):
Boise (pop. ~210,000) is the major urban center of Southwest Idaho with a thriving downtown and neighborhood scene. Boise is located along the Boise River and nestled against the Foothills, Boise offers many outdoor activities both in and near the city. The area's scenic geology is composed of rhyolite, a volcanic rock, deposited 8-12 1nillion years ago. Sediments from the ancient Lake Idaho formed 2-4 million years ago into the Chalk Hills and Glenns Feny Formations, which support unique plant assemblages. A portion of the Glenns Feny Formation is complised of the Shoofly Oolite, one of the world's largest freshwater oolites. I In some areas, the oolite is exposed and has been sculpted into hummocks, small arches, and other shapes.

Position Dates:
June-Sept 2015; Flexible

Position Duration: 12 weeks

Hourly Wage: $3,000

Housing Details:
The selected participant will be responsible for securing their own housing with the $1500 provided in addition to the $3000 stipend for the 12-week internship. Reasonably priced housing is available in rental units or in shared housing in Boise.

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
TJ Clifford
Assistant Field Manager
3948 Development Ave
Boise, ID 83705
 (208) 384-3341
 jbluma@blm.gov
Website

SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Tanya Thrift
Field Manager
3948 Development Ave
Boise, ID 83705
 (208) 384-3331
 tthrift@blm.gov
Website