GSA Online Application System

 

 
 

Public Land Name:
Gila National Forest

Position Title:
Physical Scientist [WITHDRAWN SUMMER 2015]

Agency: USFS

Position Type: GeoCorps

Position ID Number:
2015308

Location:
Silver City, NM

Accepting Applications?

# of current Applicants: 0

Position Description:
This program will fill One (1) Physical Scientist position in New Mexico, USDA Forest Service Region 3 – Southwestern Region, located on the Gila National Forest in Silver City, New Mexico. The GeoCorps participant will be assisting permanent full time field staff conducting a Terrestrial Ecological Unit Inventory (TEUI) in New Mexico, Gila and possibly the Lincoln National Forests. The TEUI involves mapping ecological types as map units displayed as polygons. Pre maps are developed by permanent staff during the winter months. Pre-maps consist of aerial photo imagery with polygons generated by an ArcMap extension tool and further revised manually by staff skilled in image interpretation. Representative polygons are systematically examined and documented on the ground. Soil pits are excavated and described. Vegetation species are identified and measured. Average heights, canopy coverage, tree diameter and tree age are measured and/or estimated. Ground cover including basal area, rock fragments, litter, cryptogams and bare soil are also estimated and/or measured. Landforms are classified and geology is confirmed or interpolated from existing geology maps. All points where data is collected are located using image interpretation and verified using GPS. Applicants must be physically fit and able to work in steep rugged terrain, at times under adverse weather conditions. The participant will assist in excavating soil pits, measuring vegetation, measuring slope aspect and gradient, recording location using GPS and recording data as dictated by full time staff. The participant will also assist in identifying bedrock lithology to determine the influence of bedrock type on ecosystem function. Assistance in identifying the most current ecologically influencing geomorphic process and resulting landform on which the ecosystem occurs will also be provided. A government vehicle will be provided for work related purposes. The participant will be required to have taken Defensive Driving or will take a provided on-line Defensive Driving Course prior to operating a government vehicle. A 25 foot travel trailer will be made available for housing or crew quarters may be available at an Administrative Site or District Office site, depending on availability. A travel allowance will be provided as work frequently occurs away from the duty station during the week. Camping is required at times when working in more remote areas. All camping equipment and equipment needed to perform job duties will be provided with the exception of sleeping bags and other personal supplies.

Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
This project is in the last year of field work. Work will primarily consist of completing documentation requirements for map unit components previously identified during past years mapping. Upon completion a report/database will be provided to the Forest containing spatial data as well as descriptive and interpretation data for Forest Management purposes. Some preliminary TEUI field work may occur on the Lincoln National Forest. Participant should provide field clothing to include a good pair of boots, hat, rain gear, sleeping bag and clothing to accommodate hot daytime to cool late day temperatures. A daypack is optional but packs are available to be provided. Housing is available (see below) but bedding, towels and other personal materials are to be provided by the participant. Housing is equipped with pots, pans, plates, cups and eating utensils. Personal transportation is advised but not required for work.

Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
The participant will be working with permanent staff in the Terrestrial Ecological Unit Inventory (TEUI) Program. This program in the Southwestern Region of the USDA Forest Service served as the template for the national guidelines for conducting TEUI in the Forest Service. Permanent staff have a range of experience of 5 to over 40 years of experience in and developing protocols for TEUI and related inventories. These inventories have provided data for various research projects and advanced degree thesis papers. It is used for Forest planning efforts and project development.

Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
The participant will be working with experienced staff. Staff includes the program lead, Project Supervisor, 3 full time professional scientists and a Biological Science Technician. The participant will have the opportunity to work with the Project Supervisor and each of the field staff on a rotating basis. Staff are experienced and are able to provide a wealth of knowledge in ecological processes and connecting the relationships among the physical and biological components of ecosystems. Participants will have contact with other Forest Service personnel and may have the opportunity to assist with other related projects on the Forest.

Leadership Development:

Presenting Project Results:

Physical/Natural Environment:
Elevations range from 5000 feet to over 10,000. Terrain is steep and rugged. Geology is mainly volcanic in origin, basalt, andesite, rhyolite and tuffs. Landforms are mainly lava plains, large faulted volcanos, mesas, escarpments valley plains and floodplains.

Work Environment:
Work is field work. Four 10 hour days are commonly worked. Much of the work is in the back country several hours from civilization. Camping is common during the work week. Depending on reporting date, a 5-7 day wilderness pack trip may occur. Temperatures can reach into the low 100s (F). Temperatures can drop drastically during afternoon thunderstorms. Possible wildlife encounters include black bears, mountain lions, wolves, javelina, rattlesnakes and scorpions but are rare. Vegetation at lower elevations tend to have spines.

Qualifications:
Participant should have or should be pursuing a degree in geology, geomorphology, soil science, forestry or botany. Participant should be physically fit and able to hike in rough steep terrain at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 feet in elevation. Participant should be comfortable working and camping in remote areas. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required. A provided on line Defensive Driving course is required to drive a Government vehicle.

Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable):

Position Dates:
May 12, 2015 to Sep. 26, 2015; start/end dates flexible

Position Duration: 12 weeks

Hourly Wage: $2,750

Housing Details:
Free housing is provided in the form of a 20 ft. travel trailer located at the USDA Forest Service Administration Site in Silver City. Housing may be available in other crew quarter housing at the site but is not guaranteed. During the work week, camping will be required at times.

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
Steve Strenger
Supv. Soil Scientist
333 Broadway Blvd. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
 505-842-3145
 sstrenger@fs.fed.us
Website

SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Wayne Robbie
Regional Soil Scientist
333 Broadway Blvd. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
 505-842-3253
 wrobbie@fs.fed.us
Website