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Public Land Name:
BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office (CRVFO) Position Title:
Hydrology / Geology Assistant Agency: BLM Position Type: GeoCorps Position ID Number:
2015404 Location:
Silt, CO Accepting Applications? # of current Applicants: 0 Position Description:
The Geocorps participant will support multiple programs including Soil/Water/Air and Locatable/Salable Minerals for the BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office (CRVFO). The GeoCorps participant will primarily be working with the BLM Hydrologist/Geologist.
Under the Soil/Water/Air Program, the intern will inventory and assess surface and groundwater resources, water diversions and associated ditch systems in proximity to selenium/saline bearing geology. This project is part of a larger effort to reduce selenium/salinity/sediment inputs to the Colorado River. The intern will field verify and map the infrastructure, collect data on flow, water chemistry, geologic setting, soils and vegetation. Another project will require the intern to conduct spring inventories and riparian health/stream monitoring. The participant will field verify and map springs/seeps and collect data on flow, water chemistry, aquatic life, etc. The intern will also use a variety of techniques to monitor riparian vegetation and overall stream health. Both projects include using topographic maps and aerial photos to assist in determining where pertinent resources may be located, and using GPS and GIS to accurately document the field work.
Under the Solid Minerals Program, the GeoCorps participant will conduct inspections and enforce compliance at sites that are mining a variety of materials, such as limestone, gypsum, basalt, scoria, sand and gravel. Duties will include conducting field inspections and monitoring throughout the field office, documentation of inspections, GIS analysis, coordinating with various state agencies, and responding to inquiries by members of the public. Additional duties may include oversight of specific projects. All projects require excellent data entry skills and filing of pertinent paperwork.
This position will require a brief training by BLM personnel to become familiar with the applicable regulations and dynamics of hydrology related projects and active mining that occurs in the field office. This position will last for a minimum of 12 weeks, but there is potential for the project to be extended for additional weeks or months, up to one year. If the project is extended, additional pay will be provided. This position requires long hours in the field – driving and hiking over rough terrain in all types of weather, as well as knowledge of ArcMap and GPS usage.
Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
Goals and outcomes from the internship include high quality field inspections and data collection, and environmental compliance in support of mining activities and watershed improvements. Deliverables include organizational support of mineral case files and summary reports of data collection efforts and inspection reports. Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
The GeoCorps participant will receive basic training and project oversight by the BLM Hydrologist/Geologist. In addition, one week of safety training will be provided by BLM personnel and includes 4x4 driving, radio communication, hazardous materials awareness, and CPR/First Aid certification. Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
The BLM Hydrologist/Geologist will mentor the GeoCorps participant in a wide variety of resource management projects including field data collection techniques and environmental report writing. Professional development will be also fostered by having experiences working with members of the public, industry, non-profits and environmental groups. As pertinent trainings become available, the participant will have opportunities to get certifications. Personal growth and development will be fostered through networking and professional advice. Leadership Development:
Presenting Project Results:
Physical/Natural Environment:
The CRVFO administers 567,000 acres of public land that extend from Vail in the east to Parachute in the west and from Toponas in the north to Aspen in the south. The landscape is highly varied from badlands to forested highlands. Work Environment:
Work time will be split between the office and field, according to project needs. The work may involve strenuous physical activity, hiking through BLM lands in inclement weather. Nearest communities include Rifle, New Castle and Glenwood Springs, which all provide modern conveniences and services. Qualifications:
The applicant should have a general knowledge of hydrology and geology and have basic topographic and geologic map reading and GPS orientation skills. The applicant should be able to work independently with little supervision, with a variety of people in both the office and in the field. Applicant must be physically capable of carrying a field pack and hiking cross-country on uneven terrain, sometimes for long distances or inclement weather conditions. Preference is given to applicants that have experience navigating and driving in the backcountry. The intern must be willing to work outside under extreme climate conditions (i.e. hot, sunny and dry or cold and wet) and in the presence of environmental hazards such as ticks or other wildlife. Overnight stays in the backcountry may be required. The intern should have experience with ArcGIS or similar software and the GPS techniques necessary for proper field data collection. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. A government security background clearance will be required prior to starting this position. Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable):
In brief the CRVFO manages: 9 special recreation management areas, 14 developed recreation sites, which include 6 river access sites to the Colorado and Eagle Rivers, 4 wilderness study areas, and the Hubbard Mesa Off-Highway Vehicle Riding Area. Many recreational opportunities are in close proximity for hiking, camping, biking, rafting and fishing. Position Dates:
Approx. May 25 – Aug. 14, 2015, with some flexibility. Possible extension up to 1 year. Position Duration: 12 weeks (with possible extension up to a full year) Hourly Wage: $3,000 (for initial 12 weeks; if extended, additional stipend will be provided) Housing Details:
No government housing is available. However, short term rentals are often available in the surrounding communities. Participants must arrange their own rentals. Personal vehicle is recommended, as public transportation may not be reliable with long field days. 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
Pauline Adams
Hydrologist/Geologist
2300 River Frontage Road
Silt, CO 81652
 (970) 876-9071
 padams@blm.gov
 Website SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Nic Sandoval
Geologist
2850 Youngfield Street
Lakewood, CO 80215-7093
(303) 239-3772
nsandova@blm.gov
Website
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