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Public Land Name:
White Mountain National Forest

Position Title:
Water Quality / Hydrogeology Resource Assistant

Agency: USFS

Position Type: GeoCorps

Position ID Number:
2015325

Location:
Campton, NH

Accepting Applications?

# of current Applicants: 0

Position Description:
Collect and analyze water quality data from an abandoned mine site restoration project. Assist with collection of surface water and groundwater samples according to a prescribed protocol. Based on consultation with other professionals, prepare a report based on findings from five years of monitoring following the restoration project. The selected individual will need strong analytical, field, and written and oral communication skills to collect and interpret data. The selected candidate can expect to participate in collection of hydrologic data on other water bodies on the WMNF. The participant will have an opportunity to participate in other activities typical on the WMNF, including forestry, recreation, fish and wildlife, minerals, botany and/or heritage resource management, according to interest and availability.

Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
Based upon a comprehensive review of all available data, previous reports, and literature reviews, the participant will produce a report evaluating the effectiveness of abandoned mine remediation actions at the site, areas of remaining uncertainty, and preliminary recommendations for future monitoring or resource protection. This will include documentation of existing monitoring protocols, summary of water quality data, and statistical analysis where possible. This report should be appropriate for professionals in state and federal agencies. A shorter summary of the project for communication with the general public will also be produced. Field data and samples will be collected and managed according to established protocols.

Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
This position is housed in the Supervisor’s Office under direct supervision of the Forest hydrologist. Initial training and regular check-ins will occur. Participant will paired with experienced agency staff and volunteers for field work until comfortable with duties. Intern will be part of the ecosystem team, comprised of specialists in physical and biological sciences, planning and information management. Opportunities to interact with other staff areas and gain exposure to a variety of resource management issues will be available. Guidance and mentoring from regional USFS specialists in minerals and hydrogeology is also available.

Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
The supervisor/mentor will discuss career interests with intern prior to start date to identify additional mentors or trainings appropriate to the participant's career goals. Career development options include attending seasonal orientation training, forestwide or team meetings, job shadowing, exposure to research at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, and networking with Forest Service partners. If the intern's work can be used to meet academic or professional requirements, the participant will be offered additional advice or information to support this.

Leadership Development:

Presenting Project Results:

Physical/Natural Environment:
WMNF is a mountainous and rugged area with heavily forested cover. Local area is home to a small university, several small towns and year-round recreational facilities. Forest is visited by approximately 7 million people each year.

Work Environment:
Work will be approximately 50% office work and 50% in a field environment. Field work may involve strenuous activity, hiking in steep terrain, wet, hot, and humid conditions. Office work involves computer use. Participant will be based at Forest Headquarters as part of a multi-resource team.

Qualifications:
Applicant must be at least an advanced undergraduate in a university/college with a strong background in chemistry and earth or environmental sciences. Previous experience with collection of field data and scientific writing is desired. The participant should be able to work well independently, both in the office and in the field. Field work involves hiking to field sites over rugged or steep terrain, working in adverse weather conditions, wading, basic map reading and GPS orientation skills, and preparing for a variety of site conditions. Specific skills needed include: 1. Ability to analyze water quality data in spreadsheets or databases, and produce quantitative and qualitative summaries; 2. Sufficient knowledge of geology, chemistry and hydrology to interpret water quality results. 3. Ability to review scientific literature and case studies to support interpretation of results and recommendations; 4. Comfort communicating with professionals in hydrology, geology and land management to understand processes related to acid mine drainage; 5. Willingness to experience a variety of resource management experiences on the Forest. 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.

Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable):
The opportunity to work on a focused project with additional information needs could provide a student with experiences and information for a senior or master’s project that may assist towards meeting graduation requirements.

Position Dates:
05/18/2015 - 8/07/2015; dates may be flexible by mutual agreement

Position Duration: 12 weeks

Hourly Wage: $2,750

Housing Details:
Housing is not available on site, but the Forest can assist the participant in arranging for housing in the area. A personal vehicle is required as there is no public transportation to the office or for personal needs.

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
Sheela Johnson
Hydrologist
71 White Mountain Drive
Campton, NH 03223
 (603) 536-6231
 smjohnson@fs.fed.us
Website

SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Roger Simmons
Natural Resource Staff Officer
71 White Mountain Drive
Campton, NH 03223
 (603) 536-6205
 krsimmons@fs.fed.us
Website