GSA Online Application System

 

Public Land Name: BLM Craters of the Moon National Monument Position Title: Cave Technician / Speleologist Agency: BLM Position Type: GeoCorps Position ID Number: 2016412 Location: Shoshone, ID Accepting Applications? # of current Applicants: 0 Position Description: The applicant will conduct cave monitoring work with local National Speleological Society volunteers (Grotto) and Field Office staff on federal lands. Applicant will work with partners in order to develop 2D and 3D cave maps. Many significant caves in the Field Office already have maps that were created in the late 1990s that are one dimensional and in hard copy format only. It is our intention to update these maps over the next few years to a 2D or 3D digital format. These cave maps will be used to improve monitoring of cave resources and will serve as a vital reference during cave visits and during emergency cave rescue responses. Applicant will work with BLM and State of Idaho biological staff in assisting agency response to White Nose Syndrome in bats, and other issues. Applicant will work with students and National Park Service visitors to deliver geology-specific interpretive programming. Additionally, GeoCorps participants will communicate with the public about cave resources and lead cave tours for local students and interested publics. Another aspect of this position is continuing with a program initiated previously through GeoCorps, which involves verifying the locations of reported caves throughout the Field Office and within the Craters of the Moon National Monument. Many caves in the Field Office database have multiple names, uncertain locations, or undescribed features and resources. The GeoCorps participant would be using a variety of methods to relocate these caves in the field and capture geospatial data with GPS equipment. Other work associated with this cave relocation effort would require the participant to enter the cave and working with other employees or volunteers to complete or update documentation of cave features and resources. This information will be incorporated into the existing cave data management system which will be used to identify significant caves in upcoming land-use planning efforts for the Field Office. A typical day might include contacting members of the Grotto, identifying the location of a suspected cave, driving a government vehicle to that location, collecting information, and then returning to download it into the files and databases. This position will spend about 70% of their time in the field or working directly with Grotto members and Field Office staff and about 30% of time in the office compiling, analyzing and interpreting data, as well as other duties as assigned. Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required. Goals, outcomes, and deliverables: Complete resource monitoring for 35% or more of the Shoshone Field Office and Craters of the Moon National Monument lava-tube caves. Create maps in a digital environment, leading programs for public outreach and interpretation, and a seasonal report summarizing the conditions, locations, features and other pertinent information related to local BLM caves. Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.): The applicant will work with local National Speleological Society volunteers (Grotto), Field Office staff, as well as work with National Park Service staff at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.): The BLM will provide participant with on-the-job experience in conducting cave surveys, presenting interpretive programs to visitors and experience cave monitoring, geologic resource interpretation, software used in creating 2D and 3D cave mapping. Leadership Development: Presenting Project Results: Physical/Natural Environment: High-desert sagebrush steppe ranging in elevation of 2300 feet above sea-level to over 5000 feet. Work Environment: Many of the areas are quite remote, requiring high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicles or hiking to access. Communication is via 2-way radio system or cellular phone. Temperatures during field season can range from freezing at night in the spring, to regularly over 100 degrees in the summer. Qualifications: Applicant should have interest and knowledge of cave mapping skills and knowledge of software used to create digital maps. Interest or experience in volcanology, speleology, and outdoor education. Caving experience desired but not required. Experience with ascending and descending ropes desired but not required. The applicant should have experience operating ATVs and/or driving 4x4 vehicles in rough terrain; experience operating a GPS unit and GIS software; the ability to work independently in rugged environments. Knowledge of cave and karst management will make the applicant more competitive, and familiarity with the Federal Caves Protection Act of 1988 is preferred. Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable): Position Dates: May-September; Start/end dates flexible Position Duration: 12 Weeks Hourly Wage: $4,848 Housing Details: Housing is not usually provided with this position, however some more affordable options may become available for applicants willing to commute. There are a number of reasonably priced rental units within the town of Shoshone. 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 John Kurtz Outdoor Recreation Planner 400 West F Street Shoshone, ID 83352  208-732-7296  jkurtz@blm.gov Website SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION David Freiberg Outdoor Recreation Planner 400 West F Street Shoshone, ID 83352  208-732-7271  dfreiberg@blm.gov Website