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Public Land Name:
Monongahela National Forest Position Title:
Forest Cave Management Program Assistant (Geoscience + Wildlife) Agency: USFS Position Type: GeoCorps Position ID Number:
2015314 Location:
Elkins, WV Accepting Applications? # of current Applicants: 0 Position Description:
GeoCorps project participants will conduct file reviews and evaluations of the Forest’s Cave and Karst files on the 300 plus caves already known to exist on the Forest. The file work will consist of validating existing cave information, reviewing associated documentation and maps to determine which caves appear to meet at least one of several criteria for significance under the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act, and meeting with partners to determine if additional data is available for these caves. There will be field validation and evaluation with write-up of results and development of a Cave Management Plan for the forest. This position is offered through the Geological Society of America's GeoCorps America Program in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.
Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
Goals are to:1) Update, complete and validate the forest's cave program files; 2) Evaluation of caves in regards to the Cave Resources and Protection Act and 3) Writing a draft of the Forest Cave Management Plan. Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
Participant will be working along side professional geologists, karst specialists as well as, possibly members of other agencies. Participant will have outlined targets to work towards and receive direct supervision from FS staff Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
Opportunities involve GIS training, Cave Surveying and mapping and training on Federal Cave Resources Protection Act and significance criteria. Required certification and trainings involve White Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocols, PC security training, First aid/CPR, and vehicle driver certification Leadership Development:
Presenting Project Results:
Physical/Natural Environment:
The Monongahela NF is located in Central Eastern WV in the Appalachian Mountains in Elkins, WV. The geology consists of Paleozoic sedimentary rock (Ordovician to Pennsylvanian Age) of which the Greenbrier Limestone Group is the primary cave forming member in the region. Participants will work out of the Supervisor’s Office in Elkins, WV. Elkins, Randolph County, West Virginia is a community of 8,000 and boasts a reasonable cost of living, low crime rate, and enviable location nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. Shopping choices range from large chains to locally owned specialty stores. Driving distances to metropolitan areas include 4 hours to the Washington, D.C. – Baltimore area, 2.5 hours to Pittsburgh. Work Environment:
The work environment will range from an office setting to long treks of hiking in difficult and rugged terrain and ability to safely traverse inside cave environments. Safety is top priority Qualifications:
Applicants must have a BS degree in geology with course work that includes mineralogy, geomorphology, paleontology, petrology, structural geology and any wildlife courses. Experience and course work in karst environments, caving and cave mapping is preferred. Additional course work in geomorphology and hydrogeology is a plus. The participants should be able to work well in a range of settings from a team and group setting to working alone, both in the office and in the field with little supervision. Applicants should have basic map reading and GPS orientation skills, must be able to interpret aerial photos, and be comfortable hiking cross-country in a rugged mountain environment. Computer skills in Excel Spreadsheet and database management are required. Applicants should have a valid driver's license. 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):
$100 extra stipend provided for laundry. Assignments will allow sufficient time for the participants to fulfill their commitments to GSA, which includes periodic communication and updates. A final report, program evaluation, thank you letter, photo documentation and copies of materials developed that are due from participants to GSA at the end of the FS project. More Notes: "We are hoping to use the Geocorps Program this summer on the Monongahela NF in Elkins, WV to assist us with cave evaluations required under the Cave Resources Protection Act. It’s a collaborative effort involving local grottos and other state and federal agencies. I see it as a great way to give geology students experience and exposure, especially in Karst.
Position Dates:
May 11, 2015 to August 14, 2015; start/end dates flexible Position Duration: 12 weeks Hourly Wage: $2,850 Housing Details:
Free agency housing will be provided. A government vehicle will be provided for work related travel. A personal vehicle would be useful for personal off duty 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
Will Wilson
Forest Geologist
200 Sycamore Street
Elkins, WV 26241
 (304) 636-1800
 wwilson@fs.fed.us
 Website SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Kate Goodrich-Arling
Lands and Planning Staff Officer
200 Sycamore Street
Elkins, WV 26241
304-636-1800 ext. 220
kgoodricharling@fs.fed.us
Website
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