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Public Land Name:
Pike & San Isabel National Forests/ Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands (PSICC) Position Title:
Geologist / GIS Technician Agency: USFS Position Type: GeoCorps Position ID Number:
2015317 Location:
Fairplay, CO Accepting Applications? # of current Applicants: 0 Position Description:
The GeoCorps participant will work in the Locatable Minerals Program for the South Park Ranger District on the Pike & San Isabel National Forests (PSICC). The focus will be on managing the increased gemstone mining activity on the PSICC. Additional support is also needed with public inquiries involving mining operations under the Mining Law. The Geologist/ GIS Technician will assist the PSICC Geologist on a variety of projects, including conducting inspections on mining operations, documentation of inspections, data entry, working with GIS, and coordinating with various state agencies and members of the public. Additional duties may include the development, maintenance, and management of a minerals GIS database, along with geospatial analysis, and geospatial referencing. The participant will learn the basic techniques for mineral exploration, including the principles of reclamation; and how to collect, manage, consolidate, and present data in a GIS database that is usable and easily understood. This position will require a brief training by USFS personnel to become familiar with the applicable regulations and the dynamics of mining that occur in this area. For the participant's professional growth, we will also include site visits to active mining operations and other land management functions. This position will last for a minimum of 12 weeks (3 months), but there is potential for the project to be extended for additional weeks or months. If the project is extended, additional pay will be provided. This position is offered through the Geological Society of America's GeoCorps America Program in partnership with the US Forest Service. Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
The participant will write reports that document the condition of locatable mineral sites inspected in the field. The reports will describe site conditions, structures, equipment or debris found, and the association to the mining operation. The reports will describe any reclamation that has been completed or that needs to be completed. They will incorporate photographs to document conditions on-site and will include GIS maps with GPS data collected during the inspections. Additionally, the participant will produce an up-to-date database and GIS layer depicting active mining operations within the Pike & San Isabel National Forests. The participant will produce a summary report and presentable GIS map of current conditions for use in land management decision-making processes.
Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
The participant will be supervised by the PSICC geologist. The PSICC geologist will assist the intern with acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary for the position, GIS specialists are available should the intern need guidance on GIS that the geologist cannot provide. This internship will be worthwhile to the applicant because it will provide an opportunity to understand the basic techniques for mining on national forests, and how GIS is used to manage one of the USFS's “multi-uses”. This internship provides an opportunity for the intern to see how their skill set can be used for public service through federal employment. Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
This internship will provide the applicant an opportunity to learn USFS multiple-use management, the laws and regulations that allow for mining on National Forests, and the dynamics of small-scale modern mining operations. Additionally, the participant will learn how GIS is used to manage one of the USFS's “multi-uses”. Some job related trainings and networking opportunities may be available, and site visits to active mining operations and other land management functions will be included.
Leadership Development:
Presenting Project Results:
Physical/Natural Environment:
The town of Fairplay is located in the central Colorado (Park County), at an elevation of 9,953 feet. The county averages 9,000 feet in elevation and is home to the nation’s highest town, ranches, gold mines, and mountain passes; it also has more than 50 miles of Gold Medal trout streams. Work Environment:
The participant will work out of the South Park Ranger District located in Fairplay Colorado. This District is part of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests (PSICC; the acronym includes the related Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands). The position will include approximately 50% computer and 50% field work and will require working with the PSICC geologist, but work would largely be done independently. Qualifications:
Applicants should have completed at least two years toward a degree in the geosciences, including at least one course in physical geology. Coursework in mineralogy, economic geology, and field geology are an asset. The applicant must be able and willing to interact with visitors on a daily basis. Graduates, faculty candidates and retired professionals are welcome and encouraged to apply. Applicant must have recent course work in GIS; experience with mining is preferred. The participant must have good people skills, good organizational skills, excellent computer skills, an interest and ability to work in remote locations, must be physically capable to work at high elevations, in rugged terrain with variable weather and conditions, and be able to work independently with little supervision. The ability to use topographic maps and a compass or GPS for navigation is an asset. Participant will also be working with ArcGIS to create maps in ArcGIS and will use a GPS to navigate and record locations. Many of the roads on the forest have a natural or gravel surface, so 4x4 off-road driving experience is necessary; manual transmission experience preferred. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and a good, safe driving record. Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required. Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable):
Field work will require hiking up and down hills on uneven terrain in variable conditions and weather (high alpine climate). Summer temperatures in Colorado can be very hot at lower elevations and cool at higher elevations. Summer temperatures in Fairplay CO range from an average high of 65° – 75° and a low of 35° - 45°. Conditions at all elevations can change in an instant due to afternoon thunderstorms. Fairplay is a town of 700 people. Amenities include grocery store, hardware store, pharmacy, rec center, bowling alley, and various restaurants, shops, and convenience stores. The nearby resort community of Breckenridge (23 miles away), and the larger cities of Denver and Colorado Springs (each approximately 85 miles away) offer expanded amenities, including international airports. Position Dates:
May - September 2015; start/end dates are flexible. Position Duration: 12 weeks Hourly Wage: $3,000 Housing Details:
Free housing will be provided to the participant by the USFS South Park Ranger District in Fairplay. Housing will be in a USFS bunkhouse or trailer located in Fairplay. Housing may be shared with other USFS seasonal employees. A private vehicle is highly recommended for personal travel. 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
Amy Titterington
Geologist
320 Highway 285
Fairplay, CO 80440
 (719) 836-2031
 amyjtitterington@fs.fed.us
 Website SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Josh Voorhis
District Ranger
320 Highway 285
Fairplay, CO 80440
(719) 836-2031
jvoorhis@fs.fed.us
Website
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