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Public Land Name:
Tongass National Forest

Position Title:
Geologist / Karst Resource Technician

Agency: USFS

Position Type: GeoCorps

Position ID Number:
2015322

Location:
Thorne Bay, AK

Accepting Applications?

# of current Applicants: 0

Position Description:
The primary duty of the GeoCorps participant will be assisting the Forest Geologist in karst and cave inventory associated with proposed timber sale activities. Additionally opportunities for geologic mapping, paleontological resource evaluation and inventory, geoarchaeology, and investigation and interpretation of paleoshorelines and glacial history evidence will occur on various projects. This project requires long hours in the field hiking over rough terrain in all types of weather, boating, flying in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, and operation of quad runners once specialized training is completed. Office work includes entering field reconnaissance into GIS, completion of field reports summarizing field notes, and preparation of samples. The applicant will have opportunities to work with other resource specialists assisting with wildlife monitoring, soils inventory, forestry, archaeology and etc. depending on the interests of the individual. The individual will work under the supervision of the Forest geologist. 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:
The goal of this project is to inventory and record karst features and cave locations on the Tongass National Forest within proposed timber sale projects. Field inventories will be entered to create a GIS database containing the information located. This project includes locating karst features through GPS and topographic maps, collecting GPS locations, resource information, and pictures. The GPS data will be added into an existing geodatabase along with the field data. Field notes will be written up for the project record. Additionally, opportunities for geologic mapping, paleontological resource evaluation and inventory, geoarchaeology, and investigation and interpretation of paleoshorelines and glacial history evidence will occur.

Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
The participant will work directly with the Forest geologist and other USFS resource specialists, University Researchers, and public. The participant will directly assist in karst and cave resource assessments, paleontological inventory and geoarchaeology applications.

Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
The participant will learn through on the job and in the field training and assignments.

Leadership Development:

Presenting Project Results:

Physical/Natural Environment:
Work is on the Tongass National Forest in Southeastern Alaska. Topography varies from sea level to over 3000' elevation. This is a rain forest with rain fall varying from 80 to 200 inches / year. Summer temperatures will vary from 45 to 80 deg. F. The coastal rainforest understory is sometimes dense. Much of the area of work has been logged in the past and second growth of varying growth stages will be found growing there. Much of the area consists of muskeg or forested wetlands. Depending on the Island or Mainland portions where work will be conducted the applicant may encounter either brown and/or black bear.

Work Environment:
The work environment is mostly in the Natural Environment listed above. This project requires long hours in the field hiking over rough terrain, dense vegetation, and in all types of weather. Much of the work will require living in remote out camps or camping. Besides vehicles, boats, fixed wing aircraft, and helicopters will be used for transportation. Office space will be provided for field data analysis and reporting and to allow sufficient time to complete GSA commitments.

Qualifications:
Applicants must have completed at least three years towards a geoscience or geoscience-related degree. Graduate students are welcome to apply. Coursework related to karst geomorphology, paleontology, or quaternary science is highly desirable. Applicants must be physically able to bushwhack long distances through forest vegetation in areas with no trails. The applicant must be able to read basic topographic and geologic maps as well as orient in the field using GPS and/ or compass. 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):
May extend to 16 weeks

Position Dates:
May - August; start/end dates flexible.

Position Duration: 12-16 weeks (depending on status of project, funding, and participant availability)

Hourly Wage: $2,750-$3,670

Housing Details:
Housing will be provided at no cost to the participant. Housing while in Thorne Bay will be in a Forest Service bunkhouse that houses other Forest Service seasonals during the summer. Bringing a personal vehicle, though not required, allows for more freedom to explore during off time.

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
James F. Baichtal
Forest Geologist
1312 Federal Way
Thorne Bay, AK 99919
 (907) 828-3248
 jbaichtal@fs.fed.us
Website

SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Rachelle Huddleston-Lorton
District Ranger
1312 Federal Way
Thorne Bay, AK 99919
 (907) 828-3210
 rhuddlestonlorton@fs.fed.us
Website