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Public Land Name:
Arapaho-Roosevelt NF Position Title:
Fluvial Geomorphologist (2 Positions) Agency: USFS Position Type: GeoCorps Position ID Number:
2015301 Location:
Fort Collins, CO Accepting Applications? # of current Applicants: 0 Position Description:
The GeoCorps participant(s) will assist in evaluating stream channels on National Forest lands impacted by the Northern Colorado flood in 2013 (for description, see: www.fs.fed.us/rm/science-application-integration/docs/science-you-can-use/2014-03.pdf). This flood caused extensive changes to channels and floodplains on the Forest, due to widespread landsliding and debris flows, bank erosion and channel avulsion, and transport of large debris, in addition to exceptionally high discharges. Scientists from the Rocky Mountain Research Station in Fort Collins are evaluating the impacts of this event and the long-term recovery processes, including geomorphic recovery in forested watersheds. The GeoCorps interns will assist a Research Geomorphologist in surveying current conditions of impacted streams and establish reference areas for monitoring natural progression following large-scale, widespread flooding. There are 2 field-going positions available under this description during the summer 2015 season. To be considered for either of these positions, a candidate only needs to submit one application.
Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
The participant(s) will provide survey data used in the production of maps of channel and floodplain planform, plots of cross-sections, distribution of large, transported wood, and estimates of grain size distributions in flooded areas. The participant may also enter data and conduct preliminary evaluations. All of these deliverables will be developed following existing protocols. There may be an opportunity to use a quadcopter to photograph stretches of channel impacted by the flood and conduct laboratory analysis for particle size distributions. Finally, an evaluation of mass wasting processes will be conducted. Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
The GeoCorps intern will work closely with a project scientist, a professional hydrologist, and a possible post-doc for the duration of the internship. Most days, at least one of these 3 professionals will be working directly with the interns. Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
One of the most valuable aspects of the GeoCorps opportunity is the mentoring offered by the staff overseeing the internship. This is a fundamental difference between a seasonal position and a true "internship." During our internships, we spend a lot of time with the participants discussing river processes, often on the banks of the channel. The participants also learn about techniques, not only how to conduct them, but also the limitations in applying them. This is one-on-one training with seasoned scientists. Of the interns who have worked for us, two have gone onto graduate school to work on Master's degrees. The project scientist has served on the committee for one and as an advisor for the other. Two interns presented their work performed during their internship at the GSA annual meeting. We remain in contact with all of the interns who have worked for us. Leadership Development:
Presenting Project Results:
Physical/Natural Environment:
The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest and Pawnee National Grasslands are located in north central Colorado. The Forest and Grassland is headquartered in Fort Collins, CO, a full service community with a population of just over 126,000 residents at 5,000 feet above sea level.
The Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest includes ten Wilderness areas that encompass many of Colorado's peaks and forested terrain of the Front Range. The underlying geology ranges from granitic peaks to sedimentary foothills. Runoff is dominated by the melting of snow in spring and wadeable baseflow in the summer. Thunderstorms are very common in the afternoon.
Work Environment:
Work will consist of mostly field surveys in moderate to steep terrain, often in off-trail areas with unstable footing. The sites are located in recently disturbed streams between 6500 and 10,000’ in elevation. Some areas have been impacted by recent widespread beetle-kill and fire and there are risks from falling trees in these areas. A backpack will be provided, but the participant will need to provide sturdy hiking boots and appropriate outdoor clothing for warm to cool weather. Qualifications:
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in geology or physical geography, with upper level coursework in geomorphology. Highly qualified undergraduates with field experience will also be considered. Applicants must be able to hike in steep terrain with a pack under varying weather conditions. Familiarity with the use of total station surveying equipment and GPS is a plus, but we will train in techniques specific to this project. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, and will be expected to provide a DMV report on their driving record in order to drive Forest Service vehicles. A government vehicle will be provided and the participant will be required to take a Defensive Driving Course prior to operating the vehicle. Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable):
This is a position with the Rocky Mountain Research Station, a research component of the US Forest Service. Hence, the focus of project is research-based, rather than management-based. However, we do work closely with the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest on flood and fire disturbances in the area. Position Dates:
July - September, 2015. Start/end dates somewhat flexible. Position Duration: 12 weeks Hourly Wage: $2,750 Housing Details:
At this time, we are still working out the housing in Fort Collins, but anticipate that we will use existing dormitories or government facilities, depending on availability. We hope to have this clarified by the time interviews are conducted. A personal vehicle may not be necessary as we anticipate that housing will be close to the station. A government vehicle will be used for field work. A personal vehicle is recommended for personal exploration of the area, but not needed for the internship. Fort Collins is very bicycle friendly. 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
Sandra Ryan
Research Geomorphologist
Rocky Mountain Research Station 240 W. Prospect Rd.
Fort Collins, CO 80526
 (970) 498-1015
 sryanburkett@fs.fed.us
 Website SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Carl Chambers
Forest Hydrologist
Arapaho & Roosevelt NF, SO, 2150 Centre Avenue Building E
Fort Collins, CO 80526
970-295-6633
cchambers@fs.fed.us
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