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Public Land Name:
Hiawatha National Forest

Position Title:
Hydrologic / Karst Technician

Agency: USFS

Position Type: GeoCorps

Position ID Number:
2015309

Location:
St. Ignace, MI

Accepting Applications?

# of current Applicants: 0

Position Description:
The GeoCorps participant’s primary duties will be to assist the Forest in monitoring soils disturbance, best management practices (BMPs), and water quality related to management activities on the forest. The monitoring efforts are part of a long-term trend analysis to better inform the Forest on the effects of management actions. Other duties will include: updating the Forest inventory of karst features with geologic surveys for potential bat hibernacula, dispersed recreation site inventory, maintenance and rehabilitation, stream sediment monitoring, and data management. Training on the use of the monitoring and inventory protocols will be provided, including the identification of non-native invasive species and threatened and endangered species known to exist in the area. The participant will be required to work independently on certain occasions, but will generally have a work partner. Training in safe work practices and the use of Government equipment (vehicles, computers, etc.) will be provided.

Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
At the end of the term, the individual will have expanded on the long-term trend monitoring data and the inventory of karst features on the forest.

Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
The individual will work with and be mentored by the Zone Hydrologist during their primary duties. The individual will have opportunities to work with other projects and program areas such as Geology, Wildlife, Fisheries, Botany, Recreation, Silviculture and Timber etc...and discover how integrated all the resource areas are. Opportunities may be available to meet and work with agency partners that support the forest.

Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
The individual will receive a lot of on the job training. The individual will also be able to work with and shadow many other resource areas and individuals (i.e. Geologist, Biologist, Botanist, Silviculturist, etc...) and have opportunities to learn about how the disciplines are integrated in the Forest Service environment. Informal training on the use of a GPS for data collection will be provided, as well as training in inventory protocols.

Leadership Development:

Presenting Project Results:

Physical/Natural Environment:
The Hiawatha National Forest has one of the longest shorelines of any other National Forest. It borders three Great Lakes and is home to numerous historical light houses. The local area is unique because of its karst features. The project area is part of the Niagara Escarpment feature which runs and curves from Niagara Falls to Southern Wisconsin passing through the St. Ignace Ranger District. The area has numerous sinkholes, small cave openings, boulder fields, fissures to name a few. These limestone features are host to Threatened & Endangered plant and animal species. It also is home to quality vegetation management resources. Hiawatha National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/hiawatha

Work Environment:
Most of the work will take place outdoors. Hiking through some thick forests and rugged uneven terrain will occur often. Exposure to wildlife (e.g. black bears) is possible but not likely; there are deer ticks, black flies and mosquitoes, so bug repellent and/or bug jackets are encouraged. The temperatures in the field season range from 50 degrees F in May to 80 degrees F in August. A majority of the work will entail carrying a GPS while collecting geologic information. The participant will be required to work independently at least several days per week. There will be occasional work with other seasonal employees.

Qualifications:
Applicant must have completed at least two years toward a degree in the geosciences. Graduate students, recent graduates, and professionals are also welcome to apply. Coursework related to soils science, hydrology, and forestry is highly desirable. The applicant should be able to work independently with little supervision, both in the office and in the field. Basic topographic and geologic map reading and GPS orientation skills are required. ArcGIS experience is preferred. The successful applicant must be comfortable hiking cross-country in a forested environment alone. 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):

Position Dates:
May - September; start/end dates flexible

Position Duration: 12 weeks

Hourly Wage: $2,750

Housing Details:
Housing will be provided at no cost to the participant at the Lake Michigan Cabin. It's a rustic remote cabin just across from a campground and beach on the Lake Michigan shoreline. It's about 10 miles west of St. Ignace, Michigan. A bed and very basic appliances, cooking utensils and furniture will be furnished. The participant should bring their own bedding; and TV and small appliances (e.g. coffee pot) if desired. Cable and internet are not likely available unless the participant purchases it through a wireless provider, even then, reception is spotty. Laundry is not available at the cabin. A personal vehicle is needed to commute to the office each day and to town for groceries, laundry etc.

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
Jessica Stuntebeck
Geologist
626 E. Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202
 414-297-3342
 jjstuntebeck@fs.fed.us
Website

SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Danding Gan
Hydrologist
W1900 US 2
St. Ignace, MI 49781
 (906) 643-7900
 dgan@fs.fed.us
Website