GSA Online Application System

 

 
 

Public Land Name:
BLM Moab Field Office

Position Title:
Paleontology Interpretation / GIS Assistant [SUMMER]

Agency: BLM

Position Type: GeoCorps

Position ID Number:
2015438

Location:
Moab, UT

Accepting Applications?

# of current Applicants: 0

Position Description:
SUMMER OPPORTUNITY; APPLY ASAP. Geospatial technologies are an integral function for the paleontological resources program at the BLM Moab Field Office. The Paleontology Interpretation Assistant/GIS Technician will assist the paleontological resources program on a variety of projects, including the development of new educational materials, leading guided tours, and the development and management of a GIS database, geospatial analysis and modeling, and geospatial referencing. The intern’s job will consist of two parts: 1) to help connect BLM science and education in meaningful ways to engage the public and aid in their understanding of science, with a focus on paleontology and geology, and 2) to create and maintain metadata and creating map projects from digital spatial data. The intern will be assisting the Canyon Country District Paleontologist in completing paleontological educational materials for a new publicly interpreted dinosaur tracksite, as well as leading tours and monitoring other publicly interpreted fossil sites. The intern will learn the skills needed to record and monitor paleontological sites, which includes writing site descriptions, describing the lithology, and identifying fossils in the field. The Moab BLM Paleontological Resources Program is working to update and expand its current GIS database to include all paleontological resource projects that have occurred within the Canyon Country District Office. The intern will update the current database with accurate information by using reports dating as far back as the 1970s. The addition of these reports into the geodatabase may require geospatial referencing. The intern will also review current data within the geodatabase and assess it for accuracy. Additionally, the intern will assist with the in-field use of GPS units to map paleontological resources and will be responsible for the production of maps for paleontological resource reports using digital spatial data. Field work will be conducted largely in the interior of the rugged and remote Eastern Colorado Plateau, although other priorities may arise as the season progresses. Methods consist of hiking pre-determined target areas within the Eastern Colorado Plateau while closely examining Late Triassic to Late Cretaceous age rock outcroppings for fossil materials (with an emphasis on tracks and vertebrate fossils). This position is offered through the Geological Society of America's GeoCorps America Program in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management.

Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
The goals of this position are to develop and test educational materials for the public, as well as update and expand the current paleontological resource program GIS database and to assist with various paleontological resource surveys. The work will vary from day to day but its focus will be on curriculum and brochure development, programs for adults and children, associated activities, and the creations of a GIS database. The project(s) that the intern will be working on will be determined both based on current needs and on their background/expertise. By completing these projects, the intern will gain valuable skills in education and outreach, GIS and GPS, including data management, metadata creation, and geospatial analysis using ESRI software. This position will also contribute to the goals of paleontological resource management by compiling and verifying spatial data and site documentation that can be used to protect paleontological resources for future generations. Materials produced will include brochures, site specific activities, site documentation, reports, shapefiles, maps, metadata, and cartographic products related to the description provided above.

Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
Utah BLM has history of working successfully with GeoCorps positions. The participant will be working with the field office paleontologist, and other BLM professionals in the Moab Field Office. The participant will be considered a part of Moab BLM Field Office staff and are encouraged to network. The field offices paleontology program has many interactions with scientists and staff from various universities, agencies, and museums, which offer additional opportunities for networking.

Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
The geology intern will be provided access to BLM staff and resources during the development of the various projects. The intern will be invited to participate in meetings, conference calls and field trips that may enhance their ability to perform their work. Although the participant will be assumed to have strong GIS skills, training will be provided in the specifics of the BLM's use of GIS tools, including the Potential Fossil Yield Classification (PFYC).This position provides an opportunity for the participant to gain additional experience and training in education science and advanced understanding of geology and paleontology as they relate to the area.

Leadership Development:

Presenting Project Results:

Physical/Natural Environment:
The Canyon Country is located in the southeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau. The area’s geology consists of rocks ranging in age from Paleozoic (Pennsylvanian) through Late Mesozoic (Late Cretaceous) sedimentary units. Triassic - Cretaceous units, which are the major focus of this project, are highly fossiliferous, containing plants, animals and trackways. Outcrops are widespread and generally excellent and many classic geological features and global tourist destinations are nearby such as the Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Deadhorse Point State Park, and the La Sal Mountains.

Work Environment:
The participant will work out of the Moab Field Office, located in Moab, Utah. Supervision will be by the District Paleontologist and GIS Specialists. Fieldwork will be done largely independently in a remote backcountry setting and requires strenuous exertion. Weather and terrain conditions may be extreme (e.g. heat, cold, thunderstorms, steep badlands). A good pair of ankle-supporting hiking boots is necessary. The work week will be Monday-Friday, with weekends off. Moab is a town of about 8,000 people. There are two grocery stores, a health food store, a hospital and many restaurants. Moab also has two hardware stores, a bookstore, a movie theatre, city parks, community pool, and other general amenities. The area is known for its river recreation, mountain biking and four-wheeling recreational opportunities. The closest regional airport is in Grand Junction, Colorado (about 110 miles away). Less expensive fares may be found if travel is planned out of the Salt Lake City International Airport (4 hours). There are bus shuttles available to Moab. The town of Grand Junction has most large city amenities.

Qualifications:
Applicant should have or be working toward a degree in geology, environmental science, or other related field. Undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates are welcome to apply. Applicants must have completed basic undergraduate course work toward a degree in geology or biology, with an emphasis in paleontology. Preference will be given to students having an excellent academic record and a demonstrated ambition to pursue paleontology and/or GIS as a career. Those who are beginning graduate or undergraduate thesis projects are especially encouraged to apply. Experience with Access database, photogrammetry techniques, and/or ArcGIS will be useful Previous experience in geospatial sciences and basic sedimentary geology is essential for this position. Experience working with dinosaurs or dinosaur tracks in particular is a plus. The BLM Paleontologist and the in-office GIS Specialists have backgrounds in GIS and will assist the intern in the development of skills necessary to complete assigned tasks. The intern will be working with ESRI based GIS software (the market/government standard) and Trimble GPS hardware/software. The intern should have experience with GIS software and be familiar with GPS technologies. The participant should be able to work well independently, both in the office and in the field with little supervision. The applicant must have good attention to detail, superb written and oral communication skills, and may need to work on GIS programming. Applicant must be able to read, use and navigate off maps, and hike in rugged, remote terrain. 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):
x

Position Dates:
June-September, flexible start/end dates

Position Duration: 12 weeks

Hourly Wage: $3,000

Housing Details:
Agency cannot provide housing but will assist in securing appropriate clean housing.

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
ReBecca Hunt-Foster
Paleontologist
82 East Dogwood
Moab, UT 84532
 (435) 259-2179
 rhuntfoster@blm.gov
Website

SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Lisa Bryant
Assistant Field Manager
82 East Dogwood
Moab, UT 84532
 (435) 259-2150
 lmbryant@blm.gov
Website