GSA Online Application System

 

 
 

Public Land Name:
BLM Arizona Strip District

Position Title:
GIS Technician [Guest Scientist]

Agency: BLM

Position Type: GuestScientist

Position ID Number:
2015801

Location:
Saint George, UT

Accepting Applications?

# of current Applicants: 0

Position Description:
The GeoCorps participant will maintain GIS databases containing abandoned mines and mineral exploration drill hole inventories. The abandoned mines are located throughout the District including the Grand Canyon Parashant and Vermilion Cliffs National Monuments. Mineral exploration is primarily for uranium and conducted by drilling within the Field Office boundary. The participant will perform field inspections and produce all pertinent documentation. The objective is to collect abandoned mine and drill hole data and integrate this data into the GIS databases for monitoring. Specific tasks include the following: Pre-field Work: review the resource data to be inventoried; identify drill holes or other features that need to be inspected. Create GPS waypoint files to assist in locating the features to be inspected and upload the waypoints to the GPS. Field Work: GPS and collect data using a data dictionary, photograph features and surface disturbances; safety hazards (shafts, adits, open pits, open drill holes). Document that drill hole plugging and reclamation is complete or needs to be completed. Post-field Work: download GPS data; export GPS data into Arc Map; update the GIS database with field data (the table of attributes will be updated based on the field inspections); make ArcMap maps of appropriate scale; download pictures; print copies of pictures or insert the photographs into reports; submit the report with photographs and ArcMap map. The participant will learn how to collect, manage, consolidate, and present data in a GIS database that is usable and easily understood. Other tasks such as environmental monitoring at active mining operations and the monitoring of mineral material sales will be required, as needed. This position is offered through the Geological Society of Americas's GeoCorps America Program in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management.

Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
The participant will write reports that document the features inspected in the field. The reports will describe any structures, equipment or debris found and workings associated with abandoned mines, operating mines, drill sites and mineral material sales. The reports will describe conditions on-the-ground and any reclamation that has been completed or that needs to be completed. The participant will incorporate photographs to document conditions on-site and will include GIS maps with GPS data collected during the inspections.

Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
There will be substantive BLM programmatic involvement by BLM professionals that will work daily side by side with the participant. Provide the participant with equipment and hands-on training to complete data collection and document conditions on-the-ground to enhance public safety and prevent undue and unnecessary degradation to public lands. The participant will be involved in monitoring active mining operations in coordination with other agencies. Dust monitoring at active uranium mines in the Field Office is done with supervision from the US Geological Survey. Monitoring of an Endangered plant (Gierisch mallow) occurring near a gypsum mine is coordinated through the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Red Butte Gardens at the University of Utah.

Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
The participant will learn basic techniques for mineral exploration, including the principles of reclamation. For the participant's professional growth, we will also include in depth information on active mining operations and involvement in various land management functions. The participant will be required to set up an account in DOI Learn to complete IT Security Awareness, Defensive Driving and ATV/UTV training. The participant will have the ability to complete other DOI Learn training to enhance their knowledge in areas related to BLM's minerals programs. The participant will have the opportunity to attend BLM Webinars, which offer additional training specific to their job and can open up avenues for networking.

Leadership Development:

Presenting Project Results:

Physical/Natural Environment:
St. George lies within the transition zone between the Colorado Plateau and Basin and Range Physiographic Provinces. It is a desert climate and summertime temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees. The city is surrounded by red Jurrasic sandstone bluffs and black Quaternary lava flows.

Work Environment:
Approximately 50% of the work will be outdoors. Because of high temperatures during some summer months, the outdoor work schedule is flexible. The town of St. George has most amenities, including a regional airport. Cheaper air fares, however, can be expected out of Las Vegas or Salt Lake City.

Qualifications:
Applicants should have completed at least three years toward a degree in land use or natural resources; coursework in geology or engineering is preferred. A working knowledge of resource-grade GPS mapping and being proficient in the use of ArcGIS, Microsoft Word and Excel is necessary. Applicants must have good organizational skills, an interest in and ability to work in remote locations, must be physically capable to work in rugged terrain, and be able to work independently with little supervision. The ability to use topographic maps and a compass for navigation is an asset. Many of the roads have a natural or gravel surface and 4x4 off road driving experience is necessary; ATV experience is useful. The selected applicant will need to take a government defensive driving course to operate BLM vehicles. Applicants 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):
St. George is centrally located within driving distance of seven National Parks and Monuments, numerous wilderness areas, renowned mountain bike trails, and countless outdoor recreation opportunities. They extended their participant agreement in past years; check with them soon to see if this is a possibility in 2015 as well.

Position Dates:
Fall 2015; start/end dates are flexible.

Position Duration: 12 weeks (with a possibility to extend longer)

Hourly Wage: $3,000

Housing Details:
Student housing is available at Dixie State University along with short-term rentals in the St. George area. Public transportation is available; however a personal vehicle is recommended to take advantage of the outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities.

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
Rody Cox
Geologist
345 E. Riverside Drive
St. George, UT 84790
 (435) 688-3244
 r8cox@blm.gov
Website

SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Lorraine Christian
Field Manager
345 E. Riverside Drive
St. George, UT 84790
 (432) 356-3323
 lmchrist@blm.gov
Website