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Public Land Name:
Glacier Lakes Ecosystem Experiments Site, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, CO and WY Position Title:
Characterizing Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystems [APPLY BY MAR. 20] Agency: USFS Position Type: GeoCorps Position ID Number:
2016311 Location:
Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests, WY and CO Accepting Applications? # of current Applicants: 0 Position Description:
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAR. 20, 2016
The GeoCorps participants will work with Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) scientists to (1) inventory and characterize springs and groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) on the western portion of the Medicine Bow- Routt National Forest (MBRNF); (2) instrument and collect seasonal data (water temperature and relative conductivity) on known springs and groundwater-dependent ecosystems at the Glacier Lakes Ecosystem Experiments Site (GLEES) and elsewhere on the MBRNF; (3) assist with collecting water samples and data on a semi-permanent snowfield (primary water source for West Glacier Lake); (4) assist with additional research and monitoring projects on the GLEES and MBRNF. The primary task for the GeoCorps participants will be to contribute to an ongoing inventory of GDEs on the MBRNF, a continuation of a project that was initiated in summer 2011. This includes data collection on flow, water chemistry, geologic setting, vegetation, soils characteristics (especially in well-developed peatlands) and indicators of past and present beaver activity.
The participant(s) will provide field data, field notes, and photos for each spring and wetland sampled. Field data are collected on standard forms; all field measurements and lab activities (filtration of water samples, calibration of pH meter) follow existing protocols. The participant(s) will also be responsible for entering the field data and notes into spreadsheets, and organizing field photos, thereby contributing the GDE database that will be delivered to resource managers on the MBRNF.
The participants will also assist with a pilot study investigating the source role of a permanent snow-field to the glacial lakes downslope, and several other ongoing research and monitoring projects.
Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
Our objectives are to (1) determine how springs and wetlands are distributed relative to slope, aspect, elevation, distance to streams, underlying geology, and snowpack distribution; (2) to characterize features of the springs and wetlands, including size, geomorphic features, hydrologic features (presence of channels, extent of standing water, flow), and wetland soil properties (depth, organic matter content, color); (3) monitor water temperature and seasonal flow at known springs throughout the field season; (4) collect preliminary data on the isotopic composition of ice, snow, and meltwater of the semi-permanent snowfield that drains to West Glacier Lake; (5) to track changes in the seasonal dimensions of the snowfield. The inventory data is contributing to research on ecosystem services, monitoring effects of climate change, and characterization of ground-water dependent ecosystems in the southern Rocky Mountains. The spring and wetland data will be incorporated into site and forest-level GIS databases. Other activities support basic research being conducted on aquatic resources at GLEES and throughout the MBRNF.
Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
The GeoCorps participants will be trained in data and sample collection and work with Forest Service researchers (riparian ecologist and physical scientist) and resource managers. Following training, RMRS scientists will meet with the GeoCorps participants to plan their weekly field work and map routes for site visits, and accompany them when possible. Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
The GeoCorps participants will be mentored in research methods and wetland and riparian ecology, but also be expected to apply their background knowledge of geology, hydrology, and/or physical sciences. The GeoCorps participants will also interact with resource specialists (hydrologists, botanist, and geologist) on the MBRNF, thereby learning and experiencing the challenges of multi-use management and resource conservation on public lands. Leadership Development:
Presenting Project Results:
Physical/Natural Environment:
The Glacier Lakes Ecosystem Experiments Site (GLEES) is located in the Snowy Range, south-eastern Wyoming, on the Medicine Bow National Forest. GLEES is an alpine/subalpine site with a short growing season (elevation: 3300-3500 meters) more of the site is above treeline, with more exposure and greater wind velocity and frequency. Climate varies strongly with elevation, with snow increasing and temperatures decreasing with elevation. The climate is cool and humid with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Average annual temperature is 0.5 °C, and frost can occur any month of the year. Nearly two-thirds of the precipitation falls as snow from October to May; annual precipitation at headquarters averages 1.2 m. During the field season, rainstorms (sometimes with hail and snow) are typical. Work Environment:
The participants will work (1) in the Glacier Lakes Ecosystem Experiments Site, located near Centennial, WY (approximately 50-70% of the time); and (2) at various locations throughout the Medicine Bow- Routt National Forest, CO and WY (approximately 30-50% of the time). This is a field position conducted in alpine and subalpine environments. The participant will need a good pair of hiking boots, rain gear, daypack, and back-pack for possible over-night hikes. Other field equipment will be provided. Some office work will be required to prepare for field work and to document all work; lab work will include preparation for water sample collection, some sample processing, and data entry (especially during rain-out days). Qualifications:
Applicants must be working toward, or already have, a degree in the hydrology or geosciences, including basic coursework in geology, soils, and hydrology. Advanced coursework in these fields will make the applicant competitive, as well as some additional coursework in basic ecology. Applicants should be able to work well in challenging field environments with limited supervision. This position will involve mostly outdoor work and require extensive hiking in remote, high elevation areas and on rough terrain. Work on the West Glacier Lake snowfield requires experience and skill in the use of an ice axe and crampons. The applicant should have strong map reading, orienteering, and GPS skills. A government vehicle will be provided and the participant will be required to take a Defensive Driving Course prior to operating a government vehicle. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and will be expected to provide a DMV report on their driving record in order to drive Forest Service vehicles. Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable):
no notes Position Dates:
June - Sept; 12 weeks; start/end dates flexible Position Duration: 12 weeks Hourly Wage: $4,848 (plus free housing) Housing Details:
Housing will be provided at no cost to the participant at Centennial Work Center, Centennial, WY. Housing is a dorm situation, with kitchen and bathroom facilities that are shared with other field staff. A private vehicle will be required in order to travel on personal 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
Kate Dwire
Research Riparian Ecologist
USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station 240 West Prospect Road
Fort Collins, CO 80526
 970-498-1016
 kadwire@fs.fed.us
 Website SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Dave Gloss
Hydrologist
Medicine Bow National ForestSouth Hwy 130, PO Box 249
Saratoga, WY 82331-0249
307-326-2510
dgloss@fs.fed.us
Website
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