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Public Land Name: BLM Moab Field Office [STARTS AUG.; STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS] Position Title: Women in STEM Outreach Assistant Agency: BLM Position Type: GeoCorps Position ID Number: 2016420 Location: Moab, UT Accepting Applications? # of current Applicants: 0 Position Description: NEW POSITION; STARTS ASAP, PREFERABLY IN AUGUST 2016, SO PLEASE APPLY ASAP. This is an exciting new opportunity to help the BLM highlight the role of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Responsibilities include assisting with interpretive programs for the public in an exciting and spectacular environment, including guided walks, hikes, interpretive talks and school presentations on the paleontology and geology of the region. Participant will also assist with the Moab Festival of Science, National Fossil Day events and help develop a ‘Woman in STEM Career Day.’ Occasional monitoring of fossil sites and participating on fossil excavations will be required. The intern will learn the skills needed to record, monitor, and/or excavate paleontological sites. The participant will work closely with other interns and volunteers involved in projects and field research. A variety of administrative duties in support of resource management and research projects will also be required. The intern will also be encouraged to develop a research project using local fossils. 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 assist with the development and testing of educational materials for the public and K-12 school groups, to assist with guided tours for the public, 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, and associated activities. They will also develop and give a patio talk to the public at the Moab Information Center and three to six different guided hikes. The intern will also be encouraged to develop a research project using local fossils, to meet their own academic goals. 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 research building, education and outreach. Materials produced will include site specific activities, site documentation, reports related to the description provided above. The chosen participant will work closely with the District Paleontologist and fellow interns to create inspiring, accessible, and interactive materials that engage visitors with current regional paleontological discoveries. Projects may include creating new education and exhibit materials, engaging with the public through onsite tours, and writing exciting content that will interest visitors. Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.): The participant would be mentored by the District Paleontologist and mentor will provide support to the participant as they start to familiarize themselves with their responsibilities. Mentor and mentee will have weekly meetings on the progress of projects and internship. The mentor would also be someone to bounce program ideas off of, and help with the development of their programs. This person will consistently check in with the intern, show them around the area, answer any questions they have, and help make sure the intern’s needs are met. Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.): The participant will gain work experience and on-the-job training in paleontology, with an emphasis on field work and education and outreach. Training would include radio use, first aid/CPR, and safety. They would also receive an introduction to interpretation, regional geology, current research, and fossil identification. During the season they would also receive at-site safety briefings and training for job-specific projects. This intern would have to take on many different duties and responsibilities. The intern would gain or improve their public communication skills, teaching abilities, and confidence leading groups. Some projects may involve working directly with BLM staff on a joint effort, while other projects may only require occasional oversight. Leadership Development: Presenting Project Results: Physical/Natural Environment: The Canyon Country District is located in the southeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau. Outcrops are widespread & generally excellent & many classic geological features & global tourist destinations are nearby such as Arches & Canyonlands National Parks, & Deadhorse Point State Park. Work Environment: The participant will work out of the Moab Field Office. Supervision will be by the District Paleontologist. The work week will generally be Monday-Friday, with some weekend days required early in the season. Fieldwork will be done largely independently in office & occasionally in a remote backcountry setting. Qualifications: NEW POSITION; STARTS ASAP, PREFERABLY IN AUGUST 2016, SO PLEASE APPLY ASAP. Applicant should have a strong interest and some background in the topic of focus for this project: highlighting the role of women in science. Please include in your cover letter how this position can address your needs as a pre-professional or early career person in STEM, specifically paleontology. Applicant must be patient, detail oriented, and comfortable working in a diverse team environment. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing is necessary. Applicant should have or be working toward a degree in geology, environmental science, biology, or other related field. Undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates are welcome to apply. Geoscience faculty are also 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 as a career. Those who are beginning graduate or undergraduate thesis projects are especially encouraged to apply. Previous experience in basic sedimentary geology is essential for this position. Experience working with dinosaurs or dinosaur tracks in particular is a plus. 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. A government security background clearance must be completed prior to reporting for duty. Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable): x Position Dates: Starts in mid-August, but somewhat flexible Position Duration: 6 to 8 weeks Hourly Wage: $404/wk Housing Details: Housing may be available for early applicants. Moab has no public transportation system. Personal vehicle or bike is recommended as available housing is 10 miles to the south of Moab. In town housing could possibly be found by the participant, and would lessen the need for a personal vehicle. 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 Jennifer Jones Acting Supervisory Recreation Planner 82 East Dogwood Moab, UT 84532  (435) 259-2110  jljones@blm.gov Website