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Public Land Name: BLM New Mexico State Office Position Title: GIS Assistant - Geology / Paleontology Agency: BLM Position Type: GeoCorps Position ID Number: 2017511 Location: Santa Fe, NM Accepting Applications? # of current Applicants: 0 Position Description: APPLY ASAP. Primary duties of the GeoCorps participant will be to assist the BLM New Mexico State Office (NMSO) Regional Paleontologist to update and/or create new GIS layers of the Potential Fossil Yield Classification (PFYC) for selected areas of New Mexico, Arizona, and California, with priority given to National Landscape Conservation System units. The PFYC is a five tiered system that is used as a management tool to assist BLM managers to determine which geologic units may contain paleontological resources and allow them to make science based decisions on how to best manage these resources. It is also used by contract paleontology firms to determine which areas will be surveyed and monitored before and during ground disturbing activities. The participant(s) will determine the extent and accuracy of existing PFYC data for New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Based on the results of this assessment a priority schedule will be developed to determine which areas an accurate PFYC would be a critical need. Preference will be given to areas where no PFYC has been developed, areas where the PFYC is inaccurate or developed at the 1:500,000 and areas that have shown a marked increase in land use activities that involve substantial ground disturbance. Ideally, the participant will digitize the most recently published 1:100,000 scale USGS geological maps of selected BLM administered areas in New Mexico, Arizona, and California. There will be instances where it may be appropriate to develop the PFYC on 1:24,000 scale USGS geological maps. Geologic formations exposed in each area will be researched to determine if paleontological resources have been identified from these areas and if present, what type of paleontology resources were found. This research will be conducted by reviewing existing scientific literature, by using existing GIS data that is part of the BLM’s paleontology locality database and some consulting with appropriate museums that retain BLM paleontological collections. This position is offered through the Geological Society of America's GeoCorps America Program in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management. There are 2 positions available under this description at this location during this season. To be considered for any of these positions, a candidate only needs to submit an application for this one. Goals, outcomes, and deliverables: The participant will write-up a report describing geologic units and paleontological resources that are known to be associated with each formation for selected areas in New Mexico, Arizona, and California. A GIS layer will be produced based on the most current geological maps available at the 1:100,000 scale as well as a second layer that will rate each geological formation on a scale of ‘1- 5’ relating to the likelihood that paleontological resources may be found in each formation. Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.): Participant will be mentored by the Regional Paleontologist and other BLM staff. Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.): Participant will receive basic training in first-aid/CPR, safety, and radio use. They will also receive an introduction to the regional geology and paleontology. Some projects may involve working directly with BLM staff on a joint effort, while other projects may only require occasional oversight. Leadership Development: x Presenting Project Results: Y Physical/Natural Environment: The BLM New Mexico State Office is located on the south end of Santa Fe, NM. The elevation of the Santa Fe area is about 7000 ft. The climate is mostly a dry desert environment with temperatures reaching the mid-90’s during the summer. Work Environment: Work is carried out in a normal office space, with adequate lighting, heating, ventilation, etc. Off-site work may be in an outdoor environment where climate, weather, and terrain require care in how the student works. The participant will work 40 hrs. /wk., with most weekends and holidays off. Santa Fe is a city of ~70,000 people and is ~70 miles north of Albuquerque, NM. Qualifications: Applicants should have general knowledge of the principles and techniques of reading topographic and geological maps. Extensive knowledge of Geographical Information System, specifically ArcMAP10 which is the current GIS program use by the BLM NMSO. Skill in oral communication. The successful applicant must be self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision after the initial training period. The applicant must be able to maneuver and operate in a mixture of office some field work, which can include long periods of sitting or walking on rough, uneven ground; bending, crouching, stooping, stretching; lifting and moving moderately heavy items. Applicant must be physically fit, able to stand for long periods of time and lift boxes that weigh up to 40 pounds. A government vehicle can be used for travel as they are available. The successful applicant may attend CPR and First Aid training (or provide certification if still current). 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): Personal vehicle is highly recommended for mobility, exploring the area, running errands, etc. Position Dates: Spring/summer 2020 Position Duration: 12 week minimum Hourly Wage: $10.85/hr (or higher) Housing Details: Housing is not provided. There are a number of rental units within and near the city of Santa Fe. 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 Phil Gensler Regional Paleontologist 301 Dinosaur Trail Santa Fe, NM 87502  (505) 954-2172  pgensler@blm.gov Website SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION Signa Larralde State Archaeologist 301 Dinosaur Trail Santa Fe, NM 87502  (505) 954-2179  slarrald@blm.gov Website