GSA Online Application System

 

Public Land Name: BLM Canyon Country District Office (Moab) Position Title: Paleontology Assistant Agency: BLM Position Type: GeoCorps Position ID Number: 2018701 Location: Moab, UT Accepting Applications? # of current Applicants: 0 Position Description: Responsibilities include inventory and monitoring of fossil sites. The intern will learn the skills needed to record and monitor paleontological sites, which include writing site descriptions, describing the lithology, and identifying fossils in the field. 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 Permian to Late Cretaceous age rock outcroppings for fossil materials (with an emphasis on tracks and vertebrate fossils). Other duties will greatly vary, but can include giving guided hikes, participating in educational events and fossil excavations, and miscellaneous office work. 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 inventory existing paleontological localities for site condition, and monitoring at-risk sites as necessary. The intern might also lead guided tours for the public. The work will vary from day to day but its focus will be on paleontological inventory and monitoring. By completing these projects, the intern will gain valuable skills in fossil identification in the field, regional stratigraphy, excavation techniques, and education and outreach. Materials produced will include site documentation and reports related to the description provided above. This will include the creation of a locality database, and keeping both digital and paper records, and field notes about site quality and other pertinent details. The chosen participant will work independently under most circumstances, but will also work closely with the District Paleontologist to choose sites to inventory and for project guidance and instructions, staying in close communication to ensure the success of this project. Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.): The intern would be mentored by the District Paleontologist and mentor will provide support to the intern as they start to familiarize themselves with their responsibilities. Mentor and mentee will have weekly meetings initially on the progress of projects and internship, followed by bi-monthly meetings, once the mentee is trained. 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.): 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 trainings 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: The intern will learn how to develop and implement a plan for inventory and monitoring, and on occasion lead volunteers in these duties. The intern will, on occasion, be leading public tours and gaining valuable public speaking and leadership experience through these interactions. Intern may also be tasked with leading volunteer groups on projects throughout the district office. Presenting Project Results: N 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. Fieldwork will be done largely independently in office & occasionally in a remote backcountry setting. Qualifications: Applicant must be patient, detail oriented, and comfortable working in a diverse team environment. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing is necessary. The participant must be able to work well independently, both in the office and in the field with little supervision. Applicant should have or be working toward a degree in geology, environmental science, or other related field. Upper level undergraduate students (3rd to 4th year), 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. Experience with excel, word, photogrammetry techniques, and/or graphics programs will be useful. Previous experience in basic sedimentary geology is essential for this position. Experience working with dinosaurs or dinosaur tracks in particular, along with ArcGIS software is a plus. The intern should be familiar with GPS technologies and know how to use a basic GPS. Applicant must be able to read, use and navigate off maps, and hike in rugged, remote terrain for long duration's in a variety of weather and climatic conditions. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record, and know how to drive a four-wheel drive vehicle safely and in varied terrain. **A government security background clearance must be initiated 6 weeks prior to reporting for duty. The applicant will not be allowed to begin work until their security clearance has been completed and cleared.** Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable): Applicant is required to have a valid US Drivers License in good standing. A personal car will not be required for work. 4X4 or off-road driving experience is required. Position Dates: April-November 2018, flexible start/end dates Position Duration: 12 weeks minimum Hourly Wage: $11.00/hr Housing Details: Housing may be available for early applicants (before June 2018). Moab has no public transportation system. Personal vehicle or bike is recommended as available housing is 10 miles to the south of Moab. 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 Assistant Field Manager, Recreation 82 East Dogwood Moab, UT 84532  (435) 259-2110  jljones@blm.gov Website