GSA Online Application System

 

 
 

Public Land Name:
BLM Bureau of Land Management

Position Title:
BLM DHA RA - Geology [Apply by 26 February 2018]

Agency: BLM

Position Type: GeoCorps

Position ID Number:
2018801

Location:
California, Colorado, Nevada and Wyoming

Accepting Applications?

# of current Applicants: 0

Position Description:

All eligible candidates are given equal consideration for these opportunities. The BLM's DHA-RA program is focused on full representation of women, individuals from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and other diverse schools. Participants from African American, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, and other underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

During the summer of 2018, the GSA GeoCorps America program will be recruiting multiple participants for rigorous geoscience opportunities through the BLM’s Direct Hire Authority for Resource Assistants program. These opportunities bring new and diverse viewpoints to the BLM while working on rigorous projects targeted for attracting, recruiting, and filling mission critical and hard-to-fill occupations. Participants in this program will gain hands on career experience in geoscience, gain experience contributing to real, needed projects, and grow their professional network.

The BLM is seeking 12 geology resource assistants for projects in California, Colorado, Nevada and Wyoming. These projects may focus on abandoned mine lands reclamation, surface water and other hydrologic resources, geothermal and oil and gas monitoring, minerals testing, and geologic hazards.

Please clearly specify which specialized area you are interested in at the beginning of your cover letter. Be sure to address why you are interested in participating in the BLM DHA-RA program, and your career interests and goals.

Individuals who successfully participate in these special opportunities may become eligible for noncompetitive hire into certain Department of Interior jobs, under the Direct Hire Authority. This is a fantastic opportunity for geoscientists who are highly interested in a career with the BLM and other Department of Interior agencies.

Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
Participants will produce materials based on the projects assigned to them. Examples of materials produced during BLM DHA-RA projects include maps and GIS data, NEPA documents, and geoscience based education curriculum. Each participant will be required to complete a bi-weekly activity report throughout the project, and submit completed final materials, including a final report and program evaluation, at the end of the project.

Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
BLM DHA-RA projects each involve a specific project plan, that outlines the work the participant will focus on. Project mentors will work with participants to guide their projects, introduce them to the work and mission of the BLM and other federal agencies, and broaden their network of professional contacts, all while giving the participant a high degree of autonomy over their work.

Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
BLM DHA-RA projects provide a challenging and meaningful experience to the participant. Participants will gain experience navigating a professional workforce, the opportunity to exhibit their technical skills and knowledge, apply these skills to current management challenges, and produce plans, data, and educational materials that will help direct the management of BLM properties. Participants will also have the opportunity to gain further training in technical skills related, and adjacent to, the field of their project.

Leadership Development:
Participants in this program will gain hands on career experience in geoscience, gain experience contributing to real, needed projects, and grow their professional network.

Presenting Project Results:
N

Physical/Natural Environment:
These projects will be field and office based.
Field work may involve:
• extensive hiking/walking or other outdoor activities
• rugged terrain
• high temperatures
• cold, wet or windy weather
• contact with local vegetation and wildlife.

Work Environment:
These projects will be field and office based. Office work will be indoors. The BLM will provide sufficient office space. Office work may involve extensive computer work—six or more hours of sitting per day.

Qualifications:

For the BLM DHA-RA program, preference will be given to undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled in a degree program. Applicants who have already completed a degree but are not currently enrolled in a new degree program may be considered, but only if their degree was received after January 1, 2018. In considering applicant degrees, the BLM only considers Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees. "Certificates" do not count.

All candidates should have the ability to work well independently and as part of a team, have excellent attention to detail, demonstrable problem solving skills, and effective written and oral communication skills.

Applicants interested in geology projects will need a strong background in geology, previous field or lab experience, and a combination of:
• Knowledge of minerals, stratigraphy, fossil formation/paleontology, hydrology and/or geothermal processes;
• Lab skills such as sampling, using a scanning electron microscope, and Xray diffraction;
• Experience with interpretation, public outreach or education;
• Database experience; and
• Experience with GIS and mapping.

Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable):

Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. A personal vehicle is required unless the project is located in the DC area, Alaska, or Hawaii.

Many GeoCorps projects are in remote locations, where a vehicle is required for transportation and access to amenities.

Position Dates:
4 June 2018 - 17 August 2018; dates firm

Position Duration: 11 wks, 40 hrs/wk; applicants must be able to complete 11 full wks

Hourly Wage: $15/hr

Housing Details:
Free, on-site agency housing is not available. Participants will use a portion of their wage to cover costs of a local rental. If desired, GSA and the agency can provide assistance in locating suitable housing. The selected participant is encouraged to discuss the housing situation with local agency staff.

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
Matthew Dawson
Education Programs Manager
3300 Penrose Pl
Boulder, CO 80301
 303-357-1025
 mdawson@geosociety.org
Website

SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Allison Kerns
Education and Outreach Assistant
3300 Penrose Pl
Boulder, CO 80301
 303-357-1097
 akerns@geosociety.org
Website