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Public Land Name: BLM Malheur Field Office Position Title: Geologist, DHA-RAI Program Agency: BLM Position Type: DHA Position ID Number: 2019811 Location: Vale, OR Accepting Applications? No # of current Applicants: 0 Position Description: Mining for gold, silver, copper, and the many other minerals found in eastern Oregon began in the late 1800's and continues today. Interns for the minerals program within the Vale District would provide needed support for active and abandoned minerals projects. The Vale District BLM offices process and inspect many small and large mining operations on public lands in eastern Oregon and parts of Washington and Nevada. Inspecting mine operations for compliance with relevant surface management laws and regulations is an important part of the BLM minerals program. Interns will learn what to look for while conducting inspections, how to prepare for fieldwork at mine sites, and how to complete inspection reports. The minerals group is expected to keep an up-to-date, spatial database that is easy to search and update. This database needs to be updated with various minerals datasets created by past geologists. Interns will work with minerals and GIS staff to make a database that follows GIS and state minerals program standards, and is easy to use. There are many abandoned mine land (AML) features in eastern Oregon. Often, these features have no known potentially responsible party and the BLM must find ways to reclaim open shafts, adits, and pits for public safety. Interns would help document AML features in the field and complete historical record searches to assist minerals and cultural resource staff in determining future actions for reclamation. Each intern will have an independent project centered on a need of the Vale minerals program, which will be based on the interest of the interns and workload of the geologists next summer. This project will be presented at the end of the summer to Vale District staff in the form of a ‘brown bag’ seminar. Goals, outcomes, and deliverables: The intern will conduct mine inspections with mineral specialists throughout the course of the position, and become familiar the minerals spatial database and BLM GIS structure. Intern will accompany contractors on bat surveys of abandoned mine land features throughout district, and become familiar with field tools. The intern will also become familiar the steps required to reclaim Abandoned Mine Land (AML) sites. The intern will develop and carry out an independent project over 11 weeks, and they will present their final project to Vale District staff during the final week of the internship. Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.): The interns will work closely with a project coordinator at the BLM Baker Office, and a project coordinator at the BLM Vale Office. The field office minerals staff often work together. The intern will work with other staff in the office, especially GIS and cultural resource staff. They will also meet mine operators and will be expected to participate in discussions on mine operations and reclamation objectives. Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.): The intern will complete Mine Safety and Health Administration 24-hour Surface Mine Safety Training. The intern will actively collaborate with mineral specialists when conducting mine inspections, and with contractors on bat surveys of abandoned mine land features. The DHA Resource Assistant Internship (DHA-RAI) Program at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a specialized internship opportunity within the Department of the Interior (DOI). The internships bring new and diverse viewpoints to the BLM while working on specific projects targeted for attracting, recruiting, and filling mission-critical and hard-to-fill occupations. The objective of the internship is to build a pathway towards employment in the DOI for highly-motivated students in higher education. DHA-RA interns who successfully complete the internship requirements will receive a two-year eligibility period (starting from their degree completion date) during which they can be non-competitively hired by the DOI. Successful completion of the internship does not guarantee that the participant will be hired into a federal position. For more information, please visit the BLM Direct Hire Program website. Leadership Development: The intern will participate in rigorous projects that focus skills and reveal the work qualities of the individual. The internship project provides the opportunity for the intern to develop or apply personal responsibility in their work. The rigorous schedule of the internship helps develop project management skills. The intern will also work with multiple stakeholders in their project, which will help the intern develop/demonstrate communication skills, and experience navigating organizational hierarchies. Presenting Project Results: The intern will present the findings from their project to BLM Vale District staff near the conclusion of the internship. Participant is also encouraged to present their results at a GSA Annual Meeting or GSA Section Meeting. Physical/Natural Environment: See the BLM office's website for more information. Work Environment: Office environment will have a workstation/desk/chairs, computer or laptop, printer, Internet access, and phone access. The intern may share a phone with other seasonal workers. The intern will be expected to work with other staff in the office. Qualifications: Qualified applicants will have completed basic college-level geology courses. Completion of GIS coursework is preferred. Applicants pursuing a degree program in geology, mining engineering or a related field are preferred. Candidates should demonstrate interest or experience in the following areas: Skill development Real-world problem solving Critical thinking skills Project management Communication skills Strong work ethic and independence Teamwork and collaboration In order to be eligible for a DHA-RA Internship, participants must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent legal resident (“green-card-holder”). The DHA-RA internship focuses on ensuring the full representation of women and participants from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) or other schools with diverse student populations, to include African Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders and Native Americans, Hispanics, Veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Applicants must be enrolled in, or recently graduated from an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree program at an accredited institution of higher education. Students enrolled in a graduate certificate program are not eligible to participate in DHA-RA Internships with the BLM. To qualify as a recent graduate, the student’s official graduation date cannot exceed six (6) months prior to June 3, 2019. Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required. Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable): Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. Please note many GeoCorps projects are in remote locations, where a vehicle is necessary or highly recommended for transportation and access to amenities (exceptions include the Washington D.C. area, Alaska, and Hawaii). Position Dates: 06/03/2019 to 08/16/2019; alternate start date must be pre-approved Position Duration: 11 weeks, 40 hours/week; applicants must be able to complete 11 full weeks Hourly Wage: $15.00/hour + $660 allowance for commuting expenses; participant also receives round-trip travel reimbursement up to $700. Housing Details: Free, on-site agency housing is generally 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 Lesley Petrie Education and Outreach Program Coordinator 3300 Penrose Place Boulder, CO 80301  (303) 357-1097  lpetrie@geosociety.org Website SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION Matthew Dawson Education Programs Manager 3300 Penrose Place Boulder, CO 80301  (303) 357-1025  mdawson@geosociety.org Website