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Public Land Name:
BLM Vernal Field Office

Position Title:
GIS Specialist, DHA-RAI Program

Agency: BLM

Position Type: DHA

Position ID Number:
2019821

Location:
Vernal, UT

Accepting Applications? No

# of current Applicants: 0

Position Description:
The BLM Vernal Field Office will be developing a process for inventorying and maintaining all of the signs they have installed out on the landscape. The end goal is to have a GIS database that will be used on tablets out in the field to record every sign out on the landscape. This database will have the capability to document proposed and damaged signs. The data collected in the field will be uploaded to an online database that can be accessed by the field office sign coordinator who will then come up with a phased plan of sign installation and repair. The data collection process is in place, but the data collection in the field has not been completed. Our team is looking for one intern to complete data collection for all, current signs within the field office and then provide a presentation to the BLM field office leadership team on how the process works.

Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
The end goal is to have a GIS database that will be used on tablets out in the field to record every sign out on the landscape. In the first week, the intern will become familiar with the field office resource area, vehicle checkout process, field safety expectations, GIS database and data collection, and focus areas for data collection. The project coordinator will orient the intern in the field to the areas they will focus for the project, and provide further training on sign data collection methods. The intern will gain experience going out into the field on their own, and they will become proficient with sign data collection methods. The intern will be responsible for collecting sign data at various locations such as the Book Cliffs, Nine Mile Canyon Road, Sand Wash Boat Ramp, Diamon Mountains, and the Clay Basin area, McCoy Flats Trail Complex, and the Red Mountain-Dry Fork Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA). The intern will complete the final editing and processing of database entries (add sign ID, make any edits to incorrect data, etc.) as well as final presentation to the Executive Leadership Team for the Vernal Field Office and Green River District.

Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
The project coordinator or designated alternate will be available to work with the intern for the full period of the internship. There will be training and orientation the 1.5 weeks. During weeks 3-10, the intern will be expected to check in at least twice a week in person with project lead to ensure project is on schedule. During week 11, the intern will sit down with project lead to discuss results, how to complete processing the data, and creating a presentation for the Executive Leadership Team.

The intern may also work with volunteers to assist with project, and interact with public land visitors out in the field.

Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
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 give a final presentation to the Executive Leadership Team for the Vernal Field Office and Green River District 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 at least one year of experience using GIS software, and building and managing file geodatabases. Candidates should be proficient using mobile tablets, and familiar with collecting data using the Collector Application. Candidates should be comfortable working alone and driving on 4WD roads. Applicants pursuing a degree program in geography, GIS, recreation planning 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