GSA Online Application System

 

 
 

Public Land Name:
BLM Nevada State Office

Position Title:
Natural Resource Specialist, DHA-RAI Program

Agency: BLM

Position Type: DHA

Position ID Number:
2019813 and 2019814

Location:
Reno, NV (2 positions)

Accepting Applications? No

# of current Applicants: 0

Position Description:
The incumbent will be working with the HAZMAT and Abandon Mine Lands (AML) Program Leads and the AML physical inventory. Nevada leads the West in number of AML challenges to remediate. The Nevada BLM AML program has three components: historic physical safety hazards, historic watershed/chemical contamination sites (i.e. old mill sites or tailings impoundments), and modern mine and mill sites which have been abandoned or become bankrupt. Fortunately, Nevada also has a nationally-recognized collaboration among state agencies, other federal entities, conservation groups, academic scientists, the Nevada Mining Association, individual mines and equipment dealers, tribal entities, and others [description truncated]. The student will prepare maps, GPS data, shapefiles, itineraries, and prepare sampling equipment ahead of onsite visits for various AML/HAZMAT district projects. The student will then tour and process data/information gathered during onsite visits (i.e. create maps, and update project tracking files).

Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
In the first week, the student will attend a BLM orientation and acclimate to the office building, AML/HAZMAT programs, and their role & responsibilities. In following weeks, the student will learn about the AML program (i.e. closure types, the closure process and NEPA, interdisciplinary methods such as wildlife and cultural resource surveys, etc.) and complete an Abandoned Mine Site Cleanup Module (AMSCM) and database introduction. The student will learn about the HAZMAT program as it relates to the project (i.e. the CERCLA process, existing sites, and projected field work). The student will prepare maps, GPS data, shapefiles, itineraries, accommodations and prepare sampling equipment ahead of onsite visits for six AML/HAZMAT projects (Carson City, Tonopah, S. Nevada, Winnemucca, Battle Mountain, and Elko). The student will then tour and process data/information gathered during onsite visits (i.e. create maps, and update project tracking files). The candidate will present their final project to staff during the final week of the internship.

Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
The candidate will regularly report to and receive assignments from the Abandon Mine Lands and HAZMAT lead project coordinator(s), and mentorship from these staff members will be a key aspect of the candidate's experience. The candidate will also interact extensively with other staff within the BLM, Nevada Department of Environmental Protection, Nevada Division of Minerals, Department of Wildlife and State Office as well as other external customers.

Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
The candidate will be mentored by the Abandon Mine Lands and HAZMAT lead project coordinator(s). In the first week, the student will attend a BLM orientation and acclimate to the office building, AML/HAZMAT programs, and their role & responsibilities. In following weeks, the student will learn about the AML program (i.e. closure types, the closure process and NEPA, interdisciplinary methods such as wildlife and cultural resource surveys, etc.) and complete an Abandoned Mine Site Cleanup Module (AMSCM) and database introduction. The student will learn about the HAZMAT program as it relates to the project (i.e. the CERCLA process, existing sites, and projected field work).

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 their work to 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. Each intern will be assigned a cubicle to themselves.

Qualifications:
Qualified applicants will have knowledge of GIS, databases, mining, or other fields that are associated with Abandoned Mine Lands, wildlife, geology etc. Completion of GIS coursework is preferred. Applicants pursuing (or have very recently earned) a degree in environmental science, geology, geography, biology, physical Science, GIS, 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