GSA Online Application System

 

 
 

Public Land Name:
Bridger-Teton National Forest

Position Title:
CLOSED Alpine Cave Inventory Assistant

Agency: USFS

Position Type: GeoCorps

Position ID Number:
2021601

Location:
Wyoming, Pinedale

Accepting Applications? No

# of current Applicants: 0

Position Description:

Each project can now accept up to 150 applicants (Updated 1/21/2021).

For current applicants: You are considered a project applicant once you have successfully added the project to your profile while you are logged into your application. The added project would appear under “POSITIONS YOU HAVE ADDED” for the GeoCorps America Program. You are encouraged to add projects before you complete your application components. In order to be fully considered for any position, you must complete all application components before the application deadline passes on 3 February. Login to your GeoCorps application profile to check the status of your application components, and make sure to complete any remaining items before the deadline passes.

The participant will inventory caves on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. This includes field work such as monitoring known caves for visitor use, mapping new cave passages and 'ridgewalking' karst landscapes likely to contain caves. It also involves office work like geodatabase management, map drafting and cave management plan writing. Additionally, the participant will provide general support to the Minerals & Geology Program. The most exciting example of this is annual monitoring of two glaciers in the Wind River Range (geodetic survey, stream flow measurement, and repeat photography). This project is offered through the Geological Society of America's GeoCorps America Program, in partnership with the Minerals and Geology Management Program of the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

GSA and its partners are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and remain committed to providing enriching geoscience work experiences while maintaining the safety of project participants and mentors. Because the current COVID-19 pandemic is expected to continue well into 2021, project timelines and structure remain flexible and it may be necessary to postpone start dates, begin work remotely, or reformulate the project description. Should any development in the COVID-19 pandemic impact a project’s ability to proceed as planned, the GeoCorps team will work with the host site and project mentors to assess the situation and determine the best course of action at that time. GSA encourages candidates to apply for these opportunities, and we appreciate your flexibility and understanding during this time.

Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
Goal: Manage cave and karst resources, both for their protection and enjoyment by the public. Outcomes: Increase the U.S. Forest Service's understanding of caves and associated resources through inventory and monitoring. Deliverables: Updated geodatabase, cave map, cave management plan, and presentation.

Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
The participant will work directly with the Physical Science Technician in the Minerals & Geology Program. The Forest Geologist will provide additional oversight and guidance.

Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
The participant will learn best practices for cave surveying and map drafting techniques. The participant will have the opportunity to interact with experienced cavers who volunteer on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Depending on the participant's incoming qualifications, this work may count towards the five years of experience required for professional licensure (the Forest Geologist is a licensed Professional Geologist in Wyoming).

Leadership Development:
The participant is expected to play an active role in creating a project out of the Bridger-Teton's ongoing cave work.

Presenting Project Results:
The participant will present the summer's cave inventory and monitoring results to the Forest Geologist and interested staff. This may occur in a setting such as a "Forest Leadership Team" meeting, which the Forest Supervisor attends. The format will be of the participant's choosing (e.g. PowerPoint, poster, etc.). A report will accompany the presentation. The participant is also encouraged to present their work products and results at a GSA Annual Meeting or GSA Section Meeting.

Physical/Natural Environment:
Pinedale, Wyoming is a rural town of about 2,000 people with amenities beyond what its size would suggest. It is located at 7,000 feet elevation, along the interface between the sagebrush sea and the lakes, forests, and alpine peaks of the Wind River Range. Jackson Hole is 77 miles to the north.

Work Environment:
Both sedentary office work and very strenuous field work is required.

Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in physical science (e.g. geology, hydrology) or natural resources management preferred. Ability to backpack off-trail in the mountains for multiple days required. Ability to use GIS required (knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS preferred). The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder). Prior to starting this project, the participant must be able to pass a federal background check and an employment background check from Aerotek, our program's staffing partner.

Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable):
A valid U.S. driver's license is required (a government vehicle will be used while at work). A personal vehicle is strongly recommended. While the office, grocery store, and town amenities are walking/biking distance from the bunkhouse, a vehicle is needed to take full-advantage of the area's recreational opportunities.

Position Dates:
July-September 2021. Flexibility possible (e.g. June-August)

Position Duration: 12 weeks

Hourly Wage: Approximately $10.95/hour

Housing Details:
The participant will live in a shared U.S. Forest Service bunkhouse in Pinedale, Wyoming. The bunkhouse is located 0.7 miles from the office and grocery store and 1.2 miles from amenities (restaurants, library, rec center).

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
Justin Snyder
Forest Geologist
29 E. Fremont Lake Road
Pinedale, WY 82941
 406 260 0384
 justin.snyder@usda.gov
Website

SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Robin Thomas
Physical Science Technician
29 E. Fremont Lake Road
Pinedale, WY 82941
 307 367 5700
 robin.thomas@usda.gov
Website