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Public Land Name: Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands (PSICC) Position Title: CLOSED Geologist/GIS Technical Assistant (updated 3/16/22) Agency: USFS Position Type: GeoCorps Position ID Number: 2022612 Location: Elkhart, Kansas or Springfield, Colorado Accepting Applications? No # of current Applicants: 0 Position Description: GeoCorps America participants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Learn more. This project will accept applicants until 11:59 p.m. MST on Sunday 20 Feb. 2022. Each project can accept up to 100 applicants. GeoCorps applicants can apply for multiple projects per season. Applicants must complete a cover letter for each project for which they apply. 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 form. 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. 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 GeoCorps program participant will work in the leasable minerals program for the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands (PSICC) Grassland Units. The participant will assist the Forest Geologist and local field staff with the administration and compliance of federal and private mineral operations on the National Forest System lands. The participant will be involved with various mineral operations that include oil and gas exploration activities, material and leasable mineral exploration, development, and production activities associated with private and federal surface and mineral ownerships. The goal of this project is to verify the lease status and map locations of active and closed oil and gas leases on the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. This project includes field work related to oil, gas and mineral leasing, lease exploration, permitting, construction, drilling, reclamation, production, and seismic. This position will require a knowledge of ArcMap, training and mentoring by USDA Forest Service personnel, and may involve extensive field work that involves hiking or driving a 4x4 vehicle over rough terrain in all types of weather. The participant will be responsible for primary work functions, as well as supporting other minerals and natural resources staff. Primary responsibilities under the leasable mineral program will include: • Conducting inspections of exploration and mining operations, both small and large scale • Respond to public inquiries involving mineral leasing law, mineral ownership and operations • Assist with the reclamation bond process. Additional responsibilities may include, but not be limited to, the following: • Providing geology/mineral information for various educational opportunities that USFS provides in the area • Assisting with noncompliance investigations • Data entry (recording all data in appropriate log books or computer database)• Report writing • GIS • Use of Microsoft Office • Use of Agisoft Photo Scan and Global Mapper • Various training requirements • Administrative tasks. 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 USDA Forest Service. 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 into 2022, project timelines and structure will remain flexible. As such, it Goals, outcomes, and deliverables: The participant will produce a summary report and a presentable GIS map of current conditions for use in land management decision-making processes. Deliverables will include inspection documentation, maps, and the maintenance of a project list/log. Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.): Project mentors will work with the participant to guide their projects, introduce them to the work and mission of the USDA Forest Service and other federal agencies, and broaden their network of professional contacts, all while giving the participant a high degree of autonomy over their work. This training project will provide the participant with technical work experience, focusing on geoscience natural resources, ecosystem protection, management, and conservation as well as assisting Grassland Units with their geoscience program of work. Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.): The participant will learn the basic techniques for mineral exploration, including the principles of reclamation; and how to collect, manage, consolidate, and present data in a GIS database that is usable and easily understood. This position will require ongoing training by Forest Service personnel to become familiar with the applicable regulations and the dynamics of mining that occur in this area. For the participant's professional growth, site visits to active mining operations will be included. In addition, the mentor will outline objectives, priorities, and deadlines and provides guidance on dealing with unusually involved or one-of-a-kind situations. Employee will carry out most assignments independently and handle most problems according to established guidelines, instructions, and accepted practices. The mentor will be informed of potentially controversial situations. Specialized safety and minerals trainings will be provided by the Forest Service. Leadership Development: The participant will engage in rigorous projects that focus skills and reveal the work qualities of the individual. The project provides the opportunity for the participant to develop or apply personal responsibility in their work. The rigorous schedule of the project helps develop project management skills. The participant will also work with multiple stakeholders in their project, which will help them develop/demonstrate communication skills and experience navigating organizational hierarchies. Presenting Project Results: The participant may be asked to present the findings from their project to the Forest Geologist and PSICC leadership team near the conclusion of the position (format TBD). The participant is also encouraged to present their results at a GSA Annual Meeting or GSA Section Meeting. Physical/Natural Environment: The Cimarron National Grassland manages about 108,175 acres in Morton and Stevens counties of southwestern Kansas. The Comanche National Grassland includes over 440, 000 acres in southeastern Colorado. Work Environment: This is a casual work environment where employees typically carry out some field work related to their duties on a regular basis. The position will include approximately 50-60% office/remote work and 50-40% field work. Qualifications: • Ability and desire to work up to a year and not just the minimum 12 weeks. The training for this position can be intense and lengthy, so being able to work for a longer period of time is much more advantageous to all parties. • Applicants should have completed at least three years toward a degree in the geosciences, including at least one course in physical geology. Coursework in mineralogy, economic geology, petrology, and field geology are an asset. • The applicant must be able and willing to interact with visitors on a daily basis. • Applicant must have recent course work in GIS; experience with mining or oil and gas is preferred. • The participant must have good people skills, good organizational skills, excellent computer skills, an interest and ability to work physically-demanding situations in remote locations. Must be capable of working in rugged terrain with variable weather and conditions, and be able to work independently with little supervision. • The ability to use topographic maps and GPS for navigation is an asset. Participant will also be working with ArcGIS to create maps in ArcGIS and will use a GPS to navigate and record locations. • Many of the roads on the forest have a natural or gravel surface, so 4x4 off-road driving experience is necessary; manual transmission experience preferred. • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent legal resident (“Green Card holder”). Prior to starting this position, the participant will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and pass a background check with either the host agency, GSA’s staffing partner Aerotek, or both. Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable): Applicant must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and a good driving record. Many of the roads on the forest have a natural or gravel surface, so 4x4 off-road driving experience is necessary; manual transmission experience preferred. A personal vehicle is highly recommended for commuting and personal travel/errands. Position Dates: May 2022 - May 2023; start/end dates are flexible. Position Duration: 52 weeks Hourly Wage: $15.00/hour Housing Details: The participant will be responsible for finding their own housing. Additional living allowance may be provided by the Forest Service to help support housing costs. A private vehicle is highly recommended for personal travel. 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 Amy Titterington Geologist/AML Program Manager 320 Highway 285 Fairplay, CO 80440  (719) 836-2031  amy.j.titterington@usda.gov Website SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION John Linn District Ranger 27204 Hwy 287 Springfield, CO 81073  (620) 697-4139  john.linn@usda.gov Website