GSA Online Application System

 

Public Land Name: Bridger-Teton National Forest Position Title: Alpine Cave Inventory Assistant (Apply by 20 Mar.) Agency: USFS Position Type: GeoCorps Position ID Number: 2023632 Location: Wyoming, Pinedale Accepting Applications? No # of current Applicants: 0 Position Description: 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 before the application deadline passes on March 20. 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. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, apply by March 20. 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 'ridge walking' karst landscapes likely to contain caves. It also involves office work like geodatabase management, map drafting and cave management plan writing. The balance of work includes about 50/50 office work and field work. The field work involves day/overnight trips to monitor known caves and two weeklong trips (ridge walking the karst plateau of Tosi Basin and continued mapping at a deep cave in the Salt River Range). The participant may also be involved in the wilderness glacier monitoring trip we do if they can stay through September. The participant would be directly supervised by a Physical Science Technician with higher level supervision from the Forest Geologist. 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 USDA Forest Service. The program encourages participants to follow the same guidance provided to all USDA Forest Service employees and partners, which is to follow CDC guidance and stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters that protect against the new and most prevalent variants. Goals, outcomes, and deliverables: Goal: Manage cave and karst resources, both for their protection and enjoyment by the public. Outcomes: Increase the USDA 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' elevation along the interface between the sagebrush sea and the lakes, forests, and alpine peaks of the Wind River Range. Jackson Hole is a 1.5-hour drive to the north. Work Environment: Both sedentary office work and very strenuous field work is required. About 50% of the work will take place in the field and 50% in the office. 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/learn GIS required (knowledge of ArcGIS PRO 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 pass a background check either with the host agency, GSA’s staffing partner Actalent, or both. Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable): Applicant must have a valid U.S. driver's license and a good driving record (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 2023. Flexibility possible (e.g., June-August) Position Duration: 13 weeks Hourly Wage: $15.00/hour Housing Details: The participant will live in a shared USDA Forest Service bunkhouse in Pinedale, Wyoming. The bunkhouse is located 0.7 miles from the office and grocery store and 1.2 miles from other amenities (restaurants, library and 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 Samantha Marks Physical Science Technician 29 E. Fremont Lake Road Pinedale, WY 82941  317 989 5479  stmarks97@gmail.com Website