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APPLY NOW   Public Land Name: Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Kamiah Supervisor’s Office (Region 1) Position Title: CLOSED Assisting Geologist/Physical Science Technician Agency: USFS Position Type: GeoCorps Position ID Number: 2024614 Location: Kamiah, Idaho Accepting Applications? No # of current Applicants: 66 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 28 January. 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 participant will assist in ongoing monitoring and mitigation efforts related to the Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) program across the Nez Perce - Clearwater National Forest. The participant will have the opportunity to do field work in semi-remote and scenic regions within northeastern Idaho. They will work alongside minerals staff inventorying and monitoring AML sites, along with conducting site visits and field inspections. Other tasks could include photographing and documenting current mining activity, managing field data collection, accurate note taking of each site and recordation of GPS coordinates of mine features. Additionally, they may assist during mineral extraction projects throughout the active dredging and placer mining season. The project will be based out of the Kamiah Forest Supervisors Office, with some of the work taking place in the field. The selected individual will work closely with the Forest Service Minerals and Geology staff, but field work can be done independently and in a backcountry setting after a time where the participant feels confident to work alone. Field work will involve strenuous physical activity, such as hiking in steep terrain, inspecting mining activity in rivers, carrying a loaded day pack, and/ or working in uncomfortable weather conditions (from hot to rainy) for long field days. Potential hazards include inclement weather, confrontation with animals, riding ATV’s, and safety hazards at active or abandoned mine sites. A safety briefing and protective equipment will be provided. Most areas on the Forest have poor to no cell coverage; the participant will be trained and supplied with a Forest Service radio for communication and check in /out procedures. Overnight camping is a possibility if the participant is comfortable with rustic conditions. 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. Commitment to Inclusion: The Forest Service is striving to become a multicultural organization that reflects the demographics of the communities we serve. The goal is to create a work environment where everyone is respected and accepted. Diversity of thought is key to the ability of successful organizations to respond to changing circumstances, and it stems from hiring people from various backgrounds. We are absolutely committed to treating everyone fairly and with respect, giving everyone in our workforce the opportunity to contribute and succeed. USDA is committed to an inclusive workplace environment where individuals with disabilities can quickly and easily request and obtain reasonable accommodation and personal assistance services. Additional information on reasonable accommodations can be found at: https://www.usda.gov/ra. While the focus of this project is intended to be a field going project, the direction of the project is flexible and can be adjusted to meet the needs of the selected candidate. Goals, outcomes, and deliverables: Organization of current historical records, with scanning and electronic records gathered as needed. Written summary reports and areal estimates of each site, updated AML GIS shapefile and associated maps, and a short final report summarizing their findings at the end of their internship with the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests’ minerals program. Data gathered by the participant will be used in a larger report to inform Forest leadership of the broad scope of minerals activities. The information gathered will help develop effective mitigation measures, potential hazards, and advise changes to the decision-making process regarding site reclamation needs. Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.): The Forest will provide the selected individual with an overall forest and facility orientation, project briefing, and safety session before work begins. A Forest Service vehicle will be available to the individual for work after successful completion of defensive driving training, which will also be provided by the unit. A workstation will be designated for the selected individual within the Minerals Administration group. There will be opportunities to work with other resource staff on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests (e.g., Hydrologists, Fisheries Biologists, GIS technicians, etc.). The participant will work with a broad range of natural resource management/research professionals from other resource management/research partners from the Environmental Protection Agency, National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game, Idaho Dept. of Water Resources, and Idaho Dept. of Environmental Quality. Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.): The selected individual will be working closely with Forest Service Minerals and Geology staff throughout the project. They will be exposed to the work of other resource professionals within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and receive an introduction to what working for the USFS encompasses. The knowledge and experience, along with other staff and stakeholders involved in the project, will serve as a considerable knowledge base for the participant. It will also serve as a great opportunity to network and develop professional contacts within the USDA. Training may include CPR/First Air, defensive driving, and GIS data stewardship. Additional training may be made available to land management laws such as National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Historic Preservation Act, or the Endangered Species Act. These skills are applicable toward many natural resource related professions in a wide variety of federal and state agencies along with private institutions. Leadership Development: The selected individual will be working closely with Forest Service Minerals and Geology staff throughout the project. The participant will be exposed to the work of other resource professionals within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and receive an introduction to what working for the USFS encompasses. The knowledge and experience, along with other staff and stakeholders involved in the project, will serve as a great knowledge base for the participant. It will also serve as a great opportunity to network and develop professional contacts within the USDA. Training may include CPR/First Aid, defensive driving, and GIS data stewardship. Additional training may be made available to pertinent land management laws such as National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Historic Preservation Act or the Endangered Species Act. These skills are applicable toward many natural resource related professions in a wide variety of federal and state agencies along with private institutions in the United States and abroad. Presenting Project Results: Findings, data generated, and any maps produced will be presented to the Minerals staff in our local resource group near the conclusion of the position. However, the participant may be asked to reflect on and share their experiences and work products from their project with additional agency staff, such as District Rangers and other resources. The participant is also encouraged to present their work products and results at a conference, i.e., GSA Connects Annual Meeting or GSA Section Meeting. Physical/Natural Environment: The landscape ranges from wide river valleys, to prairies, and rugged mountainous terrain. The Forest sits within the furthest north parts of the Cretaceous granites and granodiorites of the Idaho batholith and contains large swaths of metasedimentary rocks of the Belt Supergroup. Work Environment: Work will consist of field inspections (60-70%) and office work (40-30%). Field work will involve physical activity (hiking in steep terrain and working in uncomfortable weather conditions). The participant will be provided with a desk, and a computer equipped with relevant software for daily tasks Qualifications: Applicants at a minimum must have completed at least two years towards an undergraduate degree in geology, hydrogeology, geosciences, or earth sciences. Ideally the applicant will have completed a bachelors or at least have completed courses in field geology, geomorphology, stratigraphy, structural geology, and mineralogy. Previous research, field, and writing experience is desirable. The applicant must be willing to work well with others and be professional in the work environment, both in the office and in the field. Computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are necessary while experience with ArcGIS and database management is ideal. Good organizational skills and time management skills are critical. Applicant should have basic orientation skills, knowledge of GPS technology, and must be comfortable hiking in steep cross-country terrain or conducting work in stream channels with fast moving water. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. legal permanent resident (Green Card holder). Applicants must have a valid driver's license from a U.S. state or U.S. territory (i.e., Puerto Rico) and a good driving record. Prior to starting this position, the participant will need to pass a background check either with the host agency, GSA’s staffing partner, or both. Applicants must be eligible to participate in Public Lands Corps, which means applicants must also: Be between 18-30 years old inclusive during the timeframe they would finish the project (military veterans are permitted to be up to 35 years old during participation) Have a high school diploma or GED Compliance with Public Lands Corps eligibility requirements is defined by the legislation supporting Public Lands Corps opportunities (16 U.S. Code § 1723 - Public Lands Corps program). Read more about the benefits and requirements of participating in Public Lands Corps with the USDA Forest Service. Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable): Applicants must have a valid driver's license from a U.S. state or U.S. territory (i.e., Puerto Rico) and a good driving record. A personal vehicle would be required, for personal errands, for travel between housing and the worksite, and for exploring the area independently during time off. Experience operating four-wheel-drive vehicles and All-Terrain-Vehicles (ATVs) in rough terrain is desirable but not required. Position Dates: 3 June – 23 August, 2024 (with some flexibility on start/end dates) Position Duration: 12 weeks (with possible option to extend to 16-20 weeks total depending on funding) Hourly Wage: $15.00/hour Housing Details: Govt. housing will be provided, at no cost to the participant. Housing will be a shared bunkhouse either in Kamiah or Kooskia, ID. Rooms are single to double and space includes a kitchen (appliances and cooking wares), a bathroom with a shower, and a common area. Shared bathrooms may be available. 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 Katie Rhode Minerals Program Manager 1008 Hwy 64 Kamiah, ID 83536  (208) 935-4262  katherine.rhode@usda.gov Website SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION Marty Jones Geologist—Minerals Administrator 1008 Hwy 64 Kamiah, ID 83536  (208) 935-4272  martin.jones@usda.gov Website