Geologist/Physical Science Assistant-AmeriCorps

GEOSCIENTISTS IN FORESTS PROGRAM

The USDA Forest Service Lands, Minerals and Geology (LMG) in partnership with the Conservation Legacy and the Geological Society of America (GSA) is pleased to announce the 2025 Geoscientists in Forests (GSF) Program —a new program— offering paid professional development opportunities to emerging geoscientists that leverage Agency capacity to conduct geologic work.

The Forest Service Geoscientists in Forests (GSF) specializes in opportunities that address geoscience related needs and management priorities. The projects will involve predominantly field-oriented research, inventory and monitoring, and geoscience interpretation for agency staff and the public. With the GSF assistance, the USDA Forest Service can accomplish essential geoscience projects that would otherwise be difficult to complete owing to lack of full-time staff geoscience specialists.

The primary purposes of the Geoscientists in Forests Program are to:

• Provide on-the-ground geoscience training and experience for the next generation of Forest Service geoscience stewards;
• Promote an immersive, paid developmental experience for emerging geoscience professionals under Forest Service mentorship;
• Address critical geoscience needs on National Forest System lands; and
• Promote career exploration and professional development for recent graduates with attention to underrepresented populations.

Position Title: Geologist/Physical Science Technician– GSF/AmeriCorps [2 Positions]

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Application Timeline: Preference given to applicants that submit application by January 31, 2025.

Terms of Service:

• Start Date: May 13th (flexible)
• End Date: September 6th (flexible)
• Position Length: 12 Week Position
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450 hour

Position Summary:

The Geoscientists in Forests Program is seeking geoscience professionals to address critical needs on National Forest System lands. Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards), a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with AmeriCorps service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. The USDA Forest Service - Lands, Minerals, and Geology in partnership with Stewards will host a Geologist/Physical Science Technician at the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.

The Geoscientists in Forests participant will assist in ongoing monitoring and inventory efforts related to the Mineral/Geology program administration across the Nez Perce - Clearwater National Forest.

The specific work is dependent on the participants interests; there is room to customize the project to meet the applicant’s interests and skill set. Currently, the Forest needs geotechnical assistance in monitoring and inventory mineral materials sites (rock quarries) to ensure compliance with mining plans and that currently developed sites are meeting Forest needs. Opportunities also exist to continue Abandoned Mine Land monitoring and inventorying efforts across the Forest. Work and projects can be designed to accommodate any level of field-going activities, from computer and office based GIS work with ArcPro and Survey123, to overnight remote monitoring.

Tasks associated with these projects could include photographing and documenting current mining activity, managing field data collection, accurate note taking of each site and recordation of GPS coordinates as required. There are also opportunities to help create and develop the Forest’s use of technology in monitoring, inventory, and/or digital data management using ArcPro, Survey 123, and FieldMaps.

Description of Duties:

Anticipated weekly schedule for the participant is flexible. In previous years, participants have worked extended hours such as 4 – 10 hour days, leaving long weekends to explore the surrounding area, however, 5 – 8 hour day schedule is also suitable. Generally, the first and last day of the work week are reserved for office work such as field planning and data management (downloading inspections and photos) at the end of the week. Field days can be long with an average drive time of 1.5-2 hours to many sites. Intialy, field work may be limited as the particiapant plans their project and determines what data collection is needed. Advanced planning and logistcs can make this more efficient and is a large part of the job.

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. Any support of the mineral material program would aid in the planning, development, and reclamation of mineral material sites across the Forest, which support all aspects of Forest use by both the public and in forest management.

The deliverables created through this project could include written summary reports and areal estimates of sites, updated AML GIS shapefile and associated maps, a short final report summarizing findings at the end of their internship.

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a Legal Permanent Resident.
• At least 18 years of old, and to be eligible for Public Lands Corps certificate, must finish project while age 30 or under or if a military veteran, finish project while age 35 or under.
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Able to pass a federal background.
• Possess a valid driver's license and a good driving record (if the GSF needs to drive a government vehicle during their position)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Applicants at a minimum must have completed at least 2 years toward an undergraduate degree in geology, hydrogeology, geotechnical engineering, earth/environmental sciences, or closely related field.
• 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 M.S. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are necessary while experience with ArcGIS and database management is ideal.
• Good organizational skills and time management skills are critical.
• For field-based projects, the 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.

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Additional Position and Community Information:

Over 10,000 years have passed since humans first inhabited the area known as the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The Forests' signature landscape of rolling and rugged mountains bounded by deep river canyons has provided the economic basis for generations of central Idaho inhabitants. From American Indian use over the millennia, the explorations of Lewis and Clark, fur trappers and traders in the early 1800s, gold seekers in the mid to late 19th century, early 20th century homesteaders and the Forest Service—the Forest hosts thousands of known historical sites.

From the dry, rugged canyons of the Salmon River to the moist cedar forests of the Selway drainage to the rolling uplands of the Palouse, the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests offers something for everyone. This vast, diverse area is managed to provide a variety of goods and services including breathtaking scenery, wilderness, wildlife, fisheries, timber harvest, livestock grazing, mining, pristine water quality and a wide array of recreation opportunities. The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is best known for its wild character. Nearly half of the forest is designated Wilderness. They also sport three rivers popular with thrill-seeking floaters—the Selway, the Lochsa and the Salmon.

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. It is lapped to the west by Columbia River Plateau, whose large basalt flows add to the diversity of the geology on the Forest. For more information on Idaho geology check out the Idaho State University’s ‘Digital Geology of Idaho’ https://www.isu.edu/digitalgeologyidaho/

The project will be based out of the Forest Supervisors Office in Kamiah, Idaho, with some of the work taking place in the field across the Forest. The selected individual will work closely with the Forest Service Minerals and Geology staff, but field work can be done independently 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 UTV’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.

For work in the office, the participant will be provided with a desk, and a computer equipped with relevant software for daily tasks.

Work will consist of field inspections and office work. 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.

Kamiah is within the Nez Perce Reservation. The Tribe holds events in Kamiah and welcomes non-tribal members’ participation at the majority of their events. History of the Nez Perce Tribe and Lewis and Clark’s Journey is a big draw for visitors to the area. The town’s population is approximately 1300; however, there are about twice that many residents in the surrounding area. The climate in the Kamiah valley is much milder than the surrounding prairies and mountains, with very little snow in winter, long autumns and early springs. Lots of sunshine in the summer and protected from harsh winds.

The area is known for its excellent outdoor recreational opportunities. The Clearwater River, the most productive salmon and steelhead watersheds in the Columbia River Basin, runs adjacent to Kamiah. To the south are the Salmon and Snake Rivers. Salmon and steelhead fishing is some of the best in the lower 48. The Forests’ rivers and streams, including Kelly Creek, Lochsa River, and Selway River, also provide nationally-renowned blue ribbon catch-and-release trout fishing opportunities for large westslope cutthroat trout. Whitewater rafting is popular on the rivers. Four wilderness areas offer opportunities to explore on foot or horseback: Hells Canyon, Gospel Hump, Frank Church River of No Return and Selway-Bitterroot. For those that favor motorized recreation, the Forest has a developed system of ATV trails that go into the backcountry.

Housing Description:

Government housing can be provided at minimal cost to the participant. Housing is available at a shared bunkhouse either in Kamiah or Kooskia, ID. Rooms are single to double and includes a kitchen (appliances and cooking wares), a bathroom with a shower, and a common area. Shared bathrooms may be available. Housing in Kamiah is located within walking distance (2-3 minutes) to the Supervisor’s Office (duty station) and within walking distance (5-10 minutes) to downtown and grocery stores. However, Kamiah is a small (1,200 people) community and transportation would be required to get to larger communities with additional resources.

Is a personal vehicle required: Yes

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.35
• Living Allowance of $600 per week.

Application Instructions:

Please submit resume and respond to all job-related questions. Positions will close on January 31st or when 75 applications are received. Applicants may apply for up to five open positions.

Application Timeline:

Positions open on December 1, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Position will close on January 31, 2025 or when 75 applications are received, whichever occurs first.

Supervisor Name and Contact Information:

Program Contact information: James Gasaway, jgasaway@conservationlegacy.org

Forest Service Contact information: Katherine Rhode, katherine.rhode@usda.gov

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. Where a significant portion of the population eligible to be served needs services or information in a language other than English, the recipient shall take reasonable steps to provide written material of the type ordinarily available to the public in appropriate languages.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with AmeriCorps requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Additional Details

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.

Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve 40 hours each week, but exact service schedules may vary.
• Lunch breaks will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
• Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.

Orientation and Training:

• Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• The selected individual will be working closely with Forest Service Minerals and Geology staff throughout the project. 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.
• 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.