Geocorps Assistant Geologist Position; Prescott National Forest

Position Description: The GeoCorps participant will assist the Prescott National Forest (PNF) geologists in their day-to-day duties of minerals and geology management on the forest. The main focus areas will be administering active Locatable/Mineral Material mining operations, abandoned mine lands (AML), and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) sites. The project duties will include both fieldwork and office work. The participant will collect GIS data for active mine, AML, and CERCLA sites. Site inspections will be conducted, followed by written reports. The participant will get experience on how to process and administer mining plans of operation and notices of intent (NOIs). Other tasks may include: photographing and documenting historic and present mining, Withdrawal Area Inspections, managing collected field data, detailed note taking, and field outings with other resource specialists. Some types of specific safety training will be delivered around: abandoned mine lands, active mining operations and mine hazards, wildlife, first aid, and motor vehicles. Field techniques that will be conveyed are: collecting GIS data using a Trimble or a smartphone/tablet; taking detailed field notes for inspections; taking the types of photographs needed for inspections; and how to spot a mine site (historic, active, inactive). Field work will involve some strenuous physical activity to sites that are not accessible by vehicle, such as hiking at high altitudes and in varying terrain, carrying a daypack, and working in uncomfortable weather (heat and rain) for several hours in a day. The participant will need a backpack, a sturdy pair of field boots, and other personal outdoor equipment. Safety goggles, steel toe shoes, and hard hats are typically provided by the mining operators if/when necessary. Potential hazards include: extreme weather conditions (heat stress, monsoonal rains), biohazards including rattlesnakes, and working at abandoned, active, and hazardous mine sites. Most of the field site areas have poor to no cell coverage. Vehicles are equipped with a Forest Service radio to communicate with dispatch (check-in & out). Forest staff will review with the participant a detailed job hazard analysis list prior to field work. 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: By the end of the project, the participant will have effectively participated in a ladder-like project, positioning them well towards participating in future seasonal or introductory employment in federal land management. The participant will know how to process a mining operating plan. The participant will understand the information needed for a minerals inspection and what to document. The participant will hone GIS skills to manage data and produce maps, have experience writing inspection reports, and will learn about the administration of abandoned mine lands (AML), and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) sites. They will gain a basic understanding of public lands and land status, and will be introduced to surface management implementing Forest Service regulations. The participant will gain an understanding of what Locatable and Mineral Material operations are and how they differ through Law, Regulations, and Policy. The work will contribute to the Prescott National Forest’s mineral database that is used for end of year reporting and accomplishments.

Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.): Oversight and guidance of the participant will be provided by a Prescott National Forest (PNF) Geologist as the primary advisor. The Assistant Geologist will get the opportunity to work with other resource areas to better understand the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and how it pertains to mining. There may be opportunities to meet claimants and discuss Plans of Operations or Notices of Intent (NOIs), and/or shadow Forest Service geologists in the field as they resolve management issues. The USFS will provide online training and in-person orientation for safety, facilities, use of government computers and vehicles, and task briefings before work begins. Relevant Laws and USFS regulations will be introduced (Mining Law of 1872, CERCLA, etc.). There will be opportunity to explore the geology and natural resource management of the Prescott National Forest.

Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.): The participant will primarily work with a PNF Geologist, who will provide mentorship and demonstrate project duties. The project mentor has great experience-based knowledge and mentoring will create opportunities for the participant to network and develop contacts for future opportunities. The participant can build upon ArcMap skills through learning more advanced applications of GIS or by utilizing the different types of data collecting tools and ArcGIS Online tool that are available. A strong GIS background added to their geology education will allow the participant to use their skills across different disciplines (wildlife, hydrology, archeology, fire, etc.). There are some online trainings on AgLearn (USDA’s Learning Management System) that can be used as an introduction to mining on forest lands. Additional online courses can be tailored dependent upon needs of the participant.

Leadership Development: The applicant will learn how to take initiative in completing work assignments, being engaged with their supervisor(s), asking questions for clarification and how to navigate and apply federal policy and regulations. There will be opportunity to learn how to prioritize work assignments, time management, discuss projects with staff and line officers, engage in workplace activities, and engage with a wide array of fellow employees.

Presenting Project Results: The participant can produce a poster for presentation outlining and describing the types of projects worked on, what was learned, and what it is like to be a geologist with the Forest Service. This will be presented to the Forest Leadership Team as well as to the rest of the forest employees. The participant will have permission to present this poster at conferences such as a GSA Annual Meeting or GSA Section Meeting (no funding available). This will provide experience in presenting/public speaking for future professional geology forums.

Physical/Natural Environment: Undulating hills of exposed Precambrian-age plutonic rock, Miocene-age flood basalt flows and Tertiary-age alluvial fill deposits within the valley floors and drainages. Extensive erosion has leveled the surrounding terrain leaving behind scarce, steep topography. Read more about Prescott's Granite Dells.

Work Environment: The project will be a mix of field and office work done independently, and with their supervising mentor. See project description for more details.

Qualifications: The minimum applicant requirements are: must be working towards a BS in geology or related field including some coursework in mineralogy, petrology, environmental science/geology, structural geology, and stratigraphy. Additional coursework, a BS degree, or progress towards an MS degree in geology, will make the applicant more competitive. The participant should be able to work well independently in the office and field, as well as be able to work in groups and communicate well with others. The participant should have basic map reading background, ArcGIS and GPS orientation skills, be comfortable hiking cross-country in different types of terrain, and be comfortable using spreadsheets for data collection. The applicant must commit to a full 12 weeks and must be able to begin work in early summer (~June). A valid U.S. driver's license and a good driving record are required. 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 with Aerotek, the program's staffing partner.

Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable): Applicant must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and a good driving record. Forest Service driver’s training will be required to operate a Forest Service vehicle. Experience operating four-wheel drive vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) in rough terrain is preferred. A USFS vehicle will be made available to the individual for work after successful completion of defensive driving training, provided by the Prescott National Forest. A personal vehicle is required for personal errands, for travel between housing and the work-site, and for exploring the area independently during time off. It is possible to find housing within walking distance of the work site, but there is limited transportation (Lyft, Uber, taxis).

Position Dates: 06/07/2021 - 08/27/2021; flexible start/end dates.

Position Duration: 12 weeks

Hourly Wage: $10.95 -$15.00/hour

Housing Details: Government housing is not available, so the participant will be responsible for finding their own housing. A higher-than-normal wage between $10.95-$15.00/hour will be provided to help cover some of the housing costs. The best local source for short-term housing options is Craigslist, fellow employees, and Facebook.

If you have questions about the application and selection process, please contact GSA's SIP or 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 SIP homepage or the GeoCorps homepage.

PRIMARY CONTACT INFORMATION Zakiya Shivji Geologist 344 S Cortez Street Prescott, AZ 86303 928-443-8000 [email protected] Website

SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION Frances Alvarado Geologist 344 S Cortez Street Prescott, AZ 86303 928-3010615 [email protected] Website