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Minerals Geohazards Assistant

Stewards Individual Placement Program
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GEOSCIENTISTS IN FORESTS PROGRAM

Stewards Individual Placements and the US Forest Service will host an Applicant Webinar for all interested candidates on Thursday, January 8 at 3 PM ET / 1 PM MT. Please register to attend or review the recording here: Geoscientists in Forests | Stewards Individual Placement Program

Position Title:  Minerals, Geohazards and Geologic Resources Assistant - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: 29 E Fremont Lake Rd, PO Box 220, Pinedale, WY82941

Application Timeline: Preference given to applicants that submit application by January 29, 2025

Terms of Service:

  • Start Date: July 6, 2026
  • End Date: September 25, 2026
  • Other start and end dates are possible
  • AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450 Hour Slot

GEOSCIENTISTS IN FORESTS PROGRAM:

The USDA Forest Service Washington Office Lands, Minerals and Geology (WO-LMG) in partnership with the Conservation Legacy is pleased to announce the 2026 Geoscientists in Forests (GSF) Program offering paid professional development opportunities to emerging geoscientists that leverage Agency capacity to conduct critical geologic service in alignment with the administration’s priorities (see Executive Orders and Secretarial Memos listed below).

The GSF Program specializes in individual placements that address geoscience-related needs and management priorities. The program is designed for individuals aged 18-30, and veterans up to age 35. Projects involve predominantly field-oriented research, inventory and monitoring, and geoscience interpretation for agency staff and the public. GSF programs support Forest Service responsibilities under Executive Orders on American energy (EOs 14154, 14156, 14241), Secretarial Memo 1078-005, and the Public Land Corps Act’s workforce development focus.   

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

  • Address critical geoscience needs on National Forest System lands;
  • Foster geoscience career growth to support mineral and energy development in alignment with the administration’s priorities;
  • Provide on-the-ground geoscience training and immersive paid developmental experience for emerging geoscience professionals under Forest Service mentorship

 

POSITION:

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 Minerals, Geohazards and Geologic Resources Assistant at the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Pinedale Ranger District.

 

This Minerals, Geohazards and Geologic Resources Assistant is an AmeriCorps position that will serve with a professional geologist and physical science technician to implement the U.S. Forest Service minerals and geology program on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The participant will assist with slope stability/geotechnical field inventory of proposed timber sales. They will also assist with natural gas operations inspections and "on-siting" any proposed new developments.

 

The primary goal for geologic resources is to identify and map caves, many of which are in an alpine environment. The participant will also help with other aspects of the program, such as monitoring glacial retreat and inventorying rock glaciers to understand the impacts of change in regional water resources.

The summer's data collection will be added to existing geodatabases. Geohazards inventory will inform timber sale contract terms and conditions. Minerals inspection information will be entered into BLM's AFMSS database and, where necessary, allow the geologist to pursue compliance actions.

Where applicable, caves will be nominated as significant under the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act and managed appropriately. The participant will create a project out of their work to present in a management meeting (Forest Supervisor and District Rangers), or other format (such as the local alternative high school program).

Description of Duties:

  • Examples of duties include: data entry, recording minerals inspections in USFS and BLM databases, making maps with ArcGIS Pro, drafting cave maps, surveying caves, hiking, backpacking, and driving 4x4 vehicles. 

 

Qualifications:

  • Most successful candidates are enrolled in, or have completed, a Bachelor's degree in Geosciences or related field
  • Experience with difficult outdoor work or recreation.
  • Self-motivation is required. We are here to help the participant succeed, but largely expect them to manage their own tasks based on the program's stategy.
  • Able to pass a federal background check for Forest Service credentialing and technology access.
  • Over 21 and possess a valid driver's license (or have had a valid driver’s license for 3 or more years) and a good driving record if needed to drive a government vehicle.
  • United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
  • Applicants must be between ages of 18-30 years old, or up to 35 for veteran, based on Public Land Corps Act of 1993 authorizing this AmeriCorps opportunity. 
  • 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.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Education in the physical sciences (especially geoscience), GIS and/or natural resource management.
  • Vertical caving experience.

 

Additional Position and Community Information

  • Projects takes place across the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) and is based out of the Pinedale Ranger District office. Pinedale, WY is about an hour and a half drive south of Jackson, WY. 
  • The Bridger-Teton is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest intact ecosystem in the lower 48 states.  The forest's 3.4 million acres stretch from the southern border of Yellowstone National Park, along Grand Teton National Park and the Jackson Hole valley,then south to include the Wyoming, Salt River and Wind River Ranges. The BTNF is characterized by high elevation coniferous forests, sage/grass steppes, mountain ranges and deep valleys, large expanses of wild lands, abundant wildlife, and internationally recognized scenic and natural features (including glaciers!).
  • This service occurs in polar opposite environments; equally weighted. 
    • Sedentary office computer work to plan, enter data, and report. 
    • Highly strenuous, multi-day field work with a heavy backpack over rough terrain in the backcountry dealing with whatever the weather and elements happen to be (rain, snow, heat, cold water, elevation 6,500-13,800 ft).
  • In our experience, some people are not physically and/or mentally capable of doing the harder field work.
  • The Town of Pinedale sits at an elevation of 7,200 feet at the base of the Wind River Range. Outdoor recreation opportunities from fishing to sailing to climbing abound in this rural community (town population about 2,000, Sublette County population about 10,000). Pinedale itself offers a rec center with pool and climbing wall, library, grocery store, several restaurants, and various fun events such as the Soundcheck Summer Music Series. 
  • The participant will learn geohazards, minerals, cave survey and glacier monitoring methodologies. They will also participate in mandatory trainings alongside Forest staff.  They will be encouraged to reach out to Forest staff outside of the Minerals & Geology Program because all of our USFS projects are interdisciplinary in nature. The participant will also be encouraged to attend B-T all employee meetings as well as Pinedale Ranger District meetings.

 

Housing Description:

 

  • Housing for the participant is provided at the Forest Service bunkhouse in Pinedale, WY (located about 1 mile from the Ranger District office). This is a house with two floors, separated by gender. Each floor has a bathroom and kitchen. Rooms are shared with two people each. There is WiFi internet on the site. 

Is a personal vehicle required: 

 

  • It will be important for the participant to have a personal vehicle. Pinedale has no public transportation.

Benefits: 

  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.35
  • Living Allowance of $600.00 per week.
  • Additional Benefit of $100.00 per week.
  • Student Loan forbearance if Eligible (administered by MyAmeriCorps, directly)
  • Interest Payments if Eligible (administered through MyAmeriCorps, directly)

How to Apply
Apply on-line at: https://stewardslegacy.org/open-positions.  In addition to your resume, please submit a one-page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position. 

 

 

Application Timeline: Position will close on January 29, 2025.

 

 

Supervisor Name and Contact Information:

  • Program Contact information: Sam Rush at srush@conservationlegacy.org
  • Service Site Contact information: Justin Snyder at justin.snyder@usda.gov

 

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

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

Additional Details

Our Commitment:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work 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. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Time Requirements:

  • 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.

 

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.