Park Break 2009: Geocorps Internship Opportunties

Park Break!
Spend Spring Break Learning in a National Park

Geocorps Summer Internship Opportunities
Park Break application deadline December 31, 2008
GeoCorps application deadline January 31, 2009

New for 2009, we are offering students in geology, hydrology, geomorphology, physical geography, glaciology, and other Earth sciences the opportunity to apply for a special program that links Park Break to summer-long paid internships through the GeoCorps America Program at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, Mount Rainier National Park, and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Co-sponsored by the National Park Service and the Geological Society of America, these paid internships build upon your Park Break experience by putting you to work on resource issues in a national park. It's a great way to kick-start your career!

HOW TO APPLY
You may choose to apply only for Park Break, or for both Park Break and the GeoCorps summer internship. If you want to apply for both, you must fill out two applications, one for each program. Note the different application deadlines.

• Apply for Park Break at http://www.georgewright.org/parkbreak2009_apply,html
• Apply for GeoCorps at: http://rock.geosociety.org/g_corps/2009/start.asp.

GEOCORPS INTERNSHIP POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Field Geologist / Education Specialist (2 positions)

Location:

Bushkill and Milford PA

Position Description:

The GeoCorps participant will work on studies of geologic resources within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Much of the work will support an ongoing study with the NJ Geological Survey involving characterizing the karst potential of the carbonate bedrock on the NJ side of the Park. Sinkholes, caves and springs will be located and recorded using GPS; this information input on the Park's GIS. This study also intends to provide information on the pathways and processes of water quantity changes in the carbonate rock formations. Downloading hydrologic measurements to a datalogger may be necessary. The participants will provide recommendations on how to preserve and protect the geologic features from human impacts. The participants will also provide support for an ongoing study of the groundwater resource with the USGS in Pennsylvania. Selected wells in the existing network are sampled for water-quality and quantity. These samples are shipped to a designated lab. Additional wells may be added to the network as needed. The GeoCorps participants will also work on a self-guided tour of geological features along a 40-mile section of the Delaware River within the Park recently designated as a water trail and as a National Recreation Trail. This guide will be used by visitors paddling or boating the river. Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required. This position is offered through the Geological Society of America's GeoCorps America Program in partnership with the National Park Service’s Geoscientists-in-the-Parks Program.

Qualifications:

Applicants must have at least an undergraduate degree in the geosciences. Applicants must have coursework related to karst topography, geologic history, geomorphology, and hydrogeology. Strong writing and graphic design skills are desired. The applicant should be able to work well independently, both in the office and in the field with little supervision. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license. Applicants must be able to swim and to paddle a canoe or kayak. GPS and GIS skills are required.

Position Dates:

May 18 - Aug 14; 12 weeks; start/end dates flexible

Payment:

$2750; housing provided

Housing Available:

The Park will provide housing at no cost to the participant. Private room in a Park-owned house with shared kitchen and bath. Laundry facilities may also be available. A personal vehicle is highly recommended. Cell phone reception may be poor or non-existent in most areas of the Park.

Physical/Natural Environment:

Delaware Water Gap is a 70,000 acre park located along 40 miles of the Middle Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. The Park is approximately 80 miles west of New York City and approximately 100 miles north of Philadelphia. Nearby towns are Stroudsburg PA, Milford PA, Newton NJ and Sparta NJ. All community services are available in Stroudsburg PA, Newton NJ and Port Jervis NY.

Work Environment:

The position will involve strenuous physical activity, hiking through forest and paddling the river in hot and humid weather. Temperatures average 80 degrees in the summer months. The participant will receive training on how to safely conduct fieldwork. Participants will work out of the Research and Resource Planning Division of the Park.

PRIMARY CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact Name: Patrick Lynch

Title: Chief, Research & Resource Planning Division

Street Address: 1 River Rd

City: Bushkill

State/Zip: PA, 18324

Phone: 570-426-2428

Email: patrick_lynch@nps.gov

Website: http://www.nps.gov/dewa/

SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact Name: DeNise Cooke-Bauer

Title: Senior Natural Resource Specialist

Street Address: 294 Old Milford Rd

City: Milford

State/Zip: PA, 18337

Phone: 570-296-6952 ext 16

Email: denise_cooke-bauer@nps.gov

Website: http://www.nps.gov/dewa/

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Geoscientist / Hydrologist

Location:

Mosca, CO

Position Description:

The GeoCorps participant’s responsibilities will include collecting groundwater, surface water, dune movement, and streambed deposition data. Due to a recent court decision, the National Park Service has secured a ground water right on the new park lands which were part of a park expansion occurring in 2000. This right is to be administered by continued monitoring of the existing monitoring wells, and as part of the new right; ten new wells will be drilled on the park boundary in order to monitor the ground water. The streams flowing either side of the dunes are also an important part of the hydrologic picture. The stream flows are measured by flumes; however, it is important to collect terminus of flow data showing the extent and duration of flow before infiltrating into the aquifer. The creeks bordering the dunes also play an important role in the “recycling” of sand by transporting sand from the dunes back to the valley floor to be blown back into the dunes. The work would include hiking on sand and mountain trails and driving a four-wheel drive vehicle. Instruments used will include: GPS, stream gauging equipment, transit, level, and m-scope (water level indicator). The participant would also assist in facilitating research projects with USGS, Smithsonian, and colleges and universities. Additionally, presenting geological-based interpretive programs or field trips may be possible. Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required. This position is offered through the Geological Society of America's GeoCorps America Program in partnership with the National Park Service’s Geoscientists-in-the-Parks Program.

Qualifications:

Applicants must have at least an undergraduate degree in geology, hydrology, physical geography, or a related field. The ability to hike steep and sandy terrain in varying weather conditions is required. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license.

Position Dates:

May - Sept; 12 weeks; start/end dates flexible

Payment:

$2750; housing provided

Housing Available:

The park will provide housing at no cost to the participant. Housing consists of private or semi-private room with shared kitchen, bath, and laundry facilities. A personal vehicle is recommended, but not necessary. Cell phone reception may be poor or non-existent in most areas of the park.

Physical/Natural Environment:

The Great Sand Dunes are the tallest dunes in North America. They are located in the San Luis Valley of Colorado at an elevation of 8,175 feet. The park is part of a fragile, dynamic system that influences and sustains the dunes. The dunes mass is a huge deposit of pure sand nestled against the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. The sand sheet surrounds the dunes mass and is stabilized by grasses and other low-growing plant life. The sabkha (sand deposit hardened by minerals) is located west of the sand sheet, and is cemented by minerals deposited seasonal wetlands. Stream born high in mountains recycle wind-blown sand back to and around the dunes. The mountains that make up the preserve create an impressive landscape with several peaks over 13,000 ft. in elevation. Over time, sand, wind, and water combine and join forces to shape the ever changing dunefield.

Work Environment:

The job involves considerable field work in wilderness terrain, walking over rough and uneven surfaces, and exposure to sun, wind, rain, snow, cold and other environmental hazards. The trails are steep or non-existent in many places. Office space is available and provides the essentials of an office work environment.

PRIMARY CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact Name: Andrew Valdez

Title: Park Geologist

Street Address: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

City: Mosca

State/Zip: CO, 81146

Phone: (719) 378-6362

Email: Andrew_Valdez@nps.gov

Website: http://www.nps.gov/grsa

SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact Name: Fred Bunch

Title: Resource Management Specialist

Street Address: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

City: Mosca

State/Zip: CO, 81146

Phone: (719) 378-6361

Email: Fred_Bunch@nps.gov

Website: http://www.nps.gov/grsa

Mount Rainier National Park

Geomorphologist

Location:

Ashford, WA

Position Description:

The GeoCorps participant will assist the Regional Geomorphologist in examining increasing geologic hazards at Mount Rainier National Park. Because of an excess of sediment, the park’s rivers are aggrading – that is, river beds are rising by as much as 6 feet a year. This means that for the same size storms, the flood potential is ever-increasing. Being older parks, many roads are located in valley bottoms, and subject to flooding and debris flow damage. For basic planning and safety, it is necessary for us to understand the rate of river bed rise, and attendant flood hazards. There is substantial evidence of increased debris flows associated with glacier melting and climate change. The participant will be involved in the following efforts to understand the causes and extent of river aggradation: (1) Precision surveying of river cross sections, to characterize recent aggradation; (2) “Forensic” geomorphology at the initiation sites of recent destructive debris flows, to identify triggering mechanisms (to help predict future debris flows); and, (3) Glacier mapping of terminus positions and stagnant ice.

Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required. This position is offered through the Geological Society of America's GeoCorps America Program in partnership with the National Park Service’s Geoscientists-in-the-Parks Program.

Qualifications:

Applicants must have at least an undergraduate degree in geomorphology, geology, geohydrology, glaciology or a related field. Ability to hike steep terrain in varying weather conditions is required. Glacier and river experience a plus. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license.

Position Dates:

May - Sept; 12 weeks; start/end dates flexible

Payment:

$2750; housing provided

Housing Available:

Park will provide housing at no cost to the participant. Private or semi-private room with shared kitchen, bath, and laundry facilities. Housing may be located either within the park at Longmire, or nine miles outside the park at Tahoma Woods. A personal vehicle is recommended, but not necessary. Cell phone reception may be poor or non-existent in most areas of the park.

Physical/Natural Environment:

Mount Rainier is an active volcano blanketed with more than a cubic mile of glacial ice and permanent snow. It presents significant hazards for the Puget Sound communities downstream, in the form of outburst floods, lahars, and debris flows. The processes that created and re-create this inspiring beauty continue today. The geologic story of Mount Rainier is the source of its striking scenery, diverse flora and fauna and life zones, weather patterns, and recreation. The mountain was set aside as a National Park in 1899 as an outstanding example of volcanic and alpine scenery and processes. The Nisqually Glacier is one of the longest-studied in North America. On November 6th and 7th of 2006, the park had a record-breaking rain event, causing massive flooding, a great deal of infrastructure damage, and debris flows. For more information, visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/mora.

Work Environment:

Involves considerable field work, in wilderness terrain, walking over rough and uneven surfaces, and exposure to sun, wind, rain, snow cold and other environmental hazards. The trails are steep or non-existant in many places. The offices are simple, but provide the essentials of a work environment. Cell phone reception may be poor or non-existent in most areas of the park.

PRIMARY CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact Name: Paul Kennard

Title: Region Geomorphologist

Street Address: Mt Rainier NP 55210 238th Ave East

City: Ashford

State/Zip: WA, 98304 -9751

Phone: 360-569-2211 x3394

Email: paul_kennard@nps.gov

Website: http://www.nps.gov/mora

SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact Name: Barbara Samora

Title: Biologist