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: Karst Resource Technician - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: 1312 Federal Way, Thorne Bay, Alaska 99919

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

Terms of Service:

• Start Date: 5/25/2026

• End Date: 8/14/2026

• 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 work 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 Karst Resource Technician at the Tongass National Forest, Thorne Bay Ranger District.

This Karst Resource Technician is an AmeriCorps position that will assist the Geologist in cave and karst inventory associated with proposed timber sale activities. Participants will have the opportunity to support the Geologist with additional geologic mapping and cave/karst research projects. This project requires long hours in the field hiking over rough terrain in all types of weather, boating, flying in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, and operation of quad runners once specialized training is completed. Office tasks include entering field reconnaissance into GIS, completion of field reports summarizing field notes, and input of significant caves into NRM. The applicant will have opportunities to serve with other resource specialists assisting with fish and wildlife monitoring, soils inventory, forestry, archaeology, etc. The individual will serve under the supervision of the Geologist.

The goal is to learn about cave and karst management on the Tongass. Field inventories will assist with large scale timber projects and will provide the opportunity to serve on an active management project.

Description of Duties:

· Assist with cave and karst inventory in front county and back county areas

· Identify and mark vulnerable karst features in the forest

· Take detailed notes on karst areas to assist with karst vulnerability assessments

· Write significant cave nomination forms

· Upload and maintain field data in ArcGIS Pro

· Assist other resource crews (fisheries, wildlife, forestry, archeology) when needed

Qualifications:

· Able to bushwhack long distances through forest vegetation in areas with no trails

· Able to read basic topographic and geologic maps as well as able to navigate in the field.

· 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.

· 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Familiarity with cave and karst resources, with relevant experience and/or education

· Coursework in the fields of geology, hydrology, ecology, archaeology, or natural resources conservation

· Experience in off-grid, remote, or backcountry environments

Additional Position and Community Information

· Thorne Bay Ranger District is located on Prince of Wales Island. The island is remote, the area is rugged and mountainous, with access to pristine coastline. In the temperate rainforest, summer temperatures rarely exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit and rain is frequent. The local geology is generally characterized by recently-glaciated, paleozoic, sedimentary rocks including the Heceta Limestone.

· This project requires long hours in the field hiking over rough terrain, dense vegetation, and in all types of weather. Much of the service will require living in remote camps or camping. Office space will be provided for field data analysis.

· The office and housing quarters are located in Thorne Bay. Thorne Bay is a small town of ~500 people. The entire town is walkable and consists of a gas station/post office, library (free wifi), and small grocery store. There are over 1500 miles of road on the island, so bringing a personal vehicle allows for more freedom to explore during off time (not required).

· Participant will become knowledgeable through experience and training by the Thorne Bay Geology office in cave and karst resources as well as forest resources. The participant will gain a thorough understanding of karst development on the Tongass and how it is managed by the Forest Service.

Housing Description:

· Free onsite housing is provided by the USFS at no cost to the participant. Housing will be provided at Thorne Bay Ranger District Bunkhouse.

· Bunkhouse rooms are provided; rooms may be shared with one other person. Bunkhouse has a full kitchen, shower, laundry, and common living room area. Bunkhouse is located approximately one mile from the grocery store, ¼ mile from the convenience store/post office, and ½ mile from the library.

Is a personal vehicle required:

· Suggested, but not required

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.35
• Living Allowance of $[600] per week.
• Additional Benefit of $[100] per week.
• Relocation Allowance of $1,200.00
• Childcare Coverage if Eligible
• 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: Anna Harris at anna.harris1@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.
• On the job training for karst feature identification and vulnerability assessments
• CPR, First Aid Training

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