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: Geological Technician - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: 320 US Highway 285, Fairplay, Colorado 80440

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

Terms of Service:

• Start Date: 5/25/2026

• End Date: 8/14/2025

• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450 Hour Slot (12 Weeks)

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 Geological Technician at the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.

This Geological Technician is an AmeriCorps position that will help in all aspects of the geology and minerals program across the PSICC. While the scope of the geology and minerals program is varied across the forest, the participant will have 3 primary responsibilities:

1) Conduct field visits to Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) sites to develop site inventory for use in future reclamation projects, which minimize physical hazards to improve public safety at abandoned mines.

2) Collect, aggregate, and manage geospatial data using GIS for abandoned mine features across the forest.

3) Assist with other minerals and geology projects on the forest, including active mineral operation inspections and public outreach.

Description of Duties:

· The participant will assist the Forest Minerals and Geology team in an ongoing Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) inventory project. The goal of this project is to locate and record abandoned mines on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests. This project includes locating mine features, determining reclamation/remediation status of the mines, reviewing previous inventories, and addressing access logistics. The data collected will be used to determine appropriate closure and reclamation methods for the abandoned mines. This position will require a knowledge of GIS, a brief raining by U.S. Forest Service personnel, and may involve extensive field work that involves hiking or driving a 4x4 vehicle over rough terrain in all types of weather.

· The participant will conduct field visits to AML sites, using Esri’s Field Maps and other applications to collect geospatial data documenting abandoned mine features and site conditions. Participant will use maps to navigate by vehicle and foot to each site and record site characteristics such as feature type, dimensions, geologic makeup, hazard rating, and access route. This task will require long days in the field hiking over uneven and mountainous terrain and driving 4x4 vehicles.

· Additional duties may include using GIS applications including Esri’s ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, and ArcGIS Online to add to, maintain, and manage the GIS database using data and information collected from field visits.

· The participant will also learn the basic techniques for mineral exploration, including the principles of reclamation; and how to collect, manage, consolidate, and present data in a GIS database that is usable and easily understood. This position will require a brief training by USFS personnel to become familiar with the applicable regulations and the dynamics of mining that occur in this area.

Qualifications:

· Working toward at least a Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Geosciences, Environmental Science, Physical Sciences, or related fields.

· Excellent computer skills, good organizational skills, an interest and ability to work in remote locations

· Physical capability to work in rugged terrain, and ability to work independently with little supervision.

· Ability to use topographic maps and a compass or GPS for navigation.

· Many of the roads on the Forest have a natural or gravel surface, so 4x4 off-road driving experience, or willingness to learn, is necessary.

· 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:

· Course work in GIS.

· Field geology experience.

Additional Position and Community Information

· The Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands cover nearly 3 million acres, between the prairies of western Kansas and some of Colorado's highest mountain peaks along the Continental Divide. This landscape showcases a variety of ecosystems rich in history, geology, scenery, wildlife and recreation.

· This position will be based out of Fairplay, CO on the South Park Ranger District of the Pike National Forest. The 1,106,604 acres of Pike National Forest fall within Clear Creek, Teller, Park, Jefferson, Douglas and El Paso counties. The Pike National Forest was set aside as a Forest Reserve and later was designated a National Forest in 1906.

· The town of Fairplay is located in central Colorado (Park County), at an elevation of 9,953 feet. The county averages 9,000 feet in elevation and is home to the nation’s highest town, along with ranches, gold mines, and mountain passes; it is also host to more than 50 miles of Gold Medal trout streams, making it the official “Trout Fishing Capital of Colorado.” The town is surrounded by myriad recreation trails and 14,000 feet peaks, perfect for hikers, mountain bikers, and rock climbers of all abilities. North and west of South Park are the high peaks of the Mosquito Range and 10-Mile Range. Over 20 of the state’s 14-thousand-foot peaks (Fourteeners) are found on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests, some within a short drive of Fairplay: Mount Lincoln (14,291 ft), Mount Bross (14,178 ft), Mount Democrat (14,152 ft), and Mount Sherman (14,043 ft).

· Like many mountain towns in Colorado, Fairplay attracts residents who are drawn to the abundance of outdoor activities, stunning geologic formations, and the remote setting all surrounded by remnants of centuries of mining history.

· Fairplay is a town of 700 people at ~10,000ft elevation. Amenities include a grocery store, hardware store, rec center, and various restaurants, shops, and convenience stores. The nearby resort community of Breckenridge (23 miles away), rafting community of Buena Vista (37 miles away) and the larger cities of Denver and Colorado Springs (each approximately 85 miles away) offer expanded amenities including an international airport. Bus services are available within town and to surrounding cities.

· The participant will serve out of the South Park Ranger District located in Fairplay, Colorado. The position will include approximately 25-50% computer and 50-75% field work and will require assisting the PSICC geology team, with the option to work independently[LS1] in the field. Field work will require hiking several miles up and down hills on uneven terrain in high alpine weather (40°F to 90°F with afternoon monsoons).

· The participant will gain valuable field experience and learn about the fundamentals of mining activities, including mineral exploration techniques and principles of reclamation. The participant will also learn how to collect, manage, consolidate, and present data in a GIS database that is usable and easily understood. Additional learning experiences include safety practices for field work and technical report writing skills. This project provides a real-world opportunity to apply scientific knowledge of geology to mineral resource management.

Housing Description:

· Bunkhouse-style housing. 1-2 people/room and shared common areas, bathrooms and fully equipped kitchen. Pets are not allowed. Amenities include internet, TV, and free parking, and is located walking distance to town, the office and the woods.

Is a personal vehicle required:

· Personal vehicle is not required, but is recommended for convenience.

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.35
• Living Allowance of $600.00 per week.
• Additional Benefit of $100.00 per week.[GE2] [SJFC3]
• 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: Julie Spawn at julie.spawn@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.
• Position-specific training provided internally including GIS training opportunities.

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.