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Mining and Geology Program 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: Mining and Geology Program Assistant - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: 10845 Rancho Bernardo Rd, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92127

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

Terms of Service:

  • Start Date: 6/1/2026
  • End Date: 11/27/2026
  • AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 Hour Slot (26 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 projects 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 Mining and Geology Program Assistant at the Cleveland National Forest.

This Mining and Geology Program Assistant is an AmeriCorps position that will assist with Watershed, Soils, and Geology program management (with an emphasis on mining) and acquire knowledge of the natural resource specialist role working in land management.

The project goal is to introduce the participant to the role of a resource specialist working in land management, as well as to support the needs of the Watershed, Soils, and Geology program on the Cleveland National Forest (CNF). For tasks related to the participant's support of mining management, the goal is to conduct site visits of 30 mining operations and record the extent of operations and impacts. This information is used by CNF staff to prioritize land management actions. Secondly, the project aims to introduce the applicant to different types of land management projects and the role a FS specialist. For example, the participant will assist creating maps of and flagging resource protection buffers. Deliverables: Organized records (field notes, office documentation, photos, maps) of site visits. By the end of the project, the participant will have the opportunity to present project findings to the Forest Interdisciplinary team to help guide land management decisions.

 

Description of Duties:

  • Monitor and record mining activity, which involves conducting records review, map preparation, field visits and data collection, and data management;
  • Assess scope of existing mining operations, identify existing or potential resource impacts, and assist in interpreting geologic character and mineral potential of sites;
  • Use a variety of methods (ArcPro/AGOL, lidar, aerial photos, and field investigations) to determine access to field sites and changes in disturbance;
  • Conduct field inventories involving the following: photo documentation of the site, mapping and description of site features, and assessment of disturbance/activity.
  • May assist watershed staff in conducting Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem surveys (of springs and meadows) following known protocols, including use of mapping systems, collecting discharge and photos, describing site characteristics, and data management;
  • May provide field and office support for fuels reduction projects by reviewing reports, mapping buffers, and flagging riparian conservation areas for project implementation.

Qualifications:                                                                                                                                               

  • Knowledge of geologic (or geomorphic) principles and concepts
  • Basic understanding of AGOL or ArcGIS Pro
  • BS or BA degree in geology or similar major
  • Able to work well independently, both in the office and in the field with little supervision
  • Basic map reading and GPS orientation skills
  • Able to interpret aerial photos
  • Comfortable hiking cross-country in a rugged mountain environment alone
  • Computer skills in Excel Spreadsheet and database management
  • 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: 

  • Previous experience in field mapping and field investigations
  • Optional course work in hydrology, groundwater geology, geomorphology, and/or engineering geology

 

 

Additional Position and Community Information

  • The Cleveland National Forest, one of 18 National Forests in Region 5, is the southern most National Forest in California and extends from Corona, CA to within 5 miles of the Mexico border. It is divided into the Descanso, Palomar, and Trabuco Ranger Districts and is approximately 465,000 acres in size.
  • San Diego County has three distinctive geographic regions that are, from west to east: the low-lying Coastal Plain, the mountainous Peninsular Range, and the Desert Basin (Salton Trough). The majority of the project will occur within the Peninsular Range. The lower foothills are characterized by developed rolling to hilly uplands that contain frequent narrow, winding valleys. The upper elevations are dominated by steep mountains typically covered with granitic boulders and chaparral vegetation on the western slopes, evergreen and temperate forests at and near the top, and desert chaparral on the eastern slopes. The upper elevations are largely undeveloped mountain areas.
  • The project is based out of the Supervisor's Office, with most work taking place in the field (70% field, 30% office). Fieldwork would largely be done independently and may involve hiking in steep terrain, carrying equipment, and working in uncomfortable weather (ranging from very hot to very cold, windy, and rainy). Given the vegetation type, many field sites may not have shade. Office work is conducted in a shared office space.
  • San Diego is a large city nestled between the mountains, coast, desert, and border. Coastal towns have mild temperatures with inland areas experiencing a wider range of temperatures. There are picturesque beaches and mountains that offer many recreation opportunities year-round. A vibrant cultural scene offers a wide range of restaurants, cultural and community events/festivals, museums, theatres, and more. 
  • As San Diego is home to many colleges, universities, military, medical, and other facilities, there are ample housing options throughout the county. It should be noted, there is high cost of living for the area.
  • As San Diego is home to many colleges, universities, military, medical, and other facilities, there are ample housing options throughout the county. Workers have used social media, websites, and phone applications to find housing. As San Diego is very large, while a car is not absolutely necessary, travel without a vehicle can be a little difficult. There is public transportation.

 

Housing Description:

 

  • Housing is not available for this position.

 

Is a personal vehicle required:

 

  • While a car is not absolutely necessary, travel without a personal vehicle can be a little difficult. There is public transportation.

Benefits:

  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50
  • Living Allowance of $600.00 per week.
  • Additional Benefit of $290.00 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: Emily Fudge at emily.fudge@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.
  • This position will provide an opportunity for the member to hone field skills, refine AGOL and ArcPRO skills, gain confidence in the field, and showcase their ability to manage a project and project record. This includes a wide range of skills such as navigation, organization, time management, leadership, and technical skills (such as recording field observations, creating maps). At the end of the project, the individual will have the opportunity to present their findings to Forest Leadership. They will be introduced to the role of a FS specialist working for the Forest Service.

 

 

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.