Job openings: internships, summer field work and even a few "real" jobs

For all those students and recent graduates who are going to be looking for work this summer, now is the time to start paying attention (there are even a few "real" jobs showing up). Jobs and internships have started to be advertised and are often popping up until around February/March, so keep your eyes peeled. Check the SVP jobs page for updates as well.

Here are a few that are currently open:

2012 GeoCorp Positions (applications due by February 1, 2012) -

• Badlands National Park (Interior, SD):  Field Paleontologist
• Badlands National Park (Interior, SD): Quarry Paleontologist
• Dinosaur National Monument (Jensen, UT): Field Paleontologist (2 Positions)
• Dinosaur National Monument (Jensen, UT): Information Technology / Paleontologist
• Great Basin National Park (Baker, NV): Field Paleontologist (2 Positions)
• Bryce Canyon National Park (Bryce Canyon, UT): Field Paleontologist / Geomorphologist / Geologist 
• Wind Cave National Park (Hot Springs, SD): Field Paleontologist / Preparator / Curator
• John Day Fossil Beds National Monument (Kimberly, OR): Geologist / Paleontologist
• John Day Fossil Beds National Monument (Kimberly, OR): Geologist / Paleontologist [Guest Scientist] *
• Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim, AZ): Paleontologist
• Denali National Park and Preserve (AK): Paleontologist / GIS Technician (2 positions)
• Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (Florissant, CO): Paleontology / Museum Intern (2 Positions)
• Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (Florissant, CO): Paleontology Intern [Diversity Internship] **
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Salt Flat, TX): Paleontology Technician 
• Fossil Butte National Monument (Kemmerer, WY): Public Education Geology / Paleontology (2 Positions)
• Fossil Butte National Monument (Kemmerer, WY): Paleontology Museum Technician [Diversity Internship] **
• White Sands National Monument (Alamogordo, NM): Field Paleontologist [Diversity Internship] **

Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona currently has a position open for a GS-7 Physical Science Technician. This is a full-time seasonal position that will start in May of 2012 and continuing through August of 2012 (dates are flexible for students). This position will be the lead for a field based program working in exposures of the Upper Triassic Chinle Formation, including intensive prospecting as well as excavation of vertebrate fossils from existing quarries.  As the lead this person will oversee all aspects of field work including daily supervision of student interns. This position will work closely with the Park Paleontologist to successfully carryout and document this work. Interested applicants should have experience in the collection of vertebrate fossils, especially successful construction and removal of field jackets as well as the willingness/ability to supervise this type of work. This is a U. S. federal government position open to all U.S. citizens. The incumbent must possess a valid U. S. drivers license. This job also requires the successful completion of a background check as currently required for all U. S. Federal positions.

For more information and to apply please see the current job announcement at www.usajobs.gov
(http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/303892400). Please review all details especially the section on "How to Apply".

The position will close on December 9, 2011.


The Wyoming Dinosaur Center 

The Wyoming Dinosaur Center is looking for undergraduate and graduate students interested in paleontology, biology, geology and education to help with summer programs. Responsibilities will include excavation of dinosaur quarries, tours, cleaning fossils in the prep lab, assist in the molding and casting lab, and participation in the Dig-for-a-Day and Kids Dig programs. No paleontology field experience is necessary but preferred. Preference will also be given to those with an interest in Morrison Fm. fauna and associated paleoenvironments in the Big Horn Basin. Housing is provided. Valid drivers license is required. Training will begin May 24th, please send resume. For more information contact Angie Guyon at angie@wyodino.org


"REAL" JOB ALERTS: 

1. GS-7 Museum Technician (Fossil Preparator, permanent full time), Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument: Primary duties will be preparation of Pliocene-aged mammals from the Hagerman Horse Quarry. This position closes December 9th and can be found on USAJOBS.
2. Assistant or Associate Professor in Paleontology, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology -  The Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology invites applications for a nine-month tenure track position in paleontology at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. The successful applicant should have a robust background in analytical paleontology, such as geochemical applications in paleontology, and will teach courses and advise student research at the undergraduate and graduate level. He or she is expected to develop an externally funded research program that complements current departmental research strengths. The department offers BS, MS and Ph.D. degrees with emphases in geology or paleontology, including an MS in Paleontology. The Museum of Geology’s paleontology collections, consisting of 500,000+ specimens, are housed in the James E. Martin Paleontology Research Laboratory. A Ph.D. in geology or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment. Nine-month salary range will be commensurate with background and experience. Application deadline: February 1, 2012 [link]
3. Vertebrate Paleontologist: Assistant or Associate Professor, Fort Hays State University - Fort Hays State University is seeking a Vertebrate Paleontologist at the Assistant or Associate Professor level (tenure track) beginning June 11, 2012. This position is a joint appointment between the Department of Geosciences (0.5 FTE) and the Sternberg Museum of Natural History (0.5 FTE). ...  Preference will be given to individuals with knowledge of vertebrate fossils from the Late Cretaceous or Late Cenozoic of the Great Plains....Application deadline: January 15, 2012 [link] 
4. Earth Sciences Collection Manager, University of Alaska Museum - The Earth Science Department at the University of Alaska Museum in Fairbanks seeks a full time Collections Manager to help oversee its paleontological and geological collection. The Collections Manager’s responsibilities include the day-to-day care and organization of the collection, managing collections data using a computerized database (Arctos), specimen preparation and conservation, supervising students and volunteers, administering loans, and public contact. ... The minimum qualifications are a Master’s degree in a related field (paleontology, biology, geology, museum science) or equivalent training and experience. Preference is given to applicants who have are familiar with using a relational database, and have at least two years experience conducting fossil preparation. To view a full position description or apply for the job, go to: www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=75729 Application deadline: December 15, 2011 [link]

Good luck to all the applicants! 

* This position is classified as "Guest Scientist" positions. This position generally requires a higher level of qualifications and may involve a longer project and a higher stipend. Past GeoCorps participants can ONLY apply to Guest Scientist positions. Those who have not participated in GeoCorps before can also apply. To see details and eligibility requirements, please go to the About GeoCorps page.


** The following positions are part of the GeoCorps Diversity Internship Program and the GeoCorps American Indian Internship Program. To see details and eligibility requirements, please go to the GeoCorps Diversity Internship home page and the GeoCorps American Indian Internship home page.


© ReBecca K. Hunt-Foster

Jobs and Internships!

Petrified Forest National Park has a few internships and interpretation jobs available! Check out the notices below (Internship is in green, Interpretation job is in purple). Good luck to all who apply!
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Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona (USA) is looking for paleontology/geology summer interns to help conduct an ongoing inventory of paleontological sites in the park.

This is a fieldwork based inventory in which participants will be part of a team effort to survey for paleontological sites in a newly acquired expansion of the park. Interns will record data relevant to each site including GPS coordinates and photographs as well as geological and stratigraphic data. Participants will also be involved in the collection and excavation of fossil sites. In addition, participants will help prepare fossil specimens in the park preparation facility. This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain experience in basic geological mapping, field exploration, collection techniques, fossil preparation, and to become familiar with the role of the National Park Service in resource protection. The exposures in the park are Late Triassic in age and contain early dinosaurs, labyrinthodont amphibians, and many crocodile-line archosaurs and well as numerous plants and freshwater invertebrates.

This position is based out of Petrified Forest National Park, which is 24 miles east of Holbrook, Arizona on Interstate 40. Park housing is available and free of charge for all interns. A meal reimbursement of $150 per week is also available. Housing for this position is a three bedroom house. Kitchen, bath, dining and living rooms are shared. Bedroom may be shared. Houses are located at the park headquarters. Although not required, applicants are advised that a personal vehicle will greatly help accessing services such as groceries, doctors, and other amenities.

This position is for 10-12 weeks starting in the middle of May 2009 and continuing through August.

Work is primarily performed outdoors, often under adverse weather conditions including extreme heat and daily thunderstorms. Participants may be required to hike long distances in rough terrain in a hot, dry climate sometimes carrying heavy loads up to 60 pounds. Work requires long periods of bending, stooping, walking, climbing and working in cramped positions. Work is often performed in backcountry or wilderness areas of the park.

Applicants should have a background in paleontology or geology, a basic knowledge of fossil resources and their preservation, and have a working knowledge of computers. Familiarity with the paleontology, especially the paleobotany, of the Late Triassic is helpful but not necessary. Basic knowledge of GPS and GIS is also helpful but not required.

To apply send a current resume and the names and phone numbers of two references to: Bill Parker, Division of Resource Management, Petrified Forest National Park, PO Box 2217, Petrified Forest, AZ 86028

For more information regarding this position please contact Bill Parker at Petrified Forest National Park. E-mail: William_Parker@nps.gov; Phone: (928) 524-6228 x262.

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Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona (USA) has openings this summer for paleontology educators (interpreters).

These positions (2-3) are open for interested students and involve acquiring experience with the geology and paleontology of the park through working with the park paleontologist and geologist in fossil prospecting, learning fossil collection techniques (including excavation), documenting new and historic localities, conducting basic geological mapping and stratigraphic work, learning fossil preparation, and becoming familiar with the role of the National Park Service in resource protection and resource interpretation. The exposures in the park are Late Triassic in age and contain early dinosaurs, labyrinthodont amphibians, and many crocodile-line archosaurs and well as numerous plants and freshwater invertebrates. Students will be required use this acquired paleontological and geological knowledge to work with park staff to develop interpretive (educational) programs and products for visitors. These positions will be instrumental in presenting new paleontological and geological research to park visitors.

These positions are based out of Petrified Forest National Park, which is 24 miles east of Holbrook, Arizona on Interstate 40. Park housing is available for rental by seasonal employees. Housing available for rent are shared three bedroom houses. Kitchen, bath, dining and living rooms are shared. Bedrooms may be shared. Houses are located at the park headquarters. Although not required, applicants are advised that a personal vehicle will greatly help accessing services such as groceries, doctors, and other amenities.

These are temporal seasonal (STEP) positions available only to enrolled students. Please note that these are salaried, full time (40 hours per week) positions. The base position is at the GS-5 grade ($14.74/hour), although less qualified students may be hired at a lower grade. Work starts in the beginning/middle of May 2009 and continues through August. Position start and end dates are flexible based on school schedules. All Federal salaried positions are dependent on the applicant passing a background check. Work cannot start until a successful background check has been completed. Proof of current enrollment in an accredited college or university (official or unofficial transcripts) is required.

Work is primarily performed outdoors, often under adverse weather conditions including extreme heat and daily thunderstorms. Participants may be required to hike long distances in rough terrain in a hot, dry climate sometimes carrying heavy loads up to 60 pounds. Work requires long periods of bending, stooping, walking, climbing and working in cramped positions. Work is often performed in backcountry or wilderness areas of the park.

Applicants should have a background in paleontology or geology, a basic knowledge of fossil resources and their preservation, and have a working knowledge of computers. Familiarity with the paleontology, especially the paleobotany, of the Late Triassic is helpful but not necessary. Basic knowledge of GPS and GIS is also helpful but not required. Strong communications skills and a willingness/comfort level to address park visitors and groups is a must.

To apply send a current resume and the names and phone numbers of two references to: Bill Parker, Division of Resource Management, Petrified Forest National Park, PO Box 2217, Petrified Forest, AZ 86028. Please state that you are interested in the paleontology-education position.

For more information regarding this position please contact Bill Parker at Petrified Forest National Park. E-mail: William_Parker@nps.gov; Phone: (928) 524-6228 x262.

© ReBecca K. Hunt-Foster

Park Break!

Welcome to my 250th posting!! Woohoo!! Thanks to everyone for reading! :)

This week I have been posting a few job/internship notices I have seen around. I had never hear of this program before, so I thought I would pass it on since it sounds pretty cool!

The program description on their website says "Park Break is an all-expenses-paid park-based field seminar for graduate students who are thinking about a career in park management or park-related research and education. Park Break puts you in a national park unit for up to a week's worth of field and classroom activities in close collaboration with park scientists and scholars, managers and administrators, and partner organizations." Sounds pretty awesome, eh!! I wish I had known about this program when I was a grad student!

This year they are going to be working in Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, Mount Rainier National Park, and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area! The website goes on to say: "The primary goal of Park Break is to encourage promising graduate students to experience the challenges of managing a national park unit. Through instruction from and dialogue with park resource managers, researchers, administrators, interpreters, and other professionals, Park Break participants will begin to understand the complexity of park research and management. This unique program is not offered anywhere else, as it focuses on scientific and intellectual inquiry at the graduate level specifically related to national parks. Although Park Break is open to graduate students of all backgrounds, an additional goal of the program is to provide minority students with experience in national parks in order to facilitate future careers in the field of parks and protected areas research and management.



Each Park Break is designed around a specific topic. Not only will you explore that topic in depth, you'll see how it relates to the whole range of challenging issues facing park managers today. More than that, you'll be involved with agency personnel who are actively recruiting the best young people in the park professions.



Participants in Park Break are chosen through a competitive application process. We are now accepting applications for Park Break 2009. The deadline is December 31, 2008.



Park Break is organized by the George Wright Society, the USA's leading professional association for researchers, resource managers, administrators, educators, and other professionals who work in or on behalf of parks, protected areas, and cultural sites. GWS puts on Park Break in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, National Park Service, Geological Society of America, Student Conservation Association, Texas A&M University, and Colorado State University."

This really sounds like a cool program, so if you are able, check it out! Then get back to me and let me know what it was like - I will be super jealous :)

2009 GeoCorps America Positions

There are several jobs/internships opening up right now (some of them paleo related), so I will be posting them over the next few days!

To start off with, the 2009 GeoCorps America Positions have been listed today. You can check out the full list here. I did one of these back in 2005 at Glacier National Park (which was FANTASTIC!) and I really recommend them! I know a certain few of you out there who should particularly look into these ;)

Here is a list of the Paleo positions:

• Paleontologist, BLM Royal Gorge Field Office Canon City, CO
• Paleontologist, BLM Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area & Wilderness Montrose, CO
• Paleontologist, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Florissant, CO
• Paleontologist / Education Specialist, BLM Price Field Office Price, UT
• Paleontology Technician, BLM Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Kanab, UT
• Geosciences Research Assistant / Paleontologist, Center for Urban Ecology, National Capital Region, National Park Service Washington, DC
• Field Paleontologist, Bryce Canyon National Park Bryce, UT
• Field Paleontologist, Badlands National Park Interior, SD
• Field Paleontologist, Guadalupe Mountains National Park Pine Springs, TX
• Field Paleontologist (2 positions), Dinosaur National Monument Jensen, UT
• Field Geologist / Paleo Technician (2 Positions), Denali National Park Denali Park, AK

So what is GeoCorps anyway? "GeoCorps America is a program of the Geological Society of America, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service. The program offers paid short-term geoscience positions...Discreet project areas include geology, hydrology, paleontology, mapping and GIS, minerals, soils, glaciology, geo-hazards, karst, and education....Geoscience professionals, retirees, and college students are eligible and encouraged to apply." [link]

The application deadline is February 2, 2009!!