Description:
The participant’s primary workload will be to assist in field surveys as part of an ongoing Monument Management Plan-directed inventory of important fossil resources both for management and research purposes. Mentoring will be provided by the Monument Paleontologist, particularly in the lab and on excavations. Fieldwork will be conducted largely in the interior of the rugged and remote Kaiparowits Plateau. Methods consist of hiking pre-determined target areas while closely examining Late Cretaceous age rock outcroppings for fossil materials (with an emphasis on vertebrates such as dinosaurs). When sites are found, they will be documented using standard format field forms, GPS, and digital photography and assessed as to significance via surface testing. Significant sites found during the inventory (or previous inventories) would require collection/excavation which will be done under close supervision by the Monument Paleontologist. The participant may at times also assist crews from partner institutions in excavation work. Weather and terrain conditions may be extreme (e.g. heat, cold, thunderstorms, steep badlands). Lifting of loads up to 50 lbs will be common during excavations and lab work. Camping in remote backcountry settings (vehicle-based) for up to four days is also necessary. Duties will also include office and lab-based work related to report writing, collections management, specimen preparation, curation, and research. This will involve mechanical removal of matrix from bone specimens and the use of stabilizers and glues to enhance their stability for exhibit or curation. Use of pneumatic tools and hand tools for removal of hard matrices like sandstone will be routine. Record keeping for specimen preparation and inventory will involve keeping worksheets updated and excel files current. Some public interpretive opportunities such as leading site or lab tours may also arise on a limited basis. Weekly Work Schedule will be 40 hours per week, June - August. Must provide own living quarters. Kanab is small communities with limited services available.
THIS INTERNSHIP IS BASED AT BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT
Qualifications:
This opportunity is suitable for youth working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in geology or geoscience-related discipline. This opportunity will require time outdoors and fieldwork that is often under somewhat rigorous physical conditions. Participant should also demonstrate through actual work experience the ability to work well independently. A good pair of ankle supporting hiking boots is necessary; other gear for back country camping will be provided.
Application Instructions:
- Go to iicinternships.com
- Click on the IIC Application on the right hand side. This will download a word document of the IIC Internship Application.
- Fill in the application (this can be done on your computer).
- Save application and email it to Alan Titus at atitus@blm.gov in the subject line put IIC INTERNSHIP APPLICATION You can also print your application and bring it to Miranda Gubler at the IIC offices.
Submit IIC application, resume, transcripts, and statement of interest. Applications must be received by May 31, 2018