GeoCorps™ America: Land Law Examiner Assistant - Minerals Management
Engage with geoscience through the BLM
GeoCorps™ America is a program of the Geological Society of America (GSA), operated in partnership with government agencies and other organizations committed to science and stewardship. Current partners include the federal agencies like the USDA Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
This program offers paid geoscience opportunities in some of the most beautiful natural areas in the world. Topic areas include geology, hydrology, paleontology, mapping and GIS, minerals, soils, glaciology, geohazards, karst, education, and interpretation.
The GeoCorps program helps geoscientists engage their skills in addressing the scientific and resource management needs of America's federal public lands. The program coordinates projects with professionals at the USDA Forest Service and other agencies, in order to complete geoscience-related work that might not otherwise be possible. GeoCorps projects offer unique experiences to grow professionally, complete meaningful work, and increase the number of geoscientists on the ground advancing the management, research, education and outreach, and stewardship of geologic resources nationwide.
Learn more about the experiences of GeoCorps alumni via GSA's guest blog, Speaking of Geoscience.
Position Scope
Two GeoCorps participants will work closely with Land Law Examiners at the BLM Colorado State Office to review and process a range of solid mineral cases for accuracy and completeness. The participant will aid BLM staff in performing a variety of independent case actions in the following areas: leases and permits, mining claims, and related activities. Workflows and ongoing projects will focus on cases related to locatable minerals (such as gold, silver, etc.). Project work includes, but is not limited to, administrative tasks, GIS work, legal description verification, ascertaining legal clarifications, and providing information in response to public inquiries. This position will require office work, analytical skills, the ability to utilize GIS effectively, and the ability to demonstrate good public relation skills/experience. Applicant experience and/or objectives related to legal studies, geography, GIS, mining, economic geology, or a similar field is preferred among candidates. This project is offered through the Geological Society of America's GeoCorps™ America Program in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management.
Primary responsibilities include assisting BLM Land Law Examiners in the following areas:
Collecting data related to land or mining cases
Assisting with work that determines the accuracy and proper execution of claims and qualifications of applicants for legal rights requested
Assisting BLM staff in tasks related to adjudicating routine lands, mining, and/or mineral leasing applications
Providing information or assistance with drafting basic adjudication decisions
Utilizing data systems to collect, enter, assess, update and maintain data
Helping others to review and process a full range of lands and minerals cases
Learn more: https://rock.geosociety.org/eo/viewJob.asp?jobID=3512
Application
*Apply online at https://rock.geosociety.org/eo/viewJob.asp?jobID=3512
Eligibility
Applicants to projects must:
*Be either a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder)
*Have not completed two GeoCorps projects with the same federal agency previously
*Be able to pass a federal background check and an employment background check from our program's staffing partner
*Possess a valid U.S. driver's license and have a good driving record
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will be adept at analytical thinking, reading, and will demonstrate an ability to translate these skills to tasks like interpreting legal documents and communicating with others. The candidate should have the ability to utilize GIS effectively and demonstrate good public relation skills/experience. The candidate must be detail-oriented and may have an interest in, or exposure to, education or experience in law and policy. Any experience or background that provides familiarity or experience dealing with laws, rules, regulations, procedures, etc. is helpful. The ability and desire to work up to a year is ideal, and not just the minimum 12 weeks. The training for this position presents a learning curve, so being able to work for a longer period of time is much more advantageous to all parties.
The ideal candidate may also demonstrate strengths in the following areas:
Attention to detail
Customer service
Information management
Interpersonal skills
Problem or puzzle solving skills
Writing
Reasoning
External awareness
Other helpful qualifications might include:
Experience, educational background, and/or objectives related to legal studies, geography, GIS, mining, economic geology, or a similar field. Training or coursework in geology, surveying, GIS, and/or legal studies is an asset.
Background with public interaction and report writing would be helpful.
Work experience outside of academia is preferred (work experience does not need to be geology-related and should be practical; examples include working at a restaurant, store, front desk, mailroom, rideshare or delivery service, or another business).
Background in GIS and file management.
Past participants have typically included recent graduates from either bachelor's or master's degree programs.
Ability to work well individually, as part of a team, and with the general public.
Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable):
Driving is not considered necessary for project-related duties. Should the need for offsite work arise, a government vehicle will be available to the individual for work-related purposes only, after successful completion of defensive driving training, which will also be provided by the agency. Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and a good driving record in order to drive a government vehicle. A personal vehicle is recommended for commuting, personal errands, and recreation in the surrounding area.
Position Dates:
June/July 2024—June/July 2025
Location:
Colorado, Lakewood (2 positions)Position Duration: 52 weeks (with a minimum trial or probationary period of 12 weeks)Hourly Wage: $20.00/hourHousing Details:
The participant will be responsible for finding their own housing. A personal vehicle is recommended for commuting, personal errands, and recreation in the surrounding area.
Contact: geocorps@geosociety.org