Karst Resource Technician

and the job listing Expires on February 8, 2026

The Geoscientists in Forests Program is a partnership between the USDA Forest Service – Lands, Minerals, and Geology (WO-LMG) and Conservation Legacy, offering paid professional development opportunities for emerging geoscientists. The program places individuals on National Forest System lands to address geoscience needs and support management priorities through field-oriented research, inventory and monitoring, and geoscience interpretation.

The Geoscientists in Forests Program is seeking geoscience professionals to address critical needs on National Forest System lands. Stewards – a program of Conservation Legacy – provides Ameri Corps service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve natural resources. The USDA Forest Service – Lands, Minerals, and Geology, in partnership with Stewards, will host a Karst Resource Technician at the Tongass National Forest, Thorne Bay Ranger District.

This Ameri Corps position will assist the Geologist in cave and karst inventory and related projects, with opportunities to support additional geologic mapping and cave/karst research. The role requires long hours in the field, including hiking over rough terrain, varied weather, boating, and operating quad runners after training. Office tasks include GIS data entry, field report writing, and cataloging significant caves in NRM.

The participant will work under the supervision of the Geologist and may collaborate with other resource specialists on fish and wildlife monitoring, soils inventory, forestry, archaeology, and related areas. The goal is to learn cave and karst management on the Tongass and support large-scale timber projects on active management projects.

• Assist with cave and karst inventory in front county and back county areas
• Identify and mark vulnerable karst features in the forest
• Take detailed notes on karst areas to support vulnerability assessments
• Write significant cave nomination forms
• Upload and maintain field data in ArcGIS Pro
• Assist other resource crews (fisheries, wildlife, forestry, archaeology) when needed

• Able to bushwhack long distances through forest vegetation in areas with no trails
• Able to read basic topographic and geologic maps and navigate in the field
• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or 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 license for 3+ years) and a good driving record if needed to drive a government vehicle

• Familiarity with cave and karst resources, with relevant experience and/or education
• Coursework in geology, hydrology, ecology, archaeology, or natural resources conservation
• Experience in off-grid, remote, or backcountry environments

• Thorne Bay Ranger District is located on Prince of Wales Island. The island is remote, rugged and mountainous, with access to pristine coastline. The local temperate rainforest features frequent rain and summer temperatures rarely above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Local geology includes recently-glaciated, Paleozoic, sedimentary rocks such as Heceta Limestone.
• The project requires long hours in the field and living in remote camps or camping. Office space will be provided for field data analysis.
• The office and housing are in Thorne Bay, a small town of about 500 people. The town is walkable with a gas station, post office, library (free wifi), and a grocery store. Personal vehicle use is optional but offers greater freedom during off time.
• Participants will gain knowledge through experience and training in cave/karst resources and forest resources, including karst development management by the Forest Service.

• Free onsite housing…