Abandoned Mine Lands Technician

Position Title

Abandoned Mine Lands Technical Support – Ameri Corps

Preference given to applicants that submit application by January 29, 2026

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 work 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 , and the Public Land Corps Act’s workforce development focus.

• 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

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 Ameri Corps 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 an Abandoned Mine Lands Technical Support at the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.

Currently, the Forest needs assistance in furthering the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) monitoring and inventory efforts. This would include visiting AML sites to assess hazards, collect monitoring data, and preliminary reclamation work planning. Work and projects can be designed to accommodate any level of field-going activities, from computer and office based GIS work with Arc Pro and Survey
123, to overnight remote monitoring. The specific work is the participants’ interests; there is room to customize the project to meet the applicant’s interests and skill set. Participants may also assist in ongoing monitoring and inventory efforts related to the Mineral/Geology program and other aid resources such as hydrology and fisheries in program administration across the Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forest.

Data gathered and synthesized by the participant will be used in a larger report to inform Forest leadership. The information gathered will help develop effective mitigation measures, potential hazards, and advise changes to the decision-making process regarding site reclamation needs. This supports the AML program by aiding in the planning, development, and reclamation of AML sites across the Forest and supports all aspects of Forest use by both the public and in forest management.

The deliverables created through this project may include written summary report; including areal estimates of AML sites, updated AML GIS shapefile and associated maps, and a preliminary summary and design for site reclamation at the end of their service.

• Conduct field inspections of abandoned mine features on National Forest System lands
• Identify and document public safety hazards such as open shafts, unstable workings, audits, portals, and subsidence areas
• Monitor site access and signs of unauthorized entry, vandalism, or recreational use
• Evaluate existing closures (gates, backfills, bat-friendly structures) and identify maintenance needs
• Assess environmental concerns including mine drainage, water quality issues, eroding waste rock piles, and vegetation disturbance
• Col…