Geological Technician

Overview

GEOSCIENTISTS IN FORESTS PROGRAM:
The USDA Forest Service Washington Office Lands, Minerals and Geology (WO-LMG) in partnership with the Conservation Legacy offers the 2026 Geoscientists in Forests (GSF) Program providing paid professional development opportunities to emerging geoscientists that align with agency priorities and applicable Executive Orders and Secretarial Memos.

The program focuses on individual placements addressing geoscience-related needs and management priorities. It targets individuals aged 18-30, and veterans up to age 35. Projects involve field-oriented research, inventory and monitoring, and geoscience interpretation for agency staff and the public.

Position
:
The Geoscientists in Forests Program seeks geoscience professionals to address critical needs on National Forest System lands. Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards), a program of Conservation Legacy, provide 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 Geological Technician at the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.

• Conduct field visits to Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) sites to develop site inventory for future reclamation projects, minimizing physical hazards and improving public safety at abandoned mines.
• Collect, aggregate, and manage geospatial data using GIS for abandoned mine features across the forest.
• Assist with other minerals and geology projects on the forest, including active mineral operation inspections and public outreach.
• Support ongoing AML inventory projects by locating mine features, determining reclamation/remediation status, reviewing previous inventories, addressing access logistics, and contributing to closure and reclamation planning.
• Familiarity with GIS tools (Esri’s ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, ArcGIS Online) to add to, maintain, and manage the GIS database using field-collected data.
• Learn basic techniques for mineral exploration and reclamation, and how to collect, manage, consolidate, and present data in a GIS database; participate in brief training to understand applicable regulations and mining dynamics in the area.

• Working toward at least a Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Geosciences, Environmental Science, Physical Sciences, or related fields.
• Excellent computer skills, good organizational skills, and the ability to work in remote locations.
• Physical capability to work in rugged terrain and the ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Ability to use topographic maps and a compass or GPS for navigation.
• 4×4 off-road driving experience or willingness to learn; many forest roads have natural or gravel surfaces.
• U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident.

• Applicant must be between ages 18-30 (35 for veterans under Public Land Corps Act of 1993).
• Has a high school diploma or equivalency, or agrees to obtain one prior to using the education award.
• Willing 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 with a valid driver’s license (or a license held for 3+ years) and a good driving record if required to drive a government vehicle.

• Course work in GIS.
• Field geology experience.

• The Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands span nearly 3 million acres with diverse geologic features and recreation opportunities.
• Based in Fairplay, CO on the South Park Ranger District of the Pike National Forest (approximately 1,106,604 acres across multiple counties).
• Fairplay offers access to outdoor recreation and proximity to major towns; field work will involve hiking and alpine conditions with potential remote work.
• Workload is approximately 25-50% computer tasks and 50-75% field work; opportunities to work independently in the field.
• Safety practices, field training, and GIS data management are part of…