US Forest Service Minerals Resource Assistant

Project Title: US Forest Service Minerals Resource Assistant 
 
Project Type: In-person 
 
Location: Douglas Ranger District, Douglas, Wyoming 
 
Project Background: This position is located in the Douglas Ranger District in Douglas, Wyoming and serves as an intern performing work related to the administration and compliance of federal and private oil and gas or fluid mineral operations on the National Forest System.  

Project Duties: 
Under the direction of the supervisor: 

Participates in the development and administration of energy related special use programs in compliance with agency direction.

• Performs assigned phases of the minerals management program work by gathering and integrating data. Records all data in appropriate computer databases.
• Prepares well-researched and logically organized presentations related to work assignments. Presents facts, issues, and positions that convey the intended information with the appropriate diplomacy and emphasis.
• Performs field work related to oil, gas and mineral leasing, lease exploration, permitting, construction, drilling, reclamation, production, and seismic.
• Sets up and assists the supervisor with notices of non-compliance, compliance meetings and resolutions done on the ground for noncompliance items.
• Learns and follows operating policies that are pertinent to the Forest Service, by using manuals and automated techniques.  Coordinates with the supervisor on progress and any controversial situations that arise for completing projects.
• Works with other professionals, technicians, and representatives from State agencies, other federal agencies and private industries. Ensures that safety procedures are followed and wears proper safety apparel while working in the field.  Takes corrective actions when potential safety hazards develop to protect personnel.
• Reviews contractor data in area of expertise and works with others to ensure that the results are of the highest achievable quality and that procedures were followed as directed with input or guidance from the supervisor or project lead. With input provides technical consultation in the oil, gas, and minerals field to individuals outside the agency as well as agency personnel.

 
Knowledge Required by the Position      

• Knowledge of professional physical science and/or natural resources principles, practices, and concepts sufficient to develop plans, conditions of approval and scheduling for oil, gas and minerals projects.
• Knowledge of Forest Service land management policies and procedures sufficient to ensure that programs devised are consistent with such policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of professional physical science and/or natural resources and biological science principles, practices, and concepts sufficient to develop plans, terms and conditions for special uses permits, evaluate the effects of uses on other Forest resources, and evaluate forest areas and their potential for natural resources activities.
• Knowledge of computerized information management system to enter and maintain data.
• A general knowledge of maps, GPS/GIS, computers, and radio and telephone communication sufficient for obtaining and conveying information about terrain conditions in order to access the vitality of developing, approving and scheduling oil, gas and minerals projects on Forest Service lands.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Field work requires long periods of walking over rough, uneven, or rocky terrain, repetitive bending and crouching, and carrying of equipment that may exceed 40 pounds.
• Mineral production occurs year round and requires field work exposure to all types of seasonal weather from extreme heat (100 degrees Fahrenheit) to severe cold (-30+ degrees Fahrenheit).
• Field reviews and inspections regularly require walking modest distances or operating four-wheel drive vehicles.
• The work involves an outdoor environment involving working around moving parts, carts, or machines; or irritant chemicals. Work may require the use of protective clothing and gear when handling corrosive and other dangerous chemicals.
• Field work may be conducted in outdoor environments ranging from extreme heat to extreme cold.  Specialized minerals training and equipment use is required due to potential encounters with hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide poisonous gasses and occasional encounters with hazardous materials associated with spills, other contaminate clean-up, and exposure to old pits.   Work is also performed in an office setting.

Minimum Qualifications:

• US citizenship or permanent resident 17 years and up. Interns must undergo a government background check if selected.

Stipend + Benefits:

• A bi-weekly stipend of $1,500 based on a 40-hour workweek
• Monthly housing stipend up to $1000 per month
• Travel reimbursement at the standard rate to defray cost of relocation travel to and from duty station
• Commuting stipend up to standard rate biweekly
• Optional Health insurance coverage
• Funds available to support professional development opportunities that align with role and goals (training, conference, etc.)
• Direct Hire Authority/Public Land Corp Eligibility – after completing hours, DHA/PLC status provides special non-competitive hiring status when applying for certain federal positions.

Application:
Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is managing the recruitment for these positions. All applications should be submitted through Hispanic Access; MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills or volunteer activities. Application questions or issues may be directed to MANO Program Associate, Veronica Torres, veronicat@hispanicaccess.org.
 
Applications for this position are due on Sunday, April 28th at 11:59 pm.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement:
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process should contact Hispanic Access Foundation directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
 
US Forest Service Mission:
Sustaining the health, diversity and productivity of the Nation’s Forests and Grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
 
Hispanic Access Foundation Mission:
Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos and People of Color to partners and opportunities improving lives and creating an equitable society. Hispanic Access’s vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America.