The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the National Park Service, is recruiting 2 Geologic Mapping and GIS Technicians for John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, in Kimberly, OR. Under the direction of the Paleontology Program Manager, the selected candidates will produce an updated, high-resolution geologic map of all three units of JODA in ArcGIS Pro, produce cross-sections with orientation data, create accessible versions of the maps for multiple audiences (print, web, etc.), conduct fieldwork, update related workflows, updated geologic descriptions for each unit in JODA, present at a professional conference and to JODA visitors, and publish the map in a peer-reviewed journal. These two interns will work closely with paleontology division staff to learn about the geological resources of JODA and to better inform their work. Regional staff and GIS specialists from the Upper Columbia Basin Network and broader region will assist with acquiring data and with following best practices and NPS data standards.

Geologic maps are necessary to precisely identify geologic context for paleontological specimens found within JODA’s boundaries. The Oregon State geologic map is too course and lumps several formations and members together which is not useful for paleontological work. These maps can also be utilized in other resource management endeavors (geohazards, construction, surface, and ground water). The current high-resolution analog geologic maps do include important informal geologic subunits but are difficult to utilize in the field and would benefit from digitization and georeferencing. These analog maps at JODA were done on old topo maps or on airplane flown aerial photography and are not georeferenced. As such, there is parallax, and these older maps cannot be easily digitized on satellite imagery or newer topo maps. Modern GIS mapping methods are necessary to create a high-resolution map which can be utilized for a variety of purposes. Additionally, large portions of JODA have not been properly mapped at all. These new maps would be easy to utilize with the Field Maps based data collections protocol established for paleontology fieldwork at JODA.

Contract Timeline:

• March 3, 2025 – November 8, 2025; 36-weeks
• Full-time (40 hrs./wk)

Location:

John Day Fossil Beds NM is situated in the John Day River Valley and surrounding lands. There are three separate units (Sheep Rock, Clarno, and Painted Hills) which are between one and two-hour drives away from each other. The area of paleontological interest consists of over 10,000 square miles cooperatively managed by the NPS, BLM, and USFS. Elevation in the region varies from 1,500 feet to 9,000 feet. Vegetation includes sagebrush/bunchgrass steppe, junipers, and forests of firs, ponderosas, and aspens. Weather in summer tends to be hot and dry with little precipitation and high temperatures regularly exceeding 100 degrees F. The area is remote and rural, with several nearby towns (population <200 people) and more distant towns of several thousand. Limited grocery shopping options are available in smaller towns near the monument (~10 miles distant), but the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, and hospital are about 45 miles from park headquarters (Sheep Rock Unit). More facilities and services are available in the Bend area which is about 120 miles from the Sheep Rock Unit. The closest airport is in Redmond, OR, about two-hour drive from the Sheep Rock Unit. Other airports are in Boise, ID, Pasco, WA, and Portland, OR.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Wage: $22.50/hr. Overtime not to exceed 15hrs
• Travel: Not to exceed $848 available to support project related travel and participation in the Fall Conference Symposium.
• Housing is not provided
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost
• Paid leave and holidays

Qualififcations:

•  Land Corp Authority Eligibility Requirements for age and citizenship.
• Must be able to pass a DOI Background Investigation;
• Bachelor’s degree in geology, geospatial information systems, natural resource management, or related discipline, or a combination of relevant education and field experience;
• Enthusiasm about the position, with interest in and knowledge of geology and Cenozoic geologic soft sediment mapping;
• Experience with ArcGIS applications such as Field Maps;
• Ability to safely navigate to field sites using maps/compass and handheld GPS devices;
• High level of proficiency leading field work in dynamic field settings;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Experience with data entry and QA/QC procedures;
• Reliable, team-player with strong leadership and communication skills;
• Possession of a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license;