Hydrologist AmeriCorps Fellow
Position Details
Stewards Individual Placements (SIP) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health. SIP in partnership with the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) seeks one (1) year-long (52 weeks) Hydrologist AmeriCorps member to conduct hydrology data collection and organization to aid acid mine drainage (AMD) abatement activities, supporting the OMSRE Regional Office of Alton, Indiana.
Recently marking its 45th anniversary, OSMRE continues to ensure the cleanup of millions of acres of pre-Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) abandoned mine lands and the return of post-SMCRA mined lands to productive use by collaborating with State and Tribal partners, community organizations, and the industry. The Hydrologist AmeriCorps member will be contributing to these efforts by: compiling data in an effort to digitize historic federal lands hydrology data, collecting data by assisting OSMRE staff with fieldwork, and compiling mine mapping for use in AMD problem site investigations. During the year of service, the AmeriCorps member will be locating and logging environmental features on active and abandoned mines. The member will have opportunities to gather field data with hydrologists and geologists working at OSMRE, seeing the active and abandoned sites firsthand. The work performed by the member will contribute greatly to documenting the environmental restoration work occurring and that will take place in the future.
The Hydrologist AmeriCorps member will be providing direct benefits to communities and State and Tribal SMCRA programs. The AmeriCorps member’s work will help aid AMD abatement and ensure data is accurate. These efforts ensure that communities are aware of and receive the benefits from treating AMD. This work will be instrumental to present and future employees at OSMRE, as well as providing the AmeriCorps member with a strong foundation in the real-world applications and impact of hydrological data collection, analysis, and management.
Position Responsibilities will include:
- Supporting hydrological data collection
- Supporting organization and analysis of hydrological data
- Assisting OSMRE staff in AMD treatment activities
- Digitizing historic federal lands hydrological data
- Compiling mine mapping for use in AMD problem site investigations
- Additional work to gain experience with OSMRE in environmental restoration
Preferred Qualifications:
- Background in Physical or Environmental Science (e.g., geology, hydrology, geography, geochemistry, engineering)
- Familiarity with GIS applications/practices
- All interested candidates are encouraged to apply!
Benefits:
- Living Allowance: $465/week at 40hrs/week (pre-tax)
- Successful completion of this term will award the AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of $6,345.00
- Place Federal student loans on Forbearance during time in service
- Interest accrual payoff by AmeriCorps
- Professional Development can include: attending conferences, participating in site visits, performing job shadows, and completing training opportunities
How to Apply
In addition to your resume, please submit a statement of interest (no more than 250 words) or one-page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position. Please do not include your social security number, date of birth, or physical address on any documents submitted with your application, including your resume.
Stewards Individual Placements Program does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
Required Experience
In order to ensure the health and safety of the communities that Conservation Legacy serves, as well as to meet federal requirements for government contractors, all participants and staff of Conservation Legacy programs must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before beginning their service term. This requirement applies to all staff and participants regardless of location, position, or remote work status.