^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ AWG E-MAIL NEWS No. 2000-05 February 9, 2000 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ AWG-Sponsored Geologist-in-the-Parks Position Announcements *Geologist-in-Residence, Black Canyon of the Gunnison/Curecanti *Resource Management Specialist-Hydrogeology Technical Assistance, Cape Cod National Seashore ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ GEOLOGIST-IN-THE-PARKS POSITION ANNOUNCEMENTS The Geologist-in-the-Parks (GIP) program is administered by the Geologic Resources Division of the National Park Service (NPS). The goal of the program is to bring earth-science professionals and students into the national parks where they help park staffs understand and manage geologic resources. Individual parks determine what type of program they would like to conduct and the expertise required for the job. These GIP positions sometimes become permanent park jobs. The NPS is committed to diversity, and AWG was invited to become a sponsor in order to showcase the talents of women geoscientists. The AWG Executive Committee voted to fund two GIP proposals: The Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado and Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts. We are very pleased to be able to offer these opportunities to our members, using some of the funds made available by our new volunteer-run organization. Application Procedure: AWG membership is required to be considered for these positions; however, applicants may join when submitting their application (membership application may be found on the AWG website ). To apply, please send C.V. with relevant publications, cover letter detailing relevant experience and reason for interest in the position, and availability dates, as well as full contact information and email addresses for three references who can attest to your experience to: Joanne Kluessendorf, AWG Editor, Dept. of Geology, University of Illinois, 1301 W. Green St., Urbana, IL 61801; email: jkluesse@uiuc.edu. Applications sent via email attachments in rtf format are preferred. Application deadline is March 15, 2000, or until the positions are filled. Please feel free to distribute this announcement among your colleagues. *********************************************************************************************************************** Geologist-in-Residence Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Curecanti National Recreation Area Montrose/Gunnison, Colorado Three lakes (one of them the largest in Colorado) on the Gunnison River form the heart of Curecanti National Recreation Area. Panoramic mesas, fjord-like lakes, and deep, steep and narrow canyons abound. Recently discovered dinosaur fossils, a 5,000-acre archeological district, a narrow gauge train, and traces of 6000 year-old dwellings further enhance the offerings of Curecanti. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison's unique and spectacular landscape was formed slowly by the action of water and rock scouring down through hard Proterozoic crystalline rock. No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths offered by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Park geology is diverse, including metamorphic, extrusive and intrusive igneous, and sedimentary rocks. The park is located approximately 250 miles SW of Denver. Position Description: Geologist needed to assist education specialists to enhance existing curriculum related to geology, paleontology, and archeology. The geologist will conduct student, teacher, and elderhostel workshops at Curecanti, Black Canyon and surrounding communities, will assist with Division of Resource Management projects related to stratigraphy, ground-truthing of satellite information, and ongoing paleontology and archeology projects, and will train park staff on geologic topics. Stipend $2500, housing may be provided by park; AWGF may provide additional funds for uniform and travel. Qualifications: Graduate level or greater geological background with expertise in the regional geology of Colorado required; knowledge of paleontology, archeology, GPS, and GIS preferred. Ability to contribute to educational curriculum content for all age groups and effectively communicate to a variety of audiences is essential. Dates: Mid-June through mid-August (flexible). *************************************************************************************************************** Resource Management Specialist- Hydrogeology Technical Assistance Cape Cod National Seashore Wellfleet, Massachusetts Cape Cod is composed almost entirely of material deposited by glaciers about 14,000 to 18,000 years ago. Wind and water have reworked these sediments to create the landforms we see today including beaches, spits, marshes, pamets, cliffs, and dunes. Coastal processes such as tides, winds, storms, and sediment transport continue to reshape the outer beaches. These landforms also protect landward areas from storms and coastal flooding. Erosion is a significant issue within the park, with wave induced erosion responsible for erosion rates of 2-3 feet per year on average. Soils in the seashore tend to be classified as excessively drained outwash and are derived from glacial outwashes and moraines. In several areas dune deposits overlay glacial soils. The Herring River was historically a tidally-influenced salt marsh system. In the early 1900's, the system was diked off from the bay and, over the years, the system has developed both upland (through dewatering) and freshwater wetland areas. The Herring River system has become impaired and does not currently represent a healthy ecosystem. Fish kills are observed each year due to oxygen depletion. Soils and surface water are highly acidic due to the formation of acid sulfate soils. Sedimentation is occurring in the main channel causing the current speed and river dynamic changes. Ground surface subsidence is observed due to lack of input of organic material from tidal input, increased bacterial decomposition rates, and dewatering. Thus the seashore has determined that management actions are necessary to restore the wetlands to a functioning ecosystem. After some study, researchers have proposed that restoration of the system to a tidally-influenced salt marsh estuary would likely improve the conditions and reduce or eliminate many of the adverse effects observed currently. The Town of Wellfleet has concerns associated with the idea of a salt marsh restoration. Wellfleet has significant groundwater problems and is concerned the restoration may result in salt-water intrusion of their groundwater. In addition, Wellfleet believes that the wetland may serve as groundwater recharge area and feels that the restoration may preclude the area from serving that purpose. Wellfleet is also concerned that tidal flooding and storms will inundate their community should a tidal system be restored. In addition to the hydrological concerns, ecological and economic concerns have been expressed. Position Description: The candidate would be responsible for directing natural resources management activities associated with the proposed restoration. This position would assist in the coordination of workgroup sessions with community leaders and interested stakeholders. Workgroup meetings are intended to identify what the issues are associated with the restoration. The candidate would then assist Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management and Cape Cod National Seashore staff in finding answers to key questions related to the restoration project. The candidate would develop contacts with respected authorities in the relevant fields of study and organize their responses to questions put forth by the community. The candidate would present the results of studies and summarize findings of related research. Stipend $2500; housing may be provided by park, and other costs may be provided by AWGF. Qualifications: Graduate level experience or greater in surficial processes or coastal geology with additional background in hydrology required in order to answer and interpret complex questions in the field of hydrology and coastal geology. Solid communication skills, both oral and written, are important. GIS experience is helpful. Dates: Dates are flexible; 4-month term with possible extension.