The Great Basin Institute, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, is hiring 1 Outdoor Recreation Planner position under the BLM’s Direct Hire Authority Program (DHA)* with the Upper Snake Field Office, in Idaho Falls, ID. Successful completion of 11-week term will result in the applicant being eligible for the DHA-RAI Certificate of Completion, program participants that meet Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for a BLM mission-critical/hard-to-fill occupation may be directly appointed without competition to a full time, permanent position vacancy.

The selected associate will work on creating a GIS story map for the St. Anthony Sand Dunes. The St. Anthony Sand Dunes is one of the most used resources in Eastern Idaho, drawing in a diverse public land user base for various recreational activities. Every summer, thousands of visitors make use of their public lands, and BLM staff are eager to provide them with the best experience possible.

This effort, however, cannot be undertaken without a properly sized staff to oversee and carry out the various day to day tasks, and to observe consumer trends to improve upon the program. Improvement efforts have been in effect for several years to provide the best experience for the public. Now the program is in a position to take these past efforts into analysis and implement best practices for natural resource management and tourism services learned throughout the years. The proposed project involves developing tools for the public to use to get to know the St. Anthony Sand Dunes and plan their trip. The GIS story map will help them become acquainted with the history of the dunes and grow to have an appreciation for the resource we have. The intern will work most directly with the ORP for the Upper Snake FO to assist in planning and outlining the story, gather and analyze data and information for the story, and finally to put everything together into the GIS story map.

The interdisciplinary nature of this project will provide the intern with valuable experience working for the Department of the Interior, instilling them with a working knowledge of the agency and providing the opportunity to develop critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills that will transfer into any position they may take at their time of eligibility.

*The DHA program is intended for those currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, at an accredited college or university. Undergraduate is defined as an associate or bachelor's degree program.

Contract Timeline:
• 11 week appointment beginning in June 2024, pending successful completion and passage of DOI Background Investigation,
• June - August
• Full-time, 40-hrs wk.

Location:
Upper Snake Field Office, located in Idaho Falls, ID.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Wage: $20/hr.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost
• Housing is not provided but housing allowance may be available to non-local candidates (approval required)
• Relocation support may be provided to those who will need to relocate (approval required)

Job Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled or a recent graduate (<1 year from graduation) to be eligible for the DHA program; 
• Bachelor’s degree in GIS, Natural Resources, or related discipline, or a combination of relevant education and field experience;
• Enthusiasm about the position, with interest in and knowledge of botany and invasive species monitoring;
• Experience with Calflora Observer Pro and 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; and
• Successfully complete and pass a federal background check prior to starting position.