Filling Out Your Online Résumé

• If your permanent address is different from your current address, make sure to include BOTH your permanent and current address. Specify the date when the current address will no longer be valid.
  EXAMPLE: Your permanent address is in New York. You attend college in Washington, so your current address at the college is not valid over the summer. Include both your current and permanent address and the date when the current address will no longer be valid. GSA will send correspondence to your current address at college until the date provided. After that date, GSA will send correspondence to your permanent address.
• List all formal and informal outdoor experiences and activities in the "Relevant Experience" section on your online resume. Do not underestimate the importance of recreational hiking and camping. Include recreational outdoor activities.

Tailored Cover Letter

• You must write a tailored letter for each position for which you apply. If you apply for three positions and each position has a different list of qualifications, then you will have three different cover letters. Each tailored cover letter will address the unique qualifications for each position.
• Tailor your cover letter to the position description exactly.
• Attach cover letter form.

Copies of Transcripts

• You may send either unofficial copies of your transcripts or official copies (not both — one only).
• You must send a copy of your transcripts for each college/university you attended.
• Transcripts must be in application packet and not sent separate by your school.

Position Description

• Be sure to read the position description and qualifications carefully.
• Ask yourself, "Can I see myself doing this job?"
• If the position description says that you will work extensively with children, be certain that you are comfortable with children.
• If the position description says that you will spend extended time working alone, be certain that you are comfortable working alone and independently in the backcountry.
• Read the description of the manual labor that you will be required to do for the position (e.g., hiking over rough terrain carrying loads up to 50 pounds; cave mapping; extended periods camping in remote locations in harsh weather, especially hot conditions). Are you able to carry out these requirements?

Position Qualifications

• The position qualifications must be addressed in your cover letter and online resume. If you do not, you will not qualify.
• List courses, practical experience, certifications and public speaking.

Housing and Work Environment

• Call or e-mail the primary contact person at the Forest or Park if you want more details about the housing arrangements. Detailed housing information is on the position description.
• Pets are not allowed in housing provided by Park Service, Forest Service, or BLM .
• Find out if you need to bring your own towels, sheets, dishes, pans, etc.
• Will you have a roommate(s)?
• Will you live in a trailer, apartment, or bunkhouse?
• Housing is provided for ALL National Park positions.
• Housing is not provided for all Forest Service and BLM positions. You may have to locate your own housing on site. The BLM & Forest Service will provide a housing allowance in addition to your $2,500 stipend to help you afford housing if no housing is provided for you by the agencies.
• Is it necessary to have your own transportation? Please make clear with the primary contact.
• Park Service housing is for participant only. Spouses are not offered housing.
• Where is the nearest grocery store? Laundry facility?
• Will you need to spend time camping in backcountry for your project? If so, what camping supplies will be provided for you?

Important Items to Consider — Please Read

• In many GeoCorps positions, participants are often required to conduct projects independently with little or no guidance, often in remote locations. Before you apply and before you accept a position, you must be certain that you feel comfortable working independently.
• Be sure to make clear specific start and end dates for the position if you receive a phone interview.
• When applying, include ONLY the required information in your application packet. We are unable to accept anything other than the required documents. Any additional information (pictures, extra letters of recommendation, additional CV, etc.) will be discarded.
• Please note the section on each position page that shows the number of people who have already applied for that position. Your chances will be better if you choose positions with a lower number of applicants. Check back often, as these figures will change up until the deadline date.
• A complete application packet includes a cover letter, two letters of recommendation, and a copy of each college transcript for EACH position for which you apply. For each position for which you are applying: if your application is missing even a single item, your application will not qualify.
• As positions are filled, they will be noted on the Web site. Please check back on the website.
• Allow your references plenty of notice to write your letters of recommendation. Letters must be in your application and not sent separately.