GeoCorps Resources

Land Manager & Agency Supervisor Resources

Submit Projects &
Review Applications

Submit Projects &
Review Applications

Agency Supervisor Responsibilities

• Prepare and post your project proposal on GSA's online application system.
• Review applications electronically and conduct phone interviews with top candidates.
• Select a candidate to participate in your program.
• Coordinate start / end dates with participant. Projects should be a minimum of 10 weeks long.
• Coordinate a daily work schedule with participant. Outline:
  • End product/results/desired outcome;
  • Weekly timeline & reporting;
  • On-site resources to complete project; and
  • Be very specific and clear about project objectives.
• Explain training and vehicle guidelines.
• Explain the housing arrangement when the offer is initially made.  For on-site housing, provide guidelines, directions, and the key prior to arrival. If a housing allowance is provided and the participant needs to find his or her own housing, please provide them with help locally and make the housing allowance amount clear.
• Prior to arrival, send the participant:
  • An itemized list of what to bring;
  • Clear project objectives and background information on project;
  • Information about the site (history, district, geology of area, related on-going projects); and
  • Directions to your office.
• Supervise participants. Weekly check-in is critical to make sure they are on track with project. Be a MENTOR!
• Contact GSA immediately if any problems arise with the participant.
• Contact GSA immediately if the participant leaves earlier than the agreed upon work project.
• Since GSA sends the stipend & housing allowance payments to participants, contact GSA immediately if the situation changes and involves changes in payments.
• Wrap-up session with participant:
  • Any agency reporting;
  • Check-out of agency housing;
  • Return uniform (if applicable); and
  • Allow time to work on GSA required final materials (final report, evaluation to GSA).
• Submit an evaluation to GSA at end of the program
• Provide GSA with electronic copies of all completed products (reports, trail guides, interpretive talks, etc.).

Guest Scientist Program Overview

The GeoCorps Guest Scientist Program has evolved as a branch of GeoCorps America. Traditionally, most GeoCorps participants have been university students for whom it is beneficial to spend time during the summer on a public land gaining on-the-ground experience in geoscience-related fields.

However, many public lands have needs for a higher level of expertise, or for a longer-term project than a three-month GeoCorps project can offer. Through the Guest Scientists program, lands are able to submit geoscience-related projects that require up to one year’s time and/or expertise within a specific field.

GSA Contact Information