We are not accepting applications at this time. Check here periodically for new projects . Spring/summer positions are posted in early December with applications due at the beginning of February. Occasionally, select fall/winter positions are posted in early May with applications due at the beginning of July. GSA recommends setting up your online application and adding your project selections early after the application period opens. Projects can accept the first 100 applicants. You can apply for up to five USDA Forest Service GeoCorps™ projects per season.

Online Application System

We accept applications only through the online system; materials sent by email or regular mail will not be accepted. You can log in to your application profile and view your home page at any time during the application period. It will list the completion status of the different GeoCorps™ application components. You will need to complete only one set of GeoCorps™ program application questions, even if you apply for more than one GeoCorps™ project. You can apply for up to five GeoCorps™ projects per agency partner each season by adding them to your GSA application profile. Make sure you are logged into your application profile before adding projects. You must provide a cover letter for each project that you apply for . You can add a cover letter below where the project title appears in your application profile. The cover letter can be addressed to the Primary and Secondary Contacts listed in each project description, or more generally to the project mentors at the project location. It should not be addressed to GSA staff. One letter of recommendation is required; you may include up to three. You will send recommendation requests via the application profile. Recommendations must be submitted electronically through the online application system. GSA advises you to contact your references early and ask if they can provide a strong recommendation, then launch the recommendation requests via your application profile. This helps ensure there is adequate time to complete recommendations by the deadline. It is a good idea to request two to three recommendations, so you have at least one as a backup. You must enter a list of your relevant courses and grades directly into the online system. Detailed instructions are provided once you set up your application profile. Please do not send transcripts; they will not be considered as part of your application. You can modify your application profile at any time before the application deadline. All application profiles will be considered final after the posted deadline. Each GeoCorps™ project will only accept the first 100 applicants. After 100 individuals have applied to a single GeoCorps™ project, the project will automatically stop accepting additional applicants. GSA recommends setting up your online application and adding your project selections early in the application process. Any application materials received (not submitted, but received) after the deadline will not be considered. Incomplete applications cannot be guaranteed consideration.

The How To Apply Guide is an easy-to-use resource for navigating the process of creating and completing your application. The Application Worksheet provides a preview of the questions candidates are required to answer. The Application Tip Sheet gives advice on how to successfully submit an application.

What to Expect after Applying

Agency supervisors will begin contacting and interviewing select applicants about three weeks after the application deadline. Use the Interview Tip Sheet to help prepare for your interview. Project offers will be made about six weeks after the application deadline. If you will be out of town (for spring break, fieldwork, etc.) during the interview and selection process, make sure you are accessible by phone or email so you do not miss a potential interview. When a position is filled, GSA will update the project's status on the GeoCorps™ projects page . We will also send an email to project applicants regarding the filled position. Selected participants may accept only one project offer per season.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must: Be at least 18 years old before they participate Be either a U.S. citizen or a U.S. lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) Be able to pass a federal background check and an employment background check from our program's staffing partner Possess a valid U.S. driver's license and have a good driving record The level of qualifications required varies among GeoCorps™ projects based on their complexity and rigor. Thus, Projects often specify a set of qualifications to participate. We recommend reading the project description carefully for more details.

You do not need to be a GSA member to apply, but we invite you to join or renew your membership . GSA membership helps you develop your professional career and sense of community through its meetings, publications, programs, and leadership opportunities.

Broadening Participation

We invite the full participation of individuals who are currently underserved in STEM career fields. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals from racially and/or ethnically diverse communities, individuals with disabilities, individuals from LGBTQ+ communities, all gender identities, and individuals who experience intersectionality with one or more of these identities.

Student & Non-Student Participation Encouraged

Applicants do not need to be an enrolled student to apply. We welcome applications from undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates with a college or advanced degree. In some cases, we have had post-docs, teachers, and retirees participate.

Range of Disciplines Welcome

We welcome applicants from diverse disciplines, such as chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics, computer science, ecology, hydrology, meteorology, the social sciences, and the humanities. Applicants with backgrounds outside of the geosciences should review each project’s qualifications and apply to projects that match the majority of their qualifications.

Past GeoCorps™ Participants

Past GeoCorps™ participants remain eligible to apply for future GeoCorps™ projects and are welcome to apply. We do not limit the number of times a person can serve in GeoCorps™. GSA recommends that previous participants limit themselves to two projects to broaden their experience and create space for new participants. Past participants may not apply to the exact same project they previously participated in.

International Students

Due to U.S. government regulations, all applicants must be either a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization, or a U.S. lawful permanent resident. Unfortunately, we are not able to make any exceptions to this rule. People with temporary education or work visas are not eligible for the program. Neither GSA nor its federal partners can sponsor temporary visas through this program. Here are places to look for related opportunities: International Volunteers in Parks Program Institute for Broadening Participation The following GSA opportunities are open to international students: On To the Future® GSA Research Grants GSA International GSA Meetings

GeoCorps™ has a minimum age requirement of 18, and in most cases, the qualifications for projects are difficult to meet without having taken some college-level geoscience courses. Here are some additional programs to look into: The Student Conservation Association (SCA); AmeriCorps; CityYear; Volunteer.gov; the National Park Service "Volunteer-In-Parks" (VIP) program; volunteer opportunities with the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management; volunteer opportunities in local state/county/municipal parks and nature centers. Local community colleges and universities may also offer programs for high school students and recent graduates.

Project locations may require participants to bring their own vehicle. This will be specified in the project description. If you are interviewed for a project, it is a good idea to ask about the vehicle requirements.

Pre-Program Materials

Before beginning a project, each participant is expected to review and/or submit the following documents: Participant Handbooks (Include the GeoCorps™ Gear List!) GeoCorps™ (BLM & U.S. Forest Service) BLM DHA-RAI Program Participant Pre-Program Surveys To be completed before starting the project, to inform GSA of expectations, etc. BLM Survey U.S. Forest Service Survey Participant Hours Spreadsheet (Excel) To be used to keep track of project hours. Use of this spreadsheet is not a substitute for submitting hours through the official time sheet system, and is optional.

GeoCorps™ program calendar (PDF) GSA logo image files and usage guidelines GeoCorps™ logo GSA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Applicable to ALL GSA members, including GeoCorps™ participants. Field Safety Policy & Procedures GeoCorps™ participants are expected to follow these guidelines, but the rules of the host agency/site take precedence. Declined participation survey Individuals who are offered a GeoCorps™ opportunity but decline it are encouraged to complete this survey. Oral presentation guidelines For scientific conferences, such as GSA meetings. Poster presentation guidelines For Scientific Conferences, such as GSA Meetings. Interior Federal Credit Union Banking opportunity and educational webinar. Brunton GSA is thrilled to partner with the indispensable compass maker, Brunton. Members get 20% OFF Brunton instruments now.

Post-Program Materials

Once your assignment is over, you must provide the following to GSA: Final Report Guidelines and Template (PDF) Must be filled out and returned as an email attachment or shared through a cloud sharing service. • BLM Interim & Final Reports • U.S. Forest Service Interim & Final Reports Post-Program/Evaluation Survey (Online Form) • BLM Post-Program/Evaluation Survey • U.S. Forest Service Participant Post-Program/Evaluation Survey Sponsor Thank-You Letter • Example Letters (PDF) 5–10 High-Resolution Digital Photos See photo guidelines and enter photo captions in the Final Report Document. • Photograph Examples Share the Experience Photo Contest GeoCorps™ participants are encouraged to submit photos to the nationwide "Share the Experience" contest, which seeks images that highlight the best of America's public lands. Materials Produced (if applicable) Provide one copy of each item you produced for your project, such as presentations (PowerPoint), maps, brochures, lesson plans, reports, data sheets, and so forth. If you wish to publish or present work completed as part of your project, you must: Get Permission From Your Agency Mentor This must be the agency staff member listed as the primary or secondary contact for your project. Complete a Form Confirming You Have Permission to Publish/Present Your Work (Online Form) If you wish to present at GSA Connects, this form must be submitted by the abstract submission deadline. • GSA Field Experience Programs: Permission to Publish/Present Work

Alumni Survey Program alumni are encouraged to complete this survey each year after their participation ends. Forest Service Careers Home Page Forest Service Opportunities For Students And Recent Grads Blm Careers Home Page A How-To Guide For Pursuing A Career In Natural Resources Has a Colorado focus, but is useful for everyone. Institute for Broadening Participation (IBP) Student Resources

Other Resources & Links

Videos: GeoCorps™ in the East : Video focusing on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park GeoCorps™ in the West : Video focusing on Rocky Mountain National Park and other western parks GSA Programs for Students : Featuring GeoCorps™ GSA YouTube Channel : Videos on a variety of GSA topics More on GeoCorps™: AGI's EARTH Magazine article on GeoCorps™ Geocorps™ Stories in GSA's Speaking Of Geoscience Blog Geoscientists-In-The-Parks (Gip) Stories At Gsa's Speaking Of Geoscience Blog Geoscience Job Openings: GSA's Geoscience Job Board GSA Programs: Field Camp Programs Mentor Programs Research Grants, Travel Grants, and Awards GSA Meetings and Conferences Other Programs: Scientists in Parks NASA's DEVELOP Program UNAVCO's Research Experience in Solid Earth Sciences for Students (RESESS) Summer Internship Program AGI Geoscience & Public Policy Internships NHEC (National Hispanic Environmental Council) Minority Youth Environmental Training Institutes Student Conservation Association (SCA) Maryland Sea Grant Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Internship for Community College Students in Colorado

Education & Experiential Learning Programs Manager: Lesley Petrie E-mail: GeoCorps@geosociety.org Mailing Address: Geological Society of America - GeoCorps™ P.O. Box 9140 Boulder, CO 80301, USA Physical Address: Geological Society of America - GeoCorps™ 3300 Penrose Place Boulder, CO 80301, USA

Submit Projects & Review Applications

USDA Forest Service Supervisors Bureau of Land Management Supervisors

GeoCorps™ America Program Information

GSA Contact Info Program Year Calendar Guest Scientist program Mentor Check List 8 Tips for an Effective Position Description Position Description Template (Word Doc)

GeoCorps™ for BLM Mentors: Information for a Smooth Start GeoCorps™ for Forest Service Mentors: Information for a Smooth Start GeoCorps™ for BLM DHA-RA Mentors: Information for a Smooth Start

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 at least 10 weeks long. Coordinate a daily work schedule with the participant. Outline: End product/results/desired outcome Weekly timeline & reporting On-site resources to complete the project Be very specific and clear about project objectives Explain training and vehicle guidelines. Explain the housing arrangement at the time 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 their own housing, please provide local assistance 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 the project Information about the site (history, district, geology of the area, related ongoing projects Directions to your office Supervise participants. Weekly check-ins are critical to make sure they are on track with the project. Be a MENTOR! Contact GSA immediately if any problems arise with the participant. Contact GSA immediately if the participant leaves before the agreed-upon work project is complete. Since GSA sends the stipend & housing allowance payments to participants, contact GSA immediately if the situation changes and affects payments. Wrap-up session with participant: Any agency reporting Check-out of agency housing Return uniform (if applicable) Allow time to work on GSA-required final materials (final report, evaluation to GSA) Submit an evaluation to GSA at the end of the program. Provide GSA with electronic copies of all completed products (reports, trail guides, interpretive talks, etc.).

Creating Spaces for Geoscientists with Disabilities to Thrive , an article in AGU Eos. How to Write Inclusive Job Descriptions for People with Disabilities , an article at Quartz.

Other Supervisor Mentoring Resources

Institute for Broadening Participation (IBP) Mentoring Home-page - An NSF-funded project that provides mentoring tools for supervisors and participants. U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Mentoring Resources - Provides "best practices" and a Mentoring handbook. "Five Effective Strategies for Mentoring Undergraduates: Students’ Perspectives" - An article from the Council on Undergraduate Research National Mentoring Partnership Toolkit - Includes a downloadable guide: "Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring". Geological Society of America (GSA) Mentor Programs : Please consider participating in one of the face-to-face mentor programs at a GSA Annual (national) or Section (regional) meeting.

Public Land Careers Information

Opportunities for Young People (USFS) Public Lands Corps Project Management & Operations FAQ (USFS) Public Lands Corps Human Resources Procedures FAQ (USFS) Careers Information for Students and Graduates (BLM) Public Lands Corps Hiring (PLC) Authority Personnel Bulletin 17-03 (DOI, 5/23/17)

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 require a higher level of expertise or 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.

Program Evaluation Survey

BLM GeoCorps™ Survey Forest Service GeoCorps™ Survey

Education & Experiential Learning Programs Manager: Lesley Petrie E-mail: GeoCorps@geosociety.org Mailing Address: Geological Society of America - GeoCorps™ P.O. Box 9140 Boulder, CO 80301, USA Physical Address: Geological Society of America - GeoCorps™ 3300 Penrose Place Boulder, CO 80301, USA

What We Do

...

Geocorps America

Geoscience in Action on U.S. Public Lands

GeoCorps™

GeoCorps™ America offers paid, short-term geoscience opportunities in some of the world's most beautiful natural areas.

Topic areas include geology, hydrology, mapping and GIS, minerals, soils, glaciology, geohazards, karst, education, and interpretation.

GSA partners with the USDA Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and other organizations to offer the program.

Learn More

Photo of GeoCorps Participant in the field

About GeoCorps™ America

The GeoCorps™ program helps geoscientists apply their skills to address the scientific and resource-management needs of America's public lands.

Program Goals

Increase the number of geoscientists conducting education, research, and resource management projects on America's public lands.
Enhance the geoscience knowledge available to resource managers and policymakers to enable better decisions on natural resource management and the mitigation of geological hazards.
Provide hands-on geoscience experience and internships for aspiring professionals who are working toward careers in industry, academia, or land management.
Offer seasoned geoscientists the opportunity to share their knowledge with land managers and assist with on-site projects.
Raise public awareness of the value of geoscience resources on public lands.
Instill a public land ethic in current and future generations of geoscientists by providing opportunities to learn about and understand federal land management.
Enhance the diversity of geoscientists working on America's public lands.

Photo of GeoCorps Participant in the field smiling while talking to little kid

More information

How to Apply Eligibility

How to Apply

Eligibility & Participation

Photo of GeoCorps Participant in the field holding notes

Photo of GeoCorps Participant in the field with mountains in background

Photo of GeoCorps Participant taking measurement in the field

Photo of GeoCorps Participants in the field with sun setting over mountains in the background

Photo of Scientists in the Park Participants in a cave with large speleothems

Photo of GeoCorps Participant in the field taking a measurement

Photo of GeoCorps Participant in the field testing a rock for reactivity with HCl acid

Photo of GeoCorps Participant in the field examining a rock with handlens

Photo of GeoCorps Participant in the field taking a water sample

Participant Resources

Land Manager & Agency Supervisor Resources

Photo of GeoCorps Participant in the field sliding down red clay slope

Photo of Scientists in the Parks Participant holding equipment in the field with mountain landscape in the background

Photo of Scientists in the Parks Participant conducting fieldwork waist deep in a lake taking measurements

Photo of GeoCorps Participant driving a four wheeler in the field

Photo of GeoCorps Participants in the field with luscious green plant life

Photo of Scientists in the Parks Participant in a yellow boat on lake holding equipment for geological fieldwork

Photo of Scientists in the Parks Participants in the field on a beach sitting in sand holding a sample up to the camera

Photo of GeoCorps Participants in the field looking at map on car hood

Photo from drone of GeoCorps Participants in the field

Stay Updated & Support GeoCorps™

Stay in the loop with GSA e-News for updates on programs like GeoCorps™, and consider supporting GeoCorps™ America with a donation to the GSA Foundation.

Subscribe to e-News Donate to GeoCorps™