Mine Mapping Steward - Americorps
Position Details
Stewards Individual Placement Program (SIPP) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health.
SIPP, in partnership with the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), is seeking a year-long AmeriCorps Member to assist Kentucky with getting mine maps scanned and georeferenced. Due to an office move and limited storage space in the new facility, the Kentucky Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) program was tasked with scanning all permit files into their document management system called DocTree. Although much of this work was completed for the active permits, there are many mine maps that were not done in time for the move. The effort will also include a review of the Kentucky Surface Mine Information Systems (SMIS) to compare the location data for ground water and surface water monitoring point locations with georeferenced location.
This effort will directly assist the primacy SMCRA program in Kentucky with their inspection and enforcement role by providing electronic access to more complete files in the office and in the field. OSMRE will gain from access to more complete electronic files to support our oversight duties as well. The scanned mine maps will also be available for members of the public. The environment will be improved from all parties having correct information for implementing all phases of the program. Residents near mining activity count on the SMCRA Regulatory Authority to protect the environment and ensure for their safety. Improved access to the latest information in their databases makes those responsibilities less burdensome on the program.
Position Responsibilities will include:
- Scanning and georeferencing mine maps
- Scanning and georeferencing incremental bonding maps and watershed maps
- Listing permits in the Kentucky SMIS for water monitoring locations
Preferred Majors/Skills
- Natural Resources Management or Earth Sciences background
- Comfortable with traveling to remote locations in Kentucky
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to communicate effectively
Benefits:
- Living Allowance: $465/week at 40hrs/week (pre-tax)
- Successful completion of this term will award the AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of $6,095.00
- Place Federal student loans on Forbearance during time in service
- Interest accrual payoff by AmeriCorps
- Professional Development Opportunities including: Job Shadowing, Site Visits, and On-Site Training