GEOCORPS AMERICA - PLACING GEOSCIENTISTS INTO NATIONAL PARKS AND OTHER LANDS

The Geological Society of America’s (GSA) GeoCorps AmericaTM Program places all levels of geoscientists—college students, professionals, and retirees—in temporary summer positions with the National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, and geoscience companies. The program was developed to meet to needs of these agencies in obtaining geoscience expertise to work on specific issues such as local research, geoscience education and resource management.

Starting in 1997, the program has grown to place around 25 participants into the field each summer. Positions in the program are highly competitive with over 250 people applying for the 25 positions this year.

The program highlights to good working relationships that can be built between federal, state and local agencies and professional societies such as GSA. Together real impacts can be made, especially in the areas of education and outreach.

The real need now is continued support from funding agencies, companies and donors. Programs such as this require ongoing commitment that needs to be solidly underwritten financially.