OSM/AmeriCorps Regulatory Trainee Program 2011-2012 Program Basics The Office of Surface Mining (OSM), Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) and AmeriCorps have partnered to support State Regulatory Agencies (SRA) to carry out the requirements of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. SCC places 20 OSM/AmeriCorps Regulatory Trainees with participating State Regulatory Agencies to address the need for trained regulatory personnel at a time when many states are unable to hire additional personnel. To that end, the OSM/AmeriCorps Regulatory Trainee Program is intended to develop an approach to introducing recent college graduates to state surface coal mining regulatory work in a carefully-mentored environment over a full year of training. AmeriCorps is a national service organization, connecting thousands of Americans of all ages and backgrounds with the opportunity to serve their communities.

Trainee Tasking Examples Mine Site Inspections GIS Mapping & Geodatabase Development Writing Environmental Impact Statements Outreach & Education

Permit Reviews Water Quality Monitoring Projects Environmental Database Creation or Conversion Updating & Georeferencing Archived Data into GIS

Participating State Regulatory Agencies Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, & Energy Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Office of Surface Mining , Reclamation & Enforcement Big Stone Gap Area Office (VA) Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation Kentucky Department of Natural Resources West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Alabama Surface Mining Commission Railroad Commission of Texas Louisiana Office of Conservation Illinois Office of Mines & Minerals Office of Surface Mining, Western Regional Office

2010-2011 Trainee with Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy inventories, surveys and documents abandoned mine portals for signs of disturbance or vandalism.

Contact

Rachel Folk, Program Coordinator 304-252-4848 x1 [email protected]

About the Position One-year (12 month), full term of service Benefits include health insurance and the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $5,550 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of the Program Annual living allowance of $15,600, paid bi-weekly Mentored by and work directly with voluntary State Regulatory Agency field personnel Professional development in the form of teamwork, communication, responsibility, understanding of SRA operations and other essential life skills Bi-Annual Training

Requirements Must be at least 18 years old and an US Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the United States Must possess or be working towards a B.A./B.S. degree in a physical or natural sciences field (Biology, Civil Engineering, Earth Sciences, Ecology, Engineering, Environmental Science/Studies, Forestry, Geology, Mechanical Engineering, Mining, Planning – Natural Resource emphasis, Political Science or related field) Strong oral and written communications skills Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite required Experience with GPS usage, database management, and GIS mapping are preferred Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively as part of a larger team Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure Possession of a current valid driver's license is required at the time of hire. This work may require the use of manual and automatic four-wheel-drive vehicles during all times of the year, driving and field work in varying weather conditions, and solitary travel to somewhat remote areas Considerable physical activity may be required at some sites Positions may require individuals capable of negotiating, and handling stressful situations in a diplomatic and non-adversarial manner Regulatory Trainees will be required to submit quarterly reports and a final report during their year of service

How to Apply Please submit the OSM/AmeriCorps Regulatory Trainee application form, your résumé, a cover letter (2 pages maximum stating why you are interested in this position), and a writing sample. Only electronic copies will be accepted and incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications can be found at: http://sccorps.org/jobs/trainee/ Submit complete application packages to: [email protected]

Diversity & Anti-Discrimination In accordance with OSM’s Equal Opportunity, SCC’s Non-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment, and AmeriCorps’ Grant Program Civil Rights Policies, applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or handicap. Adhering to OSM’s effort to enhance opportunities for minority higher education institutions to participate and benefit from programs related to surface coal mining and reclamation activities, minorities and graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges and Universities are encouraged to apply.

Contact

Rachel Folk, Program Coordinator 304-252-4848 x1 [email protected]