Undergraduate Geoscience Mapping Intern

The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) conducts earth-science surveys, field studies, and research. We provide objective scientific information about the geology, mineral resources, water resources, soil, and biology of Wisconsin. We collect, interpret, disseminate, and archive natural resource information. We communicate the results of our activities through publications, technical talks, and responses to inquiries from the public. These activities support informed decision-making by government, industry, business, & individual citizens.

This person can be fully in person or partially remote!

If fully in person, work will be conducted at the WGNHS office, 3817 Mineral Point Rd., Madison, WI. A workstation will be provided to the selected candidate and some moving expenses can be reimbursed. WGNHS’s office has a free parking lot, and is located on a bus route.

The selected candidate is not required to be based in Madison for the duration of the internship, but travel to WGNHS office in Madison for at least 5 days over the course of the internship and to the field site for approximately 10 days is required (exact travel dates are flexible). For remote work, a computer, phone, and access to secure high-speed internet connection are required. The WGNHS will provide remote access to a WGNHS computer with all the software required, including virtual meeting software (Zoom, Teams, etc.)

Summary

The student mapping intern will spend their time working closely with WGNHS staff to complete one geologic mapping project in a Wisconsin State Park, Natural Area, or other publicly accessible area. The project will involve both field and GIS components. No mapping or GIS experience is necessary – we encourage applicants with little or no experience in these areas to apply. Sarah Bremmer and/or Eric Stewart will be present for field work. All travel expenses and lodging for fieldwork will be provided. While exact working hours are flexible, the intern is expected to work 40 hours each week on the project. The intern will work collaboratively with supervisors to choose an appropriate project before the summer mapping experience begins. Each project area is within a 1 to 2-hour drive from multiple campuses around the state, making day-trips possible for field work if an applicant cannot stay overnight in the field.

Deliverables include (1) a geologic map (including all typical components, such as unit descriptions, etc.) and (2) a written summary of the project outcomes. Project summaries will be publicly available and be geared towards the scientific community.

Assistance with the development of a public outreach event or activity is also a requirement to complete this internship. The selected candidate will work with supervisors and WGNHS staff to fulfill this requirement.

The available project options, summarized below, are explained in more detail on our website:

• Option 1: Yellowstone Lake State Park: Focus on character of middle Ordovician siliciclastics and carbonates
• Option 2: Mill Bluff State Park: Focus on fracture orientation and its possible relationship to bluff orientation
• Option 3: Rib Mountain State Park: Focus on grain size changes in Precambrian quartzite

Participants will:

• Gain an understanding of bedrock mapping field techniques.
• Gain familiarity with GIS cartography and digital mapping techniques.
• Develop interpersonal and scientific communication skills.
• Apply knowledge and skills from geoscience courses.
• Utilize and expand critical thinking and problem solving.
• Learn about the mission and critical role played by the WGNHS.
• Develop/enhance outreach and education skills
• Build collaborative relationships with project partners

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Enthusiasm to learn about bedrock mapping and GIS
• Comfortable working with computers and interested in learning new software
• Comfortable doing field work (see physical demands).
• Professional working proficiency in spoken and written English
• Ability to respectfully interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity.

Please note:

• No prior geologic mapping experience necessary
• No prior GIS experience necessary
• You will not be expected to do any field work alone
• We are strongly encouraging applications from groups that are underrepresented in STEM
• Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.