Spokane Minerals Internship Proposal_11072023 SLD.doc

Office: Spokane District Office Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: L24AS00057

Project Submission Dates and Times: January 19, 2024, 5pm EST

Project Title: Spokane District Minerals Internship Opportunity Maximum Available Funding in FY24: $15,000 BLM has determined $650 weekly stipend equal to $16.25 per hour is reasonable. Stipends above this amount must justify in budget narrative increase needed.

Project Background Information: The BLM Spokane District manages public land in Washington State. The majority of the District’s lands are scattered across the eastern side of the state. There are two field offices - Wenatchee (located in Wenatchee, WA) and Border (located in Spokane Valley, WA). Additionally, the San Juan Islands National Monument is managed by the Spokane District. The goal for 2024 is to hire one intern for the Spokane minerals program based out of the District Office in Spokane Valley.

Historically, mining in eastern Washington has been for gold, silver, and other heavy metals. Currently, BLM mineral projects include sand and gravel operations, hardrock quarrying, as well as exploration for a variety of minerals. The minerals specialist in each BLM office is responsible for reviewing mine and reclamation plans, inspecting operations for compliance with laws and regulations, and verifying volumes of material mined. They also work closely with other specialists to conduct environmental analyses on the effects of past and current mining to other natural resources.

Project Objective: BLM, Oregon/Washington Spokane District has an opportunity to introduce youth to careers in the BLM, specifically in the minerals program. The intern will gain experience, learn about public lands, further their understanding and appreciation of natural resources, and pique their interest in BLM careers.

This opportunity will be focused on inspecting mine sites on public lands, including learning the laws and regulations that apply to different types of mining, estimating volumes using GPS equipment, calculating cost estimates for reclamation, and communicating with mine operators. The intern may also conduct an independent research project on minerals or geology that benefits our understanding of mineral resources on public lands.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, generally 8 AM to 5PM, with flexible start/end dates in May-June/August-September.

Qualification Requirements: This opportunity is suitable for youth working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in geology or geoscience-related discipline. As stated in the duties, this opportunity will require time outdoors and field work that is often under somewhat rigorous physical conditions. Applicants must also meet the following criteria: 1). Pass a DOI security background check.

Housing: Agency cannot provide housing but may be able to assist in locating appropriate clean housing.

Vehicle Needs: A personal vehicle is NOT required for the position but is strongly encouraged as it makes the applicant's days off much more enjoyable.

Other Project Considerations:

All Supplies: BLM is providing a computer, GPS unit, and any other equipment the intern may need.

Training Requirements: BLM will provide training as needed, including Defensive Driving and computer security.

Travel: Travel between field offices may be possible. BLM would provide funds if overnight travel were needed.

Duties: The successful youth applicant will assist the Spokane District geologists. Numerous opportunities exist for both field work and office work. Field work includes driving to and inspecting mining activity. Office duties will consist of report writing and working in GIS.

The participant will work out of the District Office in Spokane Valley, WA.

Project expected outcomes include an estimated 10 mine inspections completed.

BLM’s Involvement: There will be substantive BLM programmatic involvement by the BLM minerals specialist that will work daily side by side with recipient on all projects, provide project orientation, and hands-on training. BLM will have the right to intervene by modifying the project management plan, if project is not staying on schedule, technical issues arise, etc. In addition, BLM specialist and recipient will meet weekly to discuss progress and track project outcomes; review any training needs; and then decide what direction to take in finalizing project or move to the next phase.

BLM Program Contact:

Field PO Sarah Doyle

Field PO 509-536-1258

Field PO sdoyle@blm.gov

Applicants are encouraged to refer to the full program announcement number L24AS00057 posted on Grants.gov for all program requirements and applicable terms and conditions. Recipients selected for awards will be required to adhere to those requirements should an award be made.

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