Menu
Programs Search
Resource Library
Webinars
Partners Directory
About us
GeoCorps America is a program of the Geological Society of America (GSA), operated in partnership with government agencies and other organizations committed to science and stewardship.
This program offers paid short-term geoscience opportunities in some of the most beautiful natural areas in the world. Topic areas include geology, hydrology, paleontology, mapping and GIS, minerals, soils, glaciology, geohazards, karst, education, and interpretation.
The GeoCorps program helps geoscientists engage their skills in addressing the scientific and resource management needs of America's public lands. The program coordinates projects with professionals at the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, in order to complete geoscience-related work that might not otherwise be possible. GeoCorps projects offer unique experiences to grow professionally, complete meaningful work, and increase the number of geoscientists on the ground advancing the management, research, education and outreach, and stewardship of geologic resources nationwide.
Program Goals:
'Increase the number of geoscientists conducting education, research, and resource management projects on America's public lands;
'Enhance the geoscience knowledge available to resource managers and policy makers so better decisions can be made regarding the management of natural resources and mitigation of geological hazards;
'Provide hands-on geoscience experience and internships for aspiring professionals who are working toward careers in industry, academia, or land management;
'Offer seasoned geoscientists the opportunity to share their knowledge with land managers and assist with onsite projects.
'Raise the public's knowledge and awareness of the value of geoscience resources on public lands;
'Instill a public land ethic in current and future generations of geoscientists by having the opportunity to learn and understand federal land management;
'Enhance the diversity of geoscientists working on America's public lands.
Opportunities take place in some of the most beautiful areas nationwide, and span a wide variety of geoscience-related fields: paleontology, caves and karst, geohazards, mapping and applied GIS, hydrology, fluid and solid minerals, soils, and more.
Most GeoCorps participants are relatively new geoscientists in the early phases of building or transitioning their careers, for whom it is beneficial to spend the summer at a National Forest or BLM Unit gaining on-the-ground experience in geology and geoscience-related work. Their knowledge and skills enable them to assist public lands in meaningful ways with important geoscience projects.
Many public lands also have higher-needs projects that require a specific background, level of expertise, or require a longer-term project that extends beyond a summer season. Public land managers are also able to submit geology and geoscience-related projects to GeoCorps that require up to one year's time on site, and/or expertise within a specific geoscience field.