Surface Compliance Internship (BLM Wyoming)

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Project Background Information: The Rawlins Field Office encompasses 12.5 million acres in south-central Wyoming and includes the eastern third of Sweetwater County in addition to all of Carbon, Albany and Laramie counties. Within that area, the Rawlins Field Office is responsible for the management of 3.5 million acres of public lands and approximately 4.5 million acres of federal mineral estate. Most recently, the Atlantic Rim Natural Gas Project (ARNG) Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and recently issued Record of Decision (ROD) provides the plan for future management of the federal surface and mineral estate in the Atlantic Rim Project Area (ARPA). Associated with such project development will be an increased need for compliance monitoring. Project Objective: The intern will be conducting environmental compliance & monitoring (70% in the field, 30% in the office) inspections of oil & gas development project sites in accordance with approved Plans of Development and Conditions of Approval (benchmark document to measure compliance and success). Interns will target locations to determine if projects have been developed and are being operated according to all applicable jurisdictions. Environmental impacts, the effectiveness of conditions of approval (COA), and the success of reclamation (post-use land restoration) will all be monitored. Benefits: A. Assistance for BLM Natural Resource Specialists and other fluid mineral staff (e.g., managers, compliance technicians, and administrative staff) as they implement oil and gas compliance monitoring programs and actions. B. Enhanced understanding of BLM’s multiple use and conservation mission and program by exposing recent college graduates to work in fluid minerals management. C. Enhance the incorporation of emerging science, new technology, and innovative techniques into BLM land management programs through interactions between recent graduates and experienced staff. D. Develop an additional potential source of qualified applicants for mineral management occupations Statement of Joint Objectives/Project Management Plan: The BLM agrees to: 1. Work with the recipient to identify projects. 2. Coordinate with the recipient to develop a mentoring program. 3. Provide the opportunity for an internship (a 5-month term) position at the Rawlins, WY BLM field office during the field season. 4. Provide safety orientation and training for all government tools, equipment or vehicles. 6. Participate with the recipient in development of training and in selection of interns. 7. Provide payments to the recipient in accordance with Section VI, Financial Support, and Section VII, Payments, of this agreement and applicable OMB and Treasury Regulations. 8. When official travel is required, reimburse expenses at a rate equivalent to the BLM’s travel and per diem rate. The recipient agrees to: 1. Coordinate the mentoring program, select and pay the salaries for those interns selected for this program. 2. Provide training and scientific expertise as outlined in agreement. 3. Provide faculty and facilities for education programs. 4. Maintain records.

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