USGS Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Landscapes

About the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

The USGS mission is to monitor, analyze, and predict current and evolving dynamics of complex human and natural Earth-system interactions and to deliver actionable intelligence at scales and timeframes relevant to decision makers. As the Nation's largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, USGS collects, monitors, analyzes, and provides science about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems.

Research Project

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is an important source of livelihoods and mineral production in many regions of the world, but can also produce significant landscape disturbance and environmental impacts. Remote sensing and geospatial analysis provide valuable tools for characterizing ASM activity, monitoring land disturbance, and supporting scientific understanding of mining-related landscape change.

This project will provide a participant with hands-on experience using satellite imagery, GIS, and spatial analysis techniques to identify and characterize ASM-related land disturbance in tropical environments. The participant will train in compiling and analyzing multi-temporal imagery datasets, digitizing mining features, developing geospatial databases, and evaluating relationships between mining activity and geomorphic or hydrologic settings. The participant will gain experience with ongoing research focused on the application of remote sensing and geospatial analysis methods to characterize artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) landscapes and associated environmental disturbance. The project will provide hands-on experience in GIS, satellite image interpretation, spatial data management, and geomorphic analysis within a federal scientific research environment.

Through this mentored learning opportunity you will gain experience with:

• Compiling, organizing, and preprocessing satellite imagery and geospatial datasets relevant to ASM activity and landscape characterization;
• Conducting satellite image interpretation and geospatial database development of ASM-related features, including mining pits, excavation zones, sediment plumes, tailings areas, processing zones, access routes, and associated land disturbance features;
• Attribution, classification, quality control, and organization of interpreted spatial data products and associated environmental or geomorphic attributes;
• Geomorphic and hydrologic interpretation of mining landscapes through analysis of terrain models, drainage networks, and landform relationships;
• Multi-date image comparison and change detection analyses to evaluate spatial and temporal patterns of mining activity and landscape disturbance;
• Making maps, figures, metadata, and spatial data products for project documentation, presentations, and scientific communication;
• Participating in project meetings and collaborative research activities related to remote sensing, geomorphology, and environmental characterization of ASM landscapes.

Depending on the participant’s background and project progress, there may also be opportunities with exploratory analyses related to semi-automated feature extraction or environmental monitoring applications using remote sensing datasets.

Learning Objectives

The participant will gain hands-on experience applying GIS, remote sensing, and geospatial analysis methods within an active federal scientific research environment. You will receive training in satellite image interpretation, spatial database development, environmental and geomorphic analysis, and scientific data management related to artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) landscapes.

The participant will also gain experience with multi-temporal geospatial datasets, developing reproducible analytical workflows, and producing maps and spatial data products for scientific communication. Through participation in project meetings and collaborative research activities, you will gain exposure to interdisciplinary applications of remote sensing and environmental science within the U.S. Geological Survey.

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Pete Chirico (pchirico@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Appointment Details

• Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 15, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
• Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 10 weeks, but may be renewed upon recommendation of DOI and is contingent on the availability of funds.
• Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.
• Participant Stipend: Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

Qualifications

• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 48 months or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2029 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
  • Communications and Graphics Design
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences
  • Earth and Geosciences
  • Engineering
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Physics
  • Science & Engineering-related
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences

ORISE Information

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and USGS. Participants do not become employees of USGS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

How To Apply

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

A Complete Application Consists Of:

• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

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Questions

If you have questions about the application process please email USGS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.