University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Geography and Environmental Studies

04/05/2026

The Department of Geosciences and the Environment is utilizing drone technology to locate and map the vanished neighborhood of Rosedale in Johnstown. Professor Massasati and student Jiachen Fu are operating the drones.

03/03/2026

Celebrating Matt Sernell, the new doctor of the department!

01/28/2026

❄️January 26-30, 2026 is Winter Salt Week!❄️
Limit the amount of salt and de-icers used on driveways and sidewalks to prevent pollution from entering waterways.

Watch this video to learn more: https://ow.ly/xEng50XLGgb

01/28/2026

01/28/2026

🚨 Now Hiring: Seasonal Positions at Great Smoky Mountains National Park! 🚨

Love working outdoors? Passionate about wildlife or plants?
Join us as a Biological Science Technician and gain hands-on experience in one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth!

📝 Apply now on USAJobs.gov
Open until 2/5/26 (or until applicant limit is reached):
Seasonal: Biological Science Technician (Plants)
Seasonal: Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

(Link to job postings in comments).

📌 Important: Job announcements will close by the posted date or when the applicant limit is reached—whichever comes first.

Learn more about working with us:
👉 www.nps.gov/grsm/getinvolved/workwithus.htm

Note: A new 2-page resume policy is in effect. Only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine qualifications.



NPS Graphic

01/23/2026

Come intern with Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve! We’re hiring a 12 week Natural Resources Management Assistant through Scientists in Parks to help us with night skies research and communication. There is no park housing available for this position, so we are seeking local candidates!

The intern will work with both our Natural Resources Management and Interpretation divisions on monitoring and outreach necessary to maintain our status as a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park. Position start date is May 18, 2026 and applications are due February 15, 2026.

For more information and to apply, see the Scientists in Parks link in the comment below!

NPS photo.

Image description: The night sky and stars over a ridge of dunes.

11/18/2025

Geography Awareness Week is under way. First off, alumna Mackenzie Caron is talking about emergency management in local planning.

10/12/2025

Happy soil judging!

Big thanks to AAron of for bringing the fun and capturing our competition on camera. We loved having you tag along!

More pictures to come! Check out for updates as well!

10/10/2025

Pitt in the pits... DAY 2!!

10/09/2025

Working hard for the first day of the Northeast Regional Soil Judging Competion! This year, UPJ is hosting more than a dozen colleges and over 100 students, all while competing! Wish us luck 🥸

10/09/2025

This week, Pitt-Johnstown’s Department of Geosciences and the Environment welcomes more than a dozen colleges and over 100 students for the Region 1 Soil Judging Competition (Oct. 8–10).

Soil judging is a hands-on event where students analyze real soil profiles to assess their use for agriculture, construction, and environmental management. It’s an incredible learning opportunity that prepares future scientists and engineers for careers in natural resource management and environmental consulting.

👩‍🔬 Proud to host this event and showcase the importance of soil science in our region!

09/19/2025

What’s missing from this muffin tin? You are! We need volunteers for Friday, October 10 for the upcoming Soil Judging Contest.
Register as a volunteer at
http://welcometothepitts.com/