National Park Service
Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards), a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with AmeriCorps service and career internship opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits to provide institutional capacity, develop community relationships, and support ecosystem health. Stewards in partnership with the NPS GIS office is hosting a cohort of GIS stewards.
In addition to protecting and managing America’s national park sites, the National Park Service (NPS) also operates programs that extend throughout the nation to connect all Americans to their parks, trails, rivers, and other special places. The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program helps community groups, nonprofits, state and local governments, and tribes plan parks and trails, conserve and improve contact to rivers and natural areas, and create recreation opportunities through locally led partnerships. This GIS steward will provide technical GIS support for a variety of RTCA community assistance projects. The steward will gain hands-on experience in geospatial analysis, data management, and cartographic design while contributing to projects that enhance conservation and recreation across the 13-state Midwest Region.
This position has duty station options at the Midwest Regional Office (Omaha, NE) or at field offices in the region (Duluth, MN; St. Paul, MN; or Van Buren, MO) where the steward could work alongside NPS staff. This position may offer a remote telework option with occasional travel to an office or project site as needed. Park housing is not available.
Description of Duties:
Duties of the GIS Intern position include, but are not limited to the following:
- Cartographic Map Production. Creating visually appealing map sets depicting existing and proposed parks and trails to the specifications of project partners.
- Data Organization and Integration. Refining attribute data for an extensive inventory of multiuse trails along the Great Lakes in support of a larger vision of a connected network of shoreline bicycle and pedestrian trails.
- Project Coordination. Communicating effectively with RTCA project managers across the Midwest to deliver geospatial and cartographic products that move projects forward for our partners.
- GIS Support and Project Assistance. Be a “thought partner” to RTCA project managers to identify geospatial solutions to their project needs. This may include GPS and integration of field data into mapping exercises, community engagement and outreach using GIS tools, and other technical support.
- Team Collaboration. Actively participate in regular team meetings and other team-oriented events and discussions, contributing to a collaborative work environment.
- Internship Program Engagement. Participate in weekly Cohort meetings, led by NPS GIS Steward Program support staff, maximizing learning and networking opportunities.
- Capstone Project. Design and deliver a presentation to the NPS GIS community at the conclusion of the position, showcasing accomplishments and insights gained.
Requirements:
- United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
- At least 18 years of age
- Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award
- Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
Preferred Qualifications
Ideal candidates will possess a solid foundation in GIS principles and data management practices, along with demonstrated proficiency in Esri ArcGIS desktop software and data manipulation geoprocessing tools. Experience with geodatabase design principles, spatial data standards, and cartography is highly desired. Strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential. While subject matter experts will provide support, initiative and self-direction are key to success in this position. The primary work environment is a climate-controlled office or approved home office for teleservice. Occasional field visits may be available, and these could involve travel to remote and rugged locations with varying weather conditions. A general comfort level with such field environments is necessary if interested in travel opportunities.
Applicants must also be enrolled at an institution of higher education or within two years post-graduation. Applicants who have obtained or are pursuing a GIS degree or certificate and/or with GIS work experience are preferred. Prior to starting this position, a federal government security background clearance will be required.