Conservation Legacy

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: GIS Assistant - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: War in the Pacific National Historical Park, Hagatna, Guam

Can this position be fully remote: Yes

Number of positions available: 1

TERMS OF SERVICE

Duration: 20 Weeks (not flexible)

Flexible Start Date: Yes

Start Date: 06/02/2025

End Date: 08/25/2025

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 675 Hour

BENEFITS

  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $2,817.00 upon successful completion of position.
  • Living Allowance of $665.00 per week.
  • Relocation Allowance of $1,050.00 distributed as a one-time lump sum.
  • Student Loan Forbearance if applicable (administered by MyAmeriCorps, directly).
    • Student Loan Interest Payments if applicable (administered through MyAmeriCorps, directly).

APPLICATION TIMELINE

The position will close after receiving 75 applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, 19 January, 2025, whichever occurs first. The review of applications will begin after Sunday, 19 January, 2025.

PURPOSE

This GIS Assistant is an AmeriCorps position that will aid the National Park Service (NPS) in its mission to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. Many recent advances in technology, including enhanced mapping and data collection, web-based tools, and services which allow for the sharing of knowledge with our NPS partners and the public, are making it easier and more efficient to meet our NPS mission. While the park collects and retains extensive GIS and spatial data, the organization, management, and modernization of these data are lacking due to shortages in staffing. Accurate boundary maps are critical to managing the park and its resources especially since park units are immediately adjacent to private lands in several villages. Land exchanges with the U.S. Navy and Government of Guam when the park was established and title documents for most parcels pre-dated modern mapping technology and are woefully inaccurate. The results of this project are a high priority for the park and the Government of Guam. Data and maps created will also be used to design educational materials for the public to further explore and understand the battlefield and its resources.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

We are seeking a GIS Member to work with park staff and regional cartographers to develop an ArcGIS Pro project and update geospatial land status information. Specific tasks will include working with land records and survey plats to further develop the parks’ geospatial cadastral (parcel) data layer and related land records database. There may be some field work involved to locate land survey monuments and collect coordinate information utilizing GPS equipment.


KEYWORDS: GIS, cartography, metadata, ArcGIS Online, data management

DELIVERABLES

Develop an ArcGIS Pro project and import existing geospatial or CAD-based cadastral information. Research and organize land records information. Utilize coordinate geometry to develop and enhance geospatial cadastral data. Create or update land status and ownership database information.


QUALIFICATIONS

  • United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
  • Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of 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.
  • Prior to starting the position, agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check for the employer of record, Conservation Legacy, and a separate government security background check for the NPS site location.
  • The applicant must be available to participate for 20 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
A successful candidate will have a strong foundation in GIS and data management practices and proficiency using Esri desktop software. Knowledge of geodatabase design principles and experience with spatial data standards and metadata is preferred. Previous experience with land records will be considered.

This position requires attention to detail, effective communication skills, the ability to take initiative and work independently, while also being supported by subject matter experts as needed.

ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION

POSITION SETTING

Physical/Natural Environment: This position may be stationed on Guam or Saipan (or certain offices in the western U.S.) Work will be primarily in an office environment. There may be some field work involved to locate land survey monuments and collect coordinate information. War in the Pacific National Historical Park commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of those who participated in the Pacific Theater of World War II at seven geographically separate units covering a total of 2,000 acres. Approximately half of the park is submerged land. The beaches are popular recreation areas, and the Asan Bay Overlook memorializes those who suffered and sacrificed their lives during the Japanese Occupation and the Battle of Guam.

American Memorial Park (133 acres) honors those who died in the World War II Mariana Islands campaign with the Court of Honor and Marianas Memorial as its central features. The park plays an important role in the community, hosting numerous special events and is a prime recreation and open space area for the surrounding neighborhood with walking paths, picnic areas, ball fields, tennis courts, and a 1200-seat amphitheater. Both islands are hot and humid during the rainy season (Jun-Oct) and less humid during the trade wind season (Nov-May). War in the Pacific National Historical Park is located in Guam. The park encompasses both natural and cultural resources, with a focus on WWII history. Park headquarters are in downtown Hagatna (the historic capital of Guam), conveniently near restaurants, banks, grocery stores, and shopping malls. Guam has a tropical climate. Daytime temperatures generally range from 80-88° F, with high humidity and a wet season from July to November. Guam is surrounded by coral reefs, and ocean water temperatures typically range from 82-86° F. The member will be based in the park headquarters.


VEHICLE AND DRIVER’S LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
  • A personal vehicle is REQUIRED for this position.

HOUSING

Park housing is NOT available. The member will be responsible for finding housing in the nearby area. Park housing is NOT available, and the member will be responsible for finding housing in the nearby area. Guam is a small island with convenient access to all amenities. Furnished short-term rentals or apartment sharing with university students are options. Local candidates are preferred, but if the candidate is not a local resident, WAPA staff will assist the member with finding affordable housing.


HOW TO APPLY

Apply online, all Scientists in Parks positions are listed at: https://conservation-legacy.breezy.hr/. Complete the application for this position, highlighting why you are interested in the position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position. Be prepared to upload your resume and unofficial transcript as part of completing the application questionnaire.

Once you begin applying for a position, the application must be completed in one sitting. You cannot save and return later to complete it. Applicants can apply for up to five Scientists in Parks positions per season. You need to complete a separate application for each position in order to be considered. You should receive a confirmation email after successfully submitting an application. Sometimes institutional email filters/settings can redirect or block emails related to the application. We recommend watching spam, junk, and promotional email folders in case your email service delivers messages there. Please visit How to Apply for additional resources and information about applying (i.e., learn what materials to have ready for applying, find a worksheet that previews application questions, etc.). Learn more about Scientists in Parks at: https://www.scientistsinparks.org/.


ADDITIONAL DETAILS


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions.


TIME REQUIREMENTS

  • This position is expected to serve full time each week, but exact service schedules may vary.
  • Lunch breaks will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service hours.
  • Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

  • Orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
  • Pertinent training from the NPS site location throughout the term of service.
  • Access to free professional development webinars led by Conservation Legacy staff or the Ecological Society of America.
  • Opportunity to join one (or more) SIP Affinity Groups. Groups include: DEIJ Change Makers, Women+ in Science, BIPOC, or Pride in STEM.
  • Opportunity to present the outcomes from the SIP position at national scientific meetings held by the Ecological Society of America and Geological Society of America.

EVALUATION AND REPORTING

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.


Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.


Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards), a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with AmeriCorps service and career 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 War in the Pacific National Historical Park will host a GIS Assistant.


Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. Where a significant portion of the population eligible to be served needs services or information in a language other than English, the recipient shall take reasonable steps to provide written material of the type ordinarily available to the public in appropriate languages. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with AmeriCorps requirements.


If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Scientists in Parks using the email address at the base of the home page, under “Questions? Contact us!”

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