POSITION DETAILS
Position Title: GIS Assistant
Park Unit: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Location: Sandy Springs, Georgia
Number of positions available: 1
Can this position be fully remote: NO
INTERNSHIP DATES AND LENGTH
Duration: 52 Weeks (not flexible)
Start Date: 10/07/2024
Flexible Start Date: YES
LIVING AND RELOCATION ALLOWANCE:
Weekly Stipend: $565.00
Relocation Allowance: $400.00
CURRENT NUMBER OF APPLICANTS: Under 75 (This posting will close after receiving 75 complete applications or at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, 16 June, whichever occurs first.)
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The participant will be responsible for providing geospatial data management support for GIS activities supporting land, water, and ecosystem management functions at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The individual selected will use GIS equipment and software to compile, capture, and update resource databases from various source maps according to the guidelines of specific data sets. They will ensure accuracy and appropriateness of data and correct any errors. They will also use basic operations and scripted processes to manipulate and analyze geospatial data to support multi-resource analysis in planning and monitoring activities, and resource management decision making. The individual will create simple thematic map products and presentation materials. This project will provide the participant with the opportunity to use geospatial software, skills, and knowledge in park management applications. The participant will have the opportunity to sharpen their GIS skills. They will perform spatial analyses, develop other geospatial products, and provide GIS technical and project support to the park and internal staff. The participant will provide geospatial information to resource managers to fill-in important data gaps. This information will assist managers in making informed management decisions which will ensure the protection of park resources.
In addition to their role as a GIS specialist, the participant will also assist in the collection of data to support the park such as water quality sampling for a collaborative project between the CRNRA and U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS) to monitor bacteria (E. coli) levels in the mainstem of the Chattahoochee River; assist with other divisions and other projects as needed such as vegetation surveys, wildlife observations, trail cameras, surveying, social media, visitor use patterns, etc.
POSITION IMPACT
Many recent advances in technology, including enhance 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. The GIS Assistant intern’s management and creation of data will help the park to learn more about its resources and how to better manage and preserve them in an increasingly modernized digital era. Data and maps created will also be used to create additional educational materials for the public to further explore and understand the park.
DELIVERABLES
At the completion of this internship, the intern will have organized and created an abundant amount of park data GIS data into appropriate geodatabases that meet NPS data standards. The intern will also have created new data layers and maps used for compliance, interpretation, and education. The intern will also complete surveys and process water quality samples.
DESIRED INTERN QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants should have an extensive knowledge of Geographical Information System, specifically QGIS, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, and other ESRI Projects such as Field Maps, Survey123 Connect, and StoryMaps. Applicants should be skilled in working with geodatabases, and ideally have knowledge of/skills in Python scripting for GIS. A highly qualified candidate has a background in water resources and river systems. A successful applicant must be self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision after the initial training period.
The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. legal permanent resident (“Green Card holder”). Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required. The applicant must be available to participate for 52 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
WORK SETTING
CRNRA is located north of Atlanta in the metropolitan area. Amenities abound. The park spans 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River from the city to Buford Dam at Lake Sidney Lanier. The park also contains 16 land units that comprise approximately 5,000 acres along the river. The units are separate and disjunct allowing for great biological diversity. The park consists of two major forest types – bottomland hardwood and piedmont pine-hardwood. Granite outcrops and cliffs are significant geologic features. The climate is temperate with mild winters and hot humid summers.
A majority of the work is performed indoors; however, some outdoor work is expected. Outdoors assignments may be performed in potentially hazardous areas including steep slopes, rocky terrain, wetlands, and forests. The position may require strenuous physical activity including periods of standing, walking, climbing, and lifting and carrying heavy objects. Database development, data entry, map production and report writing work is sedentary, which entails the ability to concentrate for long periods of time. The participant will be expected to work 40 hours/week. Workspace, computer, and necessary software and other equipment will be provided.
The park is located in metro-Atlanta with an abundance of local restaurants, entertainment, and amenities. The closest supermarket is 2 miles away from park housing. There is public transportation near housing, but it is not convenient or extensive (https://www.itsmarta.com/); therefore, a personal vehicle is recommended but not required for this position.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is recommended for this position.
HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant. The individual will have a private bedroom with shared restroom, kitchen, and living area in a dormitory style house. The kitchen is fully furnished with dishes, pots, and pants. The interns will be responsible for their own bedding, towels, and toiletries. The closest supermarket is 2 miles away from park housing. There is public transportation near housing, but it is not convenient or extensive (https://www.itsmarta.com/).
KEYWORDS
GIS, Geodatabase, Hydrology, NEPA, Plant Surveys, Field Work, Mapping, Field Maps, Survey123, Interdisciplinary Team
IMPORTANT NOTICES
This posting will close after receiving 75 complete applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, 16 June, whichever occurs first. 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 Intern positions per winter. 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 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
https://www.scientistsinparks.org/