POSITION DETAILS
Position Title: GIS Assistant
Park Unit: Grand Teton National Park
Location: Moose, Wyoming
Number of positions available: 1
Can this position be fully remote: NO
INTERNSHIP DATES AND LENGTH
Duration: 20 Weeks (not flexible)
Start Date: 11/04/2024
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 GIS Assistant will support the geospatial data program by preparing GIS-related graphic material for reports, using GPS data collection software to collect digital spatial data, and use GIS software to create, manage, edit and document geospatial information . Duties will include coordinating with many different internal partners to gather and sometimes collect data, then processing this information and developing a map and/or analysis product that supports natural resource managers in the Park. Additionally, the candidate will have the opportunity to assist in physical science monitoring.
The project supports the understanding and management of unique and significant geologic and hydrologic resources in the Park, while also providing important information to support public health and safety concerns for Park visitors. The SIP's work will contribute to the overall project goals by collecting and analyzing important data, and helping to develop protocols that answer scientific questions, which in turn inform management decisions. 'The purpose of Grand Teton National Park is to preserve and protect the spectacular scenery of the Teton Range and the valley of Jackson Hole; protect a unique geologic landscape that supports abundant diverse native plants .... and to provide opportunities for enjoyment, education, inspiration, and scientific investigation compatible with these resources for present and future generations.'
Grand Teton National Park is in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of Earth's largest intact temperate ecosystems. The central feature of the park is the Teton Range, an active, fault-block mountain front that is 40 miles long and 7-9 miles wide. The range includes 12 peaks over 12,000 feet, with the highest in the range over 13,000 feet. The park protects 7 morainal lakes along the base of the Teton Range and more than 100 alpine and backcountry lakes. The Snake River bisects the valley of Jackson Hole and is the headwaters of the Columbia River system.
POSITION IMPACT
The project supports the understanding and management of unique and significant geologic and hydrologic resources in the Park, while also providing important information to support public health and safety concerns for Park visitors. The SIP's work will contribute to the overall project goals by collecting important data, and helping to develop protocols that answer scientific questions, which in turn inform management decisions. “The purpose of Grand Teton National Park is to preserve and protect the spectacular scenery of the Teton Range and the valley of Jackson Hole; protect a unique geologic landscape that supports abundant diverse native plants…. and to provide opportunities for enjoyment, education, inspiration, and scientific investigation compatible with these resources for present and future generations.” Grand Teton National Park is in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of Earth’s largest intact temperate ecosystems. The central feature of the park is the Teton Range, an active, fault-block mountain front that is 40 miles long and 7–9 miles wide. The range includes 12 peaks over 12,000 feet, with the highest in the range over 13,000 feet. The park protects 7 morainal lakes along the base of the Teton Range and more than 100 alpine and backcountry lakes. The Snake River bisects the valley of Jackson Hole and is the headwaters of the Columbia River system.
DELIVERABLES
This position will review and validate existing datasets and associated metadata. Perform field work to verify the spatial accuracy of existing data and collect new data. This intern will develop Survey123 app, ArcGIS Collector maps and ArcGIS Dashboards. They will create new data sets from remote sensing products such as Light Detection and Ranging data (LiDAR), aerial photography, and satellite imagery. They will link photos and external cultural resource and facilities management databases to spatial databases, using methods from brute force data entry to batch file processing. This intern will assist training park staff in the proper use of GPS and participating in cooperative GPS projects involving several work groups at a time. They will prepare field and office maps for various projects, for all park divisions. They will digitize/document land use change from orthorectified aerials from 1945-2021, which will include air photo interpretation, on-screen digitizing and creating temporal databases. Finally, they will assist physical science staff in monitoring and performing duties as needed at an air quality station located within the park.
DESIRED INTERN QUALIFICATIONS
- Have a strong working knowledge of ESRI GIS Software products (ArcMap, ArcPro, ArcGIS Online, Collector and Survey 123)
- Good, basic knowledge of the concepts of geography (scale, precision/accuracy, datums and coordinate systems, etc.)
- Basic knowledge of GPS. Some experience in field mapping, differential correction, and downloading GPS data. We use several types of GPS units and software here (Garmin, MobileMapper, and Trimble GeoXTs and XMs), and will train on any and all of them .
- Basic knowledge of mobile devices and ability to train staff on how to use iOS, Android (Apple iPad and Samsung Tablets) and ESRl's suite of mobile applications.
- A background in GIS is strongly encouraged, and additionally, experience in resource management, wildlife management, biology or a related field is desirable.
- A positive attitude and eagerness to learn and contribute!
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 20 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
WORK SETTING
Natural Environment: Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway preserve a spectacular landscape rich with majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and extraordinary wildlife. The abrupt vertical rise of the jagged Teton Range contrasts with the sage covered valley, creating world-renowned scenery that attracts visitors from all over the world. Park headquarters is located in Moose, Wyoming which is approximately 12 miles north of Jackson. Jackson is a small, outdoor recreation focused, thriving community of 10,000 year round residents. The town caters to four million tourists every summer, has an excellent hospital and medical community, a well-respected public school system, private schools, multiple grocery stores, excellent restaurants, and seasonal music and art festivals. Outdoor activities are available year round and include easy access to three ski resorts (Snow King Resort, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee), back-country and Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, camping, backpacking, horseback riding, boating, rafting, kayaking, hunting, cycling, mountain biking, and world class fly fishing, climbing, and mountaineering. The climate can be as extreme as the activities that are available. Winter temperatures range between lows of 20 degrees below zero to highs of 30 degrees. Summer temperatures are comfortable, with highs between 65 - 80 degrees, and lows into the mid-30's.
Physical Work Environment: This position is approximately 80% office work and 20% field work. The office space will consist of a personal workstation with a computer and tablets that is capable of running ESRI and GIS software. Field work will consist of driving to various locations around the park to collect and test GPS data and equipment.
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. Housing is shared, but will have private room, and shared kitchen and common space. Please bring your own bedding, kitchen supplies, and other recreational equipment to perform outdoor activities.
KEYWORDS
GIS, Cartography, Hydrology, Geosciences, Climate, GPS
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/