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
Start Date: 11/6/2023
Flexible Start Date: YES
LIVING AND RELOCATION ALLOWANCE:
Weekly Stipend: $525.00
Relocation Allowance: $400.00
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The intern will assist Vegetation Ecology and Management (VEM) branch with field season GIS data compilation and organization, end of year reporting, and map making for reports and internal park coordination meetings. 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. The intern will maintain GIS data collection equipment. Seek field data collection feedback to edit and streamline geodatabases for future field season data collection. Update park livestock grazing infrastructure information by reviewing existing data, collecting data in the field, and compiling accurate grazing data for use in resource management decisions.
This is an office-based position during winter in Jackson Hole (i.e., vegetation resources are under snow). There may be some limited opportunities to perform site visits for the purposes of orienting the candidate to the geography of the park and for collecting data. The position does not include any vegetation project implementation.
POSITION IMPACT
VEM has numerous summer teams conducting vegetation management across the park. End of season data cleanup and reporting achievements to park leadership, project partners, and stakeholders is a significant undertaking. Having help working through the previous field season’s data, maintaining organization protocols, and reporting acres and work effort is critically needed. Preparing our field data collection methods for the upcoming field season would set us up to continue the developed protocols.
Grand Teton National Park is currently undertaking a long term ecological restoration project to protect our high quality sagebrush steppe ecosystem by converting 4,500 acres of former livestock grazing pastures from nonnative smooth brome pasture grass to native sagebrush habitat. It has been a major park priority for over a decade and is one of the most ambitious habitat restoration projects within the National Park System. The GIS data also informs decision making and showcases the story through time. This project’s successful coordination relies on decades of collected geospatial data that is accurate or organized.
Grand Teton relies on decades of collected geospatial data in all facets of management, however the grazing GIS is unreliable and in need of updating and attention. Collecting accurate data and organizing existing data would allow Grand Teton staff to be making informed decisions with current infrastructure conditions.
DELIVERABLES
Setting up 2024 field season geodatabases for invasive plant control, revegetation, threatened and endangered plant surveys, native seed collection, and events damaging park lands. End of year work accomplishment maps and metrics for reports. Up to date knowledge of GIS software capabilities will improve our existing data collection into the future.
This position will review and validate existing datasets and associated metadata, topics including invasive plant treatment, livestock grazing, and ecological restoration activity. Perform field work to verify the spatial accuracy of existing data and collect new data. This intern will developSurvev123 app, ArcGIS Collector maps and ArcGIS Dashboards.
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 TrimbleGeoXTs 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. permanent legal resident (“green-card-holder”). Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required.
WORK SETTING
Grand Teton National Park covers 310,000 acres in western Wyoming. The park showcases iconic peaks, but also protects high quality sagebrush steppe valley, alpine wildflower meadows, and riparian corridors which support some of the most fantastic wildlife habitat in North America. You will live at approximately 6,500 feet elevation, with the Grand Teton reaching 13,000 ft. The town of Jackson is about 20 minutes away, and while busy, hosts a great deal of services. We have an airport, hardware stores, 3 grocery stores, banks, a Target, and auto body shops. Some people drive 2 hours to the larger Idaho Falls for errands on the weekends. The recreational opportunities are boundless, as Grand Teton employees can often be found at our 3 downhill ski resorts (Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King, or Grand Targhee), cross country skiing, ice skating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, finding hot springs, and enjoying live music in town. Physical Work Environment: This position is approximately 100% office work and sporadic 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
- No, applicant will not need to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is REQUIRED for this position.
HOUSING
Yes. 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, Ecological Restoration, Invasive Plants, Data Management, Data Visualization