Field GIS, 6-month post-grad internship

Southeast Conservation Corps - Great Smokey Mountains NP 

The Southeast Conservation Corps is seeking folks that know how to use a GPS and a computer, and are extremely capable in off-trail hazardous terrain.  Please note this particular position has an arduous duty work capacity certification.

The AmeriCorps recruit will work 40 hours/week on a Monday through Thursday schedule (4/10). Primary duties include researching, developing, presenting, and evaluating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) data used for water and hydrology resource management in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The member will assist planners and resource managers in creating and evaluating data used by the park to ensure National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance as well as effective use and management of spatial and non-spatial data in support of park fisheries and water quality management operations. The member will also assist park staff in integrating planning and maintenance GIS data in other aspects of park operations, Wildlife, Fisheries Management, and Hydrology. This includes collection, development and deployment of data which supports visitor services such as campground facilities, Emergency Action Plans (EAP), trail maintenance, emergency spill response, real-time wildlife tracking, Search and Rescue, Cultural Resource Preservation, Environmental Impact Statements, and transportation planning. 

The goal of this project is to provide the park with a comprehensive inventory and assessment of park water resources. The focus of this project will be off-trail assessment of stream and stream corridor habitat assessment for the purpose of defining park streams for fisheries and water quality management. Most of the project time will involve navigation in some of the most difficult, steep, and dense vegetation areas of the park performing GPS stream assessments where no person has ever seen them before.

Primary Functions of Position:

• Develop and Deploy daily travel maps using GIS software;
• Operate GPS and photo equipment;
• Perform Biologic, Hydrologic, and Geomorphologic stream assessments;
• Perform data entry into a GIS;
• Serve as members of the Search and Rescue Team

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Must have own transportation & a valid driving license (*no moving violations allowed) · Paid or unpaid experience with GIS and/or GPS and/or Databases · Paid or unpaid experience in the natural resource or environmental field · Strong interest in environmental natural resource conservation and civil planning or engineering · Must be able to work as a member of a diverse and complex team · Able to work independently and take leadership on goal accomplishment · Capable of working with people from diverse backgrounds · Solid organizational and leadership skills · Commitment to honesty, excellence and professionalism · Ability to quickly assimilate new technology · Strong technical writing skills · Above-average computer skills · Ability to hike long distances in adverse weather · Ability to stand for long periods of time while performing surveying operations · Strong attention to detail and accuracy ·Ability to navigate in very, very steep terrain, climb steep stream channels·Carry a 45lb pack three miles in 45 minutes·

Optional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: State or higher-recognized emergency medical training such as EMT, Medic, WFR · State or higher-recognized emergency response training such as “Red Card”, FEMA, Aviation · Verifiable climbing experience

Work dates:  Aug 15 - Nov7 2016
Housing:  Park housing provided

To apply:   Visit http://www.southeastconservationcorps.org/join/americorps-adult-conservation-programs/ and click the ‘General Internship Positions’ section to APPLY NOW and complete the application process. Specify that you are interested in the GIS internship when asked what program you have the most interest in.