GIS Member - New River Gorge National River - AmeriCorps Eligible
Summary: American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service is seeking one GIS Member to work directly with New River Gorge National River staff.
This position will primarily use GPS to locate infrastructure utilities above/below ground at park facilities, update GIS databases for park infrastructure, and produce infrastructure maps.
Start Date: June 1, 2020
End Date: August 23, 2020 (or 12 weeks after end date)
* A 12-week commitment is required *
Location: New River Gorge National River, Glen Jean, West Virginia.
New River Gorge National River (NERI) is located in southern West Virginia and encompasses 70,000 acres and 53 miles of one of the oldest rivers on the continent. NERI is home to a vast array of natural and cultural resources. Renowned for its recreational opportunities, NERI host miles of hiking and biking trails, premiere white-water rafting, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, bird watching, and camping.
Park staff also manages nearby Bluestone National Scenic River (BLUE) and Gauley River National Recreation Area (GARI). BLUE protects 10.5 miles of free-flowing river and offers a rich variety of natural resources and history along the Bluestone Turnpike Trail. GARI protects 25 miles of the Gauley River and 6 miles of Meadow River. Known for its multiple class V rapids, GARI is one of the most adventurous rivers in the east.
Project Website: For more information about the park, please visit their website at: https://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm.
For more information about American Conservation Experience: http://www.usaconservation.org/.
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $250/week to cover the costs of food, housing, and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS.
Driving: The member will have use of a government vehicle for project-related travel, though a personal vehicle is required for time off and transportation to/from the park.
AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($1,612.43) upon successful completion of the term. Additional enrollment is required.
Position Description: The GIS Member will primarily be serving on a park-wide project using GPS to locate and map infrastructure utilities above and below ground at park facilities, download GPS data and update GIS databases for park infrastructure. The member will then produce infrastructure maps of each park facility completed. This will involve research for existing condition mapping, interviewing staff with institutional knowledge and finally collecting locations in the field. The member may be involved with additional GIS/GPS projects as the need arises.
Training: The member will be trained in safety procedures and attend park-wide safety days. Training in ArcGIS and using handheld GPS units is also available. Cross-training opportunities are encouraged and may include: amphibian surveys, bird netting, mine portal surveys for bats, invasive species management, vegetation management, and interpretive programs/education.
Physical Demands: Duties consist of a mix of indoor sedentary projects and physical outdoor duties. Projects may be conducted over rough, un-even terrain during adverse weather conditions. Light lifting, bending, and driving are required.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
- Proven ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group
- Must be 21-35 years of age (This position's age limitations are a requirement of the Public Land Corps Act. Additionally, members must be 21+ to apply for an ACE position that requires or anticipates operation of agency or ACE vehicles for duties.)
- Military Veterans up to 35 are encouraged to apply
- Must have a valid driver's license and an insurable driving record.
- documentation to be provided upon request.
- Willingness to learn or experience trailer pulling
- A personal vehicle is required
- US Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Willing to undergo and must pass a federal criminal background check.
- Ability to follow safety in the field
Preferred:
- Hold or be pursuing a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as GIS, GPS, geography, environmental sciences, or a related discipline.
- Intermediate GIS and GPS skills
To Apply: Please submit a thoughtful resume and cover letter along with three (3) professional/academic references using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing on our website, found through the external application link on Handshake.
Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Eastern Recruitment Specialist, Madison Douthitt, (828) 329-4793, mdouthitt@usaconservation.org
EOE: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.
Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status.