National Park Service – Alaska Regional Office – Invasive Plant Management Team
Overview
The NPS Alaska Region Invasive Plant Management Team (IPMT) collects and manages invasive exotic plant data gathered throughout parks in the Alaska Region. IPMT geospatial needs are supported by the regional GIS Team, who provides these services to Alaska parks and programs with the goal of developing, maintaining, and supporting park and program-based GIS efforts. Together, these two teams have developed protocols and data management workflows to steward the IPMT program data.
We are seeking a GIS Intern to work directly with our staff in Anchorage, AK and provide programming and data management support to the IPMT program. The GIS Intern will focus on Python coding and Alaska Region Enterprise GIS implementation with added opportunities to develop products, toolsets, and/or guidance documentation under other GIS projects. By the end of this internship, the incumbent can expect to have increased proficiency levels for the following NPS GIS Competencies: Coordination and Communication, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Technology Application, Information Quality Assurance, and Data Management and Metadata.
The duty station would normally be at the Alaska Regional Office in Anchorage, AK. However, the work location may include an option for remote telework with occasional travel to Alaska. Successful completion of this internship will provide the intern with eligibility for the Public Land Corps (PLC) Non-Competitive Hiring Authority.
Responsibilities
Duties of the GIS Intern position include, but are not limited to the following:
• Develop Python modules to process incoming invasive exotic plant data
• Integrate existing geospatial data into established national and regional spatial data standards
• Establish data editing workflows and best practices for field-collected data
• Develop standard operating guidelines for data creation, management, access, and sharing
• Assist with Alaska Region GIS Helpdesk requests and other GIS projects
• Participate in weekly GIS Team meetings and other team-oriented events and discussions
• Participate in weekly Cohort meetings led by NPS GIS Internship Program support staff
• Design a capstone presentation for the NPS GIS community at the internship conclusion
Qualifications
A successful candidate will have a strong foundation in GIS programming/coding and data management practices and proficiency using Esri desktop software and data manipulation geo-processes and tools.
Knowledge of Python and geodatabase design principles and experience with spatial data standards and metadata are preferred. This position requires attention to detail, effective communication skills, and the ability to take initiative and work independently, while also being supported by subject matter experts as needed.
Planned work will be conducted in a climate-controlled office or home office, if recommended for
telework. Opportunities for field visits may become available and these field activities may take place in remote and rugged locations under a variety of weather conditions. Candidates should be generally comfortable working in such field environments.
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident. Applicants must also be enrolled at an institution of higher education or within two years post-graduation. Applicants who have obtained or are pursuing a GIS degree or certificate and/or with GIS work experience are preferred. Prior to starting this position, a federal government security background clearance will be required.