NPS GIS and Resource Management Internship-AmeriCorps

NPS Cumberland Gap National Historic Park GIS/Resource Management Internship

Only males will be considered for this position due to housing constraints at the Park

Summary:  American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Cumberland Gap National Historic Park is seeking one GIS Intern interested in dedicating 22 weeks in support of the National Park Service.  The GIS Intern will be responsible for all GIS work conducted in the Park.  Additionally, the GIS intern will be required to conducted fieldwork approximately 20% of the time. 

This excellent opportunity is ideal for an enthusiastic young professional who is deeply committed to the preservation of our national parks. Applicants must have strong interest in a career in GIS and natural resource management.

Start Date: March 2014

End Date:  August 2014 (or 22-weeks from the start date)

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A 22-week commitment is required

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Location:  The position is located at Cumberland Gap National Historic Park (CUGA) near Middlesboro, KY.

The Park is located at the corners of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia.  Carved by wind and water, Cumberland Gap forms a major break in the Appalachian Mountain chain.  Stretching for 26 miles along Cumberland Mountain and ranging from one to four miles in width, the park contains 24,000 acres of which 14,000 acres is proposed wilderness. The natural beauty of Appalachian mountain country, lush with vegetation, supports diverse flora and fauna. 

Project Partner Website:  For more information regarding Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, or the National Park Service, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/cuga/index.htm . For more information on the ACE Internship Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org

Compensation:  The ACE intern will work 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $250/week.  Park housing is provided at a rate of $145 per month.

There is a potential for interns in this position to apply for an AmeriCorps Education Award Program (EAP).  The EAP opportunity is for a 675-hour term of service with $2,114 awarded to the Corps member upon successful completion of the term.

Position Description:  The ACE intern will assist Park staff in accomplishing a variety of tasks.  Eighty percent of the work performed by the intern will be GIS focused and involves data collection, database management, and creating maps.  The intern will spend the remaining 20% of their time in the field performing tasks as assigned.  The fieldwork, which is physically demanding, will be focused on the control of either exotic plants or hemlock woolly adelgids.

Qualifications: Applicants must have a degree in a natural resource based curriculum or other related disciplines. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is alsoacceptable. Resumes must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience as defined in the Position Description. We are seeking a determined, detail-oriented person who is looking for experience working with the National Park Service.

Required Qualifications:

• Internship is available to US Citizens and Green Card holders only.
• Intern must be between the age of 18 and 25 (candidates who are 26-29 years old and have recently?completed a relevant Master's Degree will be considered).
• A valid driver's license and a clean driving record, (documentation to be provided upon request).
• A personal vehicle is required.
• Personal medical insurance is required for the duration of their participation with ACE.
• Ability to undergo a federal criminal background check.

Requested Qualifications:

• The NPS is interested in recruiting from a diverse group of candidates.
• Ability to apply GIS and related technology in support of natural resource management.
• Practical knowledge of the techniques used in the analysis of multiple resources, combined with ?knowledge of the magnitude and complexity of GIS databases.
• Practical knowledge of geographic/cartographic sciences, interdisciplinary resource management, and ?database management.
• Practical knowledge of the general land use-planning process and land management programs.
• Knowledge of the interrelationships of various natural and cultural resources; for example, range, ?wildlife, soil, water, minerals and others.
• Ability to communicate clearly about the application of GIS with planners, resource specialists, ?managers, and peer professionals in Federal, State, and local agencies. Ability to communicate ?effectively with a multi-disciplinary group in a knowledgeable and accurate manner.
• Plant identification (field work may require collection of threatened and endangered plant species).
• Experience in backcountry hiking and navigation in steep terrain.
• Ability to work independently in remote areas.
• Strong desire to enter the public service field as a GIS/Natural Resources professional.

To Apply:  Please submit your resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references to: http://usaconservationepic.applicantpool.com/jobs/3953.html. NOTE: Early consideration will be given as resumes are received.  If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to call the ACE EPIC Program Manager at (801) 946-5379.