GIS Member- New River Gorge National Park

GIS Member- New River Gorge National Park

Summary

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service is seeking One GIS Member to assist New River Gorge National Park and Preserve staff with the site's GIS needs. 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: October 16, 2023 (some flexibility may be available for the right candidate)

Estimated End Date: January 6, 2024 (or 12 weeks after start date)

* A minimum 12-week commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (NERI), Glen Jean, West Virginia. 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 hosts miles of hiking and biking trails, premiere whitewater rafting, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, bird watching, and camping.

Park staff also manage 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.

Note: cellular service in and around the Park is limited

For more information about New River Gorge National Park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm.

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.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. Cross training opportunities are encouraged and could include amphibian surveys, bird netting, invasive species management, vegetation management, and interpretive programs/education.

Schedule:Mon-Fri, 8:30am - 5:00pm.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $475/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $1718.25 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 450hrs.

Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.

Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. Additional enrollment steps are required.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS. Park housing may be made available at a cost of approximately $325.40 per month.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. See "Position Overview" section for position specific training.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required three-part criminal history check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• The member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement or as defined by AmeriCorps.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
• A personal vehicle
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to safely follow procedures used in the field
• Desire to learn and apply new concepts

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position may 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

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 lbs., ability to move up to 25 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Mainly indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the partner. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the partner.. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the partner, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to partner and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Recruitment and Outreach Specialist, Emanuel Aragon Cruz at ecruz@usaconservation.org

EEO: 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.

Current Openings for GIS Member New River Gorge National Park Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC