Gis Assistant

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title:GIS Assistant
Park Unit: Colonial National Historical Park
Location: Yorktown, Virginia
Number of positions available: 1
Can this position be fully remote: NO
INTERNSHIP DATES AND LENGTH
Duration: 12 weeks
Start Date: 10/30/2023
Flexible Start Date: YES

LIVING AND RELOCATION ALLOWANCE:
Weekly Stipend: $525.00
Relocation Allowance: $400.00

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Colonial National Historical Park sets on a peninsula between the York River and the James River. In addition there are many miles of creeks and tributaries that are connected to the tidally effected shoreline and are being impacted by Climate Change impacts including erosion and inundation. This internship will collect baseline information related to the current status of the park's many river and creek shorelines. Many of these shorelines are currently unprotected and frequently facing the impacts of Climate Change. This intern will use GNSS devices to collect sub-10cm accuracy data collection to document current shoreline location and condition data. This information will then be downloaded by the intern into GIS and they will then prepare comparative documentation between existing conditions and historical aerial photos and maps for use in interpretation, resource stewardship education and park planning.

POSITION IMPACT
This position will help the park collect and disseminate information that is critical to the management of park resources. This work uses scientific collection of geospatial data to help the park manage its natural and cultural coastal based resources. The resources include eroded and protected bluffs, high banks, saltwater and freshwater marshes, archeological and cultural sites, as well as facilities and infrastructure.

DELIVERABLES

At the end of the 12-week internship the intern will have documented shoreline conditions with the boundary of the park. The intern will have collected thousands of data points and documented site conditions. This information will result in the creation of numerous GIS layers used for park planning and maps for outreach and engagement regarding the impacts of climate change to the park.

DESIRED INTERN QUALIFICATIONS

• Intern should be able to hike, in adverse terrain and varied weather conditions.
• Intern should have and be tolerant of outdoor field conditions including climate, insects and wildlife.
• Have basic understanding and experience with ESRI GIS Pro is required. Ability to read maps and use GPS software to navigate is important.
• The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent legal resident ("green-card-holder"). Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required.

WORK SETTING
Work will mostly occur outdoors. The intern will be documenting existing shoreline conditions using GNSS device and will then download information into GIS. This will require extensive walking daily walking, with data entry occurring on adverse weather days. The Park includes sections in Yorktown, Williamsburg, and James City County in the Hampton Roads area. The area is a college town and a tourist destination and as such has a wide variety of amenities, including restaurants and cultural events. The sites are located between 0 and 50 feet above sea level. The weather conditions in November and December can be mixed with moderate temperatures (60s) varied with colder temps (upper 30s). Snow is infrequent but winds can be piercing.

VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Applicant will need a valid driver's license in order to drive a government vehicle.
  
• A personal vehicle is REQUIRED for this position.
  

HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant.
Intern will be provided with a single bedroom, with shared kitchen, bathroom, and common area. Located in Williamsburg.

KEYWORDS
Climate Change, Coastal Resources, Documenting, GNSS, GIS