Start/End Dates: May 5, 2025 – August 9, 2025 (13 weeks)

Mosaics in Science seeks to engage ethnically and racially diverse young professionals in natural resource careers.

Eligibility Requirements:

• You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Note: A personal vehicle is recommended but not required for this position.

Position Description: 

The SIP Mosaics GIS Assistant at Cuyahoga Valley National Park will focus on creating GIS tools related to the Cuyahoga River, specifically in the areas of visitor use, aquatic species, water quality, and fluvial geomorphology. The intern’s primary task is to compile and organize fish data for the Cuyahoga River, publish it on ArcGIS Online (AGOL), and create a tool for future data collection. This work will help the park understand the impacts of visitor use, dam removal, climate change, and fish stocking on the river’s ecosystem.

The intern will use ArcGIS Pro to create GIS layers, maps, and dashboards, and will develop a public-facing creel survey with QR codes for data collection. The position will also involve working with park staff on river-related GIS data collection, natural resource management activities (e.g., bird banding, water quality testing), and public outreach. The intern will work with Android tablets, GNSS receivers, and computers while maintaining field equipment and organizing data. Fieldwork will involve hiking in challenging conditions and working in wetlands, streams, and rivers, using personal flotation devices and waders as required. This position will consist of approximately 70% office work and 30% fieldwork.

Responsibilities:

• Research, create, and compile fish records into a single layer that includes NPS and Ohio data standards, as well as additional pertinent data fields with complete metadata. The expectation is to manage time thoughtfully during the consolidation of datasets and creation of feature layers, ensuring completed metadata standards.
• Publish the layer as a Hosted Feature Layer in AGOL, which will become the authoritative fish record for CUVA. The expectation is to establish a high-confidence hosted feature layer that complies with NPS, CUVA, and Ohio minimum data standards, with all additional metadata completed.
• Create a well-organized group in AGOL to house geospatial data products, including at least one hosted layer, one web map, and one web app. The expectation is to complete a well-organized group in AGOL where members can view, edit, and download data. All aspects of the group and group items will be well-documented and functional.
• Create a creel survey and begin the OMB approval process for public-facing surveys. The expectation is for the intern to complete a well-organized, well-performing, attractive, and highly informative survey that will eventually be used by the public, likely after the internship is complete.
• Create at least one poster and one map in ArcGIS Pro using skills acquired from working with data from different sources and present it to NPS staff. The expectation is for the intern to utilize ArcGIS Pro and incorporate the skills learned over time to produce at least one map in ArcGIS Pro.
• Create at least one poster in ArcGIS Online to present to NPS staff.
• Receive guidance on federal hiring and federal resumes, if desired.

Qualifications:

• Work outdoors in physically challenging environments, including hot, humid, or buggy conditions.
• Carry up to 30 lbs.
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Demonstrate situational awareness.
• Work comfortably in and around water.
• Exhibit attention to detail, ability to follow protocols, and clear communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Experience using ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
• A bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required. Preferred academic fields include, but are not limited to: Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Physical Science, Fisheries Science, Natural Resources Management, and Parks and Recreation Management.
• Desired coursework includes the use of ESRI products, such as ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
• Experience with ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123.
• Experience kayaking, canoeing, or rafting.
• Experience with field identification of freshwater fish.
• Interest in urban ecology, aquatic, and/or riverine ecosystems.
• Interest in how GIS supports the management of a National Park and an understanding of different GIS career paths.

Interns in this program will receive 520 hours toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority. See below for more information.

Public Land Corps Non-Competitive Hiring Authority (PLC)
The Public Land Corps Non-Competitive Hiring Authority is a special hiring authority available to qualifying interns. The intern must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old, inclusive, or a veteran up to age 35 and complete 640 hours of work on an appropriate conservation project to be eligible for this hiring authority. Upon successful completion of the PLC project(s), the intern is eligible for two years to be hired non-competitively into a federal seasonal, term, or permanent position. The applicant must apply to a PLC-eligible position advertised on USAJobs.gov and be selected off a non-competitive certificate of eligibility. For more information, see DOI Personnel Bulletins 11-02 , 12-13, and 17-03.

EEO Statement

Environment for the Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.