POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4431
Position Title: GIS Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Brecksville, Ohio
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 36 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 5/4/2026
End Date: 1/11/2027
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1200 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of their position.
BENEFITS
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $ 5,176.50 upon successful completion of position
- Weekly Living Allowance: $ 600.00 per week, fixed rate
- Relocation Allowance: $ 450.00 (distributed as a one-time lump sum with first paycheck)
- Student Loan Forbearance if applicable (administered by MyAmeriCorps, directly)
- Student Loan Interest Payments if applicable (administered through MyAmeriCorps, directly)
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Preference given to applicants who submit applications before Sunday, February 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the application deadline passes. Positions will close after receiving 60 complete applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EST on February 15, 2026, whichever occurs first.
KEYWORDS: GIS, Aquatic, River, Fisheries, Water Quality, Map, Survey, Creel, Riverine
PURPOSE
This GIS Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. CUVA was established in 1974 to protect over 25 miles of the Cuyahoga River after decades of national attention for the river repeatedly catching on fire due to industrial waste contamination. For several decades since, local, regional, and national partners have been working together on cleanup and restoration efforts which have resulted in improvements to the Cuyahoga River ecosystem at CUVA. These cleanup and restoration efforts in the Cuyahoga River have protected and enhanced fish and wildlife habitat, improved recreational opportunities, and supported local communities. The recovery of the Cuyahoga River and its watershed is a significant part of the story of the National Park. Significant recent events such as the Brecksville Dam removal, reintroduction of freshwater mussels and Lake Sturgeon, and wastewater treatment upgrades have led to dramatic improvements to water quality and fish habitat. Despite these improvements, the park is faced with management challenges such as increased visitation, non-native fish species, population growth and development along its boundaries, and increased frequency and intensity of storm events. Managing the Cuyahoga River and visitor use in a way that promotes ecosystem processes (free-flowing, flood plain connection, etc.) while protecting infrastructure and providing for an improved visitor experience is an ever-growing challenge. This service opportunity will support many river-related aquatic resource management projects that will help the park understand the status of fish populations over time, visitor use in the National Park, and water quality information.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The GIS Assistant at Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CUVA) will support multiple aquatic resource projects within the Cuyahoga River watershed. The participant will develop geospatial tools and analytical products that inform recreation management, aquatic species conservation, habitat restoration, and river system monitoring. This position provides direct GIS support to three primary aquatic resource initiatives:
1. Evaluating recreational fishing within CUVA, including the development of a public-facing creel survey and assessment of angler access points.
2. Assessing coldwater habitat to support evaluation of native Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and other coldwater species restoration potential.
3. Supporting freshwater mussel restoration, including mapping and tracking mussel reintroductions and associated habitat conditions.
To support these efforts, the participant will research, compile, and standardize existing datasets related to fish populations, fishing activity, aquatic habitat conditions, and water quality. The participant will use ArcGIS Pro to create and edit GIS layers, prepare map products, and develop figures for technical reports. The participant will publish datasets to ArcGIS Online (AGOL) and build interactive web maps, applications, and dashboards that aid CUVA staff and partners in aquatic resource monitoring and decision-making.
The participant will take the lead on developing a public-facing creel survey to better understand fishing patterns and angler behavior within CUVA. Tasks include designing survey questions, producing QR-code access points for high-use angling areas, preparing documentation required for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval process, and creating geospatial products that integrate angler data with habitat and species information.
The participant will be supervised by the park Biologist and GIS Specialist and will projects closely with CUVA’s aquatic resource team. Field responsibilities will include assisting with data collection using GNSS units, tablets, and other field-based technologies. When scheduling allows, the participant will have opportunities to contribute to additional natural resource management activities such as bird banding, butterfly surveys, freshwater mussel surveys, water quality sampling, riverbank monitoring by boat, and environmental changes vulnerability assessments. The participant may also assist with public interpretation and outreach related to aquatic resources and stewardship.
Duties: The participant will compile and standardize aquatic datasets, create and edit GIS layers in ArcGIS Pro, maintain metadata, and publish geospatial products to ArcGIS Online (AGOL), including web maps, apps, and dashboards. They will take the lead in developing a public-facing creel survey by drafting survey questions, preparing OMB documentation, creating QR-code access points, and mapping major angler use locations. The participant will support coldwater habitat assessments, Brook Trout restoration potential analysis, and freshwater mussel restoration by mapping habitat patches, fish passage barriers, and habitat assessments, and by assisting with related spatial analyses. Field duties include collecting aquatic resource data using GNSS units, tablets, and field sensors; assisting with water quality sampling, stream habitat observations, and mussel or fish monitoring; and following all NPS safety protocols, including required PFD use when working on the river. The position will consist of approximately 70% office
DELIVERABLES
(1) Research, create, and compile fish and aquatic resources records into one layer which includes NPS and Ohio data standards while also including additional pertinent data fields with complete metadata. The expectation is thoughtful time management during consolidation of datasets and creation of feature layers and completed metadata standards. (2) Publish layer as a Hosted Feature Layer in AGOL which will become the authoritative fish and aquatic resource record for CUVA. The expectations are to establish a high-confidence hosted feature layer that complies with NPS, CUVA, and Ohio minimum data standards. Any additional metadata is completed. (3) 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 being to complete a well-organized group in AGOL where members can view, edit, and download data from. All aspects of the group and group items will be well documented and in working order. (4) Create a creel survey and begin the OMB approval process for public-facing surveys. The expectation being for the participant to complete a well-organized, well-performing, attractive, highly informative survey that will be used by the public. (5) Create at least one poster and one map in ArcGIS Pro using the skills acquired working with data from different sources and present to NPS staff. (6) The participant, if so desires, receives guidance on federal hiring federal resumes.
QUALIFICATIONS
- United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
- Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award
- Prior to starting the position, agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check for the employer of record, Conservation Legacy, and a separate government security background check for the host site.
- The applicant must be available to participate for the entire 36 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
Required Skills:
1. Work outdoors in physically challenging environments in hot, humid, or buggy conditions.
2. Carry up to 30 lbs.
3. Maintain a positive attitude.
4. Demonstrate situational awareness.
5. Work comfortably in and around water.
6. Attention to detail, ability to follow protocols, communicates clearly, both written and verbally.
7. Has experience using ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
8. Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required. Preferred academic fields include but are not limited to Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Physical Science, Fisheries Science, Natural Resources Management, Parks and Recreation Management.
9. Desired course projects includes use of ESRI products including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Experience with ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123
2. Experience kayaking, canoeing, or rafting.
3. Experience with field identification of freshwater fish.
4. An interest in urban ecology, aquatic and/or riverine ecosystems.
5. An interest in a how GIS help manage a National Park and what different GIS careers look like.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Located in Northeastern Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is situated along 26 miles of the Cuyahoga River Valley in a suburban setting between the cities of Akron and Cleveland. The park is predominately natural forest and meadow with some areas of agriculture and excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. Winters are moderately cold with average temperatures in the 20-to-30-degree ranges. Heavy snowfall is not unusual. Summers are moderately warm, average temperatures in the high 70's and 80's with occasional warm spells in the 90's. Rural, suburban, and urban communities are all within a reasonable commuting distance. Excellent K-12 schools, numerous colleges, universities, hospitals, and cultural attractions are available in the area. There are also many museums including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, National Football Hall of Fame, and many public art museums. Though there is no public transportation within the park boundaries, most of the area is bike-friendly and accessible through the Towpath Trail, a multi-purpose trail transecting the national park. Cuyahoga Valley National Park Park's Web Site: https://www.nps.gov/cuva
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is recommended for this position.
HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant.
Shared housing is available within CUVA, so the participant will part of the community of participant and seasonal staff living within the park boundaries. participants have their own private bedroom equipped with a twin bed, dresser, and desk. Bedding and bath towels are not provided. The shared living spaces and kitchen area are fully furnished including plates, pots, pans, and silverware. All houses have shared bathrooms. Park housing accommodates between 3-6 individuals (depending on the house). participant will be responsible for personal items, clothing, and bedding. All park houses are equipped with Wi-Fi, central air/heating, and washer/dryer. Most of the park has excellent/good cellphone coverage.
OUR COMMITMENT
Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions.
TIME REQUIREMENTS
- This position is expected to serve full time each week, but exact service schedules may vary based on project needs. Lunch breaks and days off will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service hours.
- Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.
ORIENTATION AND TRAINING
- Member will receive pertinent project and site training from host site throughout term
- Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
- Access to free professional development webinars led by Conservation Legacy staff
EVALUATION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of minimum AmeriCorps hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.
Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply online, all Scientists in Parks positions are listed at: https://conservation-legacy.breezy.hr/. Complete the application for this position, highlighting why you are interested in the position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position. Be prepared to upload your resume and unofficial transcript as part of completing the application questionnaire.
Once you begin applying for a position, the application must be completed in one sitting. You cannot save and return later to complete it. Applicants can apply for up to five Scientists in Parks positions per season. You need to complete a separate application for each position in order to be considered. You should receive a confirmation email after successfully submitting an application. Sometimes institutional email filters/settings can redirect, or block emails related to the application. We recommend watching spam, junk, and promotional email folders in case your service delivers messages there. Please visit How to Apply for additional resources and information about applying (i.e., learn what materials to have ready for applying, find a worksheet that previews application questions, etc.). Learn more about Scientists in Parks at: https://www.scientistsinparks.org/.
Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards), a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with AmeriCorps service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits to provide institutional capacity, develop community relationships, and support ecosystem health. Stewards in partnership with the Scientists in Parks program will host the GIS Assistant at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Scientists in Parks using the email address at the base of the home page, under “Questions? Contact Us!”
