POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4368
Position Title: GIS Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Chihuahuan Desert Network, Sonoran Desert Network, Southern Plains Network, Tucson, Arizona
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 52 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 09/06/2026
End Date: 09/05/2027
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1700 hours - this is the minimum number of hours the selected candidate must serve throughout the duration of their position.
BENEFITS
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $ 7,395.00 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)
- For 52-week positions only:
- Free Healthcare Coverage (opt in)
- Childcare Coverage (opt in)
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: Data Science, ArcGIS, AGOL, cartography, spatial analysis, Python, R, natural resource monitoring, ecology, botany, aquatic ecology, modeling, analysis and synthesis
PURPOSE
This GIS Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. The position will support core data science functions that facilitate the availability and use of high-quality science information into park resource management activities.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The GIS Assistant will complete projects with Southwest Network Collaborative (SWNC) Inventory and Monitoring Networks scientists, data managers, field crews, and parks staff. They will complete projects and support GIS and data management workflow associated with three Inventory & Monitoring networks representing 29 National Park units. We collect data on a wide variety of natural resource “vital signs” through field observation and will update and expand existing geospatial datasets to complement these data.
This position will gain experience in a dynamic data environment and with a team of professional data managers and scientists responsible for supporting natural resource monitoring in intermountain west. The team focuses on some aspects of IT infrastructure, mobile field data collection, data engineering in geospatial or relational databases, application development and support, data quality analysis, dataset production or data presentation through visualizations and reports. The person selected will be expected to contribute to several projects based on their interest and skills. The projects could include analyzing datasets and preparing them for publication to meet Open Data policies; visualizing data in a dashboard to improve natural resource managers’ access to information; integrating AI into our data management workflows; and/or developing geospatial models, applying the models, and synthesize the results. There will also be opportunities to collaborate on projects with network scientists and park resource managers applying project results.
DELIVERABLES
Depending on person and the projects selected, the SIP participant will produce an analysis report, new geospatial datasets, a data visualization (e.g., dashboard or StoryMap), a standard operating procedure (SOP), a geospatial model, data output solutions using ‘R’ and/or Python, or a code repository. We are also open to innovation and the development of a product unique to networks.
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 52 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
General knowledge of data management concepts, principles, methods, and practices. Comprehension of Esri software packages for GIS (e.g. ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, Survey123), database management (e.g. ArcSDE, SQL Server), and cloud based data services (AGOL and Esri Portal) and the skill to apply these technologies effectively.
Skills in creating, editing, and publishing GIS data in ArcGIS Pro and AGOL; and managing spatial and non-spatial data using GIS and other NPS data systems (Access, SQL Server, Aquarius, EQuIS, etc.). Imaging computers, prepping mobile data devices (cellphones and ruggedized tablets) and troubleshooting hardware and software will be important elements of this position.
Knowledge of AI and machine learning workflows and deploying prediction algorithms in production.
Use knowledge of natural resources and data visualization to create dashboards and reports using supported technologies (ArcGIS, SQL Server Reporting Services, Holoviews, Power BI, Tableau, etc.).
Solid written and oral communication skills and the ability to be detail oriented and well organized are a must.
Comfort and willingness to duties in challenging field conditions (e.g., cold to hot and/or humid weather; rough terrain; biting insects; spiny plants; etc.) and eclectic and at times, hectic office environments. Strong commitment to safety and NPS operational leadership principles. Experience with water quality monitoring, botanical research, and/or vegetation monitoring would also be helpful. Skills related to successful teamwork (clear communication, situational awareness, reliability, respectfulness) and building successful relationships with colleagues.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Projects will be conducted in an office environment with occasional opportunities for field projects. The office consists of shared workspaces within an education center, with meeting space, a laboratory, outdoor education and workspaces, native plants gardens, and laboratory. The office and housing are located on the outskirts of Tucson, a large and varied metro area of nearly one million residents, close to most amenities, and abundant local recreational and cultural opportunities. A personal vehicle is recommended.
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.
Housing is provided at the NPS Desert Research Learning Center, located on Saguaro National Park in Tucson Arizona. Housing consists of a private, furnished apartment, shared shower/restroom, laundry and full kitchen located near the Broadway Trailhead, which provides convenient access to the Cactus Forest trail system. See https://www.nps.gov/im/sodn/drlc.htm for more details.
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 Chihuahuan Desert Network, Sonoran Desert Network, Southern Plains Network.
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!”
