POSITION DETAILS
Position ID(s): 4517
Position Title: GIS Assistant - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Scientists in Parks, Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Alaska Region Office, ANCHORAGE, Alaska
Number of positions available: 1
TERMS OF SERVICE
Duration: 52 Weeks (not flexible)
Flexible Start Date: Yes
Start Date: 10/05/2026
End Date: 10/04/2027
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 (pre-tax)
- Weekly Living Allowance: $ 775.00 per week, fixed rate (pre-tax)
- Relocation Allowance: $ 1,100.00 (distributed as a one-time lump sum with first paycheck) (pre-tax)
- 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, June 14, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the application deadline passes. Positions will close after receiving 60 complete applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EDT on June 14, 2026, whichever occurs first.
KEYWORDS: GIS, Geospatial, Data Management, Spatial Data Standards, Metadata, MAPLand Act
PURPOSE
This GIS Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. This position directly advances resource and physical landscape data stewardship as defined in the SIP Program Scope. The GIS Data Management Assistant will improve the accuracy, completeness, and availability of critical geospatial datasets, particularly those related to roads, trails, recreational sites, easements, and other physical features essential to land management. These datasets support resource protection, visitor admission planning, infrastructure decision making, and compliance with federal requirements under the MAPLand Act, which mandates clear, authoritative publication of land related information for public benefit.
By standardizing spatial data, refining metadata, and integrating region-wide curated layers such as imagery and raster products, the participant strengthens the scientific foundation needed for physical resource analysis, planning, and communication across Alaska’s parks.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The GIS Data Management Assistant supports resource management by improving the quality, discoverability, and compliance of Alaska Region geospatial datasets. The participant will:
- Organize, validate, and integrate geospatial data for inclusion in the Alaska Region Permanent Data Set (PDS) and NPS National Datasets, ensuring adherence to MAPLand Act requirements and NPS spatial data standards.
- Develop and document workflows for data editing, quality assurance, and field data collection best practices.
- Manage and update metadata within the Alaska Region Theme Manager, creating consistent, compliant records that support long term stewardship.
- Contribute to SOP and governance guidance, strengthening enterprise data management processes for the regional and national GIS community.
- Support GIS Helpdesk requests and participate in active geospatial projects across the Alaska Region, gaining exposure to a broad range of resource related workflows.
- Participate in weekly team meetings and position cohort sessions to build professional networks and enhance GIS competencies.
DELIVERABLES
Expected deliverables will include:
- Updated Alaska Region-wide datasets with validated geometries, attributes, and metadata.
- Completed dataset cataloging within Theme Manager and X Drive.
- Documented data editing and QA/QC workflows.
- SOPs for regional data governance.
- Help desk support tickets summarizing participant contributions.
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
Ideal candidates will possess a solid foundation in GIS principles and data management practices, along with demonstrated proficiency in Esri ArcGIS desktop software and data manipulation geoprocessing tools. Experience with geodatabase design principles, spatial data standards, and metadata creation is highly desired. Familiarity with federal geospatial data standards and legislation such as the MAPLand Act is also desirable. Strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to complete projects both independently and collaboratively are essential. While subject matter experts will provide support, initiative and self-direction are key to success in this position.
ADDITIONAL POSITION AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
POSITION SETTING
Projects will be based in an office environment at the Alaska Regional Office in Anchorage. GIS tasks are primarily computer based with no unusual physical requirements. Weather is cold and variable during winter months; commuting conditions may include snow and ice. Anchorage is a full-service community with groceries, medical services, and public transit. Limited field opportunities may arise and could involve brief travel to remote park units.
HOUSING
Park housing is NOT available. The participant will be responsible for finding housing in the nearby area.
The Alaska Regional Office does not have park housing available. Anchorage has multiple rental options including shared apartments, extended stay facilities, and month to month rooms, with typical monthly costs of $1000 to $1500 depending on season and proximity to downtown.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant will not need to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is recommended for this position.
OUR COMMITMENT
Stewards Individual Placements and Conservation Legacy are committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work 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. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation 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!”
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 the host site throughout the 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, monthly accomplishment tracking, a mid-term report, and a final report.
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 (5) 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 Alaska Region Office.
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!”
