Geographic Information Systems Intern, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Volunteer(s) with Geographic Information Systems experience needed from January to April, 2017 to assist the Natural Resources Management Divisions at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Primary duties include data management, field data collection, analysis, and map production to support invasive plant removal operations. Additional duties include data entry and management and analysis of plant and animal distributions in the park and their relationship to park management. The GIS Intern will also provide products to assist resource protection and incident management operations in the park if needed. Other duties will include field mapping and data management activities in support of the park’s air quality monitoring program and to support rapid ʻōhiʻa death (ROD) monitoring and management.
Volunteers for this position must possess a valid driver’s license and will work under the supervision of the National Park Ecologist. Occasional field work with Natural Resources crew leaders and crews of 2-3 individuals in the field will be expected. A working knowledge of GIS concepts and principles is expected at the onset, as well as practical experience using mapping and remote sensing software, handheld GPS receivers, and printers. Volunteers will gain technical knowledge in GIS data management and spatial analysis, and learn techniques to produce descriptive and strategic maps to communicate natural resource conditions and incident objectives to field crews, resource managers, and the public. Field data collection and other field duties may occur approximately 30% of the time in a wide variety of climate conditions, ranging from wet and cold to hot and dry.
A food stipend of $10/working day and housing in the park will be provided. Part time volunteers (24 hours/week) will also be considered, but will not be eligible for housing. More information about the park can be found at https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
This area is subject to elevated levels of volcanic fumes, particularly sulfur dioxide (SO2). Such fumes can present an immediate and cumulative health hazard, particularly to persons with breathing and heart difficulties. While every effort is take to avoid or reduce exposure, if you have a respiratory condition, such as asthma, or other medical conditions, you should seriously consider your ability to work and live in these conditions before applying.
If you are interested in this exciting internship opportunity, please send a resume and cover letter outlining relevant experience, plus the names and contact information for two professional or academic references to David_Benitez@nps.gov no later than December 17, 2016, or mail to:
David Benitez
Division of Resources Management
PO Box 52
Hawaii National Park, HI 96718
(808)985-6085
(808)985-6029 fax

Please also include 2 sample maps you have produced using GIS software. For additional information or inquiries, send me an email and cc dbenitez@hawaii. Applications will be reviewed the week of December 19.