The Nature Conservancy’s GLOBE (Growing Leaders on Behalf of the Environment) summer internship program hires undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent college graduates (2016, 2017, and 2018) to fill paid internship positions during a 10-week summer internship. Our mission is to provide a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academics and the real-world conservation work that contributes to the health and sustainability of our world. The GLOBE Program recruits individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences who are interested in contributing to our conservation goals in various fields. The GLOBE Program offers a structured orientation, professional training, network opportunities, mentoring program, and real work experience.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Alaska Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) makes extensive use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a platform for conservation planning, communication and scientific analysis. Our GIS data library and map templates allows us to rapidly analyze important issues, and communicate findings to partners and decision-makers. To that end, we seek a GIS Analyst GLOBE Intern to help support the Alaska Chapter with GIS database and cartographic projects for newly acquired LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) imagery for Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska.
LiDAR is an advanced remote sensing technique that produces a very high resolution digital surface models, as well as sophisticated measurement of forest canopy and understory characteristics. Working in partnership with the Tongass NF, TNC has coordinated an effort to acquire LiDAR imagery for Prince of Wales Island. The purpose of this internship is to help TNC to compile Prince of Wales LiDAR imagery into a mosaic dataset; develop a series of derivative datasets that illustrate potential applications of LiDAR, including mapping of forest canopy and understory characteristics, hydrographic flow and flood modeling, and topographic landform classification; and develop a research poster illustrating one or more of these applications. This intern will learn all aspects of GIS project management, including database design and documentation, analysis and cartographic techniques to communicate results.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Compile LiDAR imagery into ArcMap mosaic dataset.
- Survey technical staff within TNC and US Forest Service to identify most useful applications and LiDAR-derived datasets, potentially including forest structure, hydrography, and landform mapping.
- Develop case study applications of forest structure, hydrography and geomorphic mapping using LiDAR imagery.
- Participate in field surveys of forest and understory vegetation on Prince of Wales Island to calibrate the LiDAR measurements.
- Develop a watershed map or research poster to illustrate applications of LiDAR to support forest analysis and management
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with basic computer software including Microsoft Windows and ESRI GIS
- Enrolled in or graduate (2018) of Middlebury College
- Understanding of the scientific method and basic ecological processes and concepts
- Valid driver’s license and compliance with the Conservancy’s Auto Safety Program (see Auto Safety Policy section)
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree. Graduate or recent graduate knowledgeable in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Hands-on experience with ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop (ArcMap in particular) family of Geographic Information System software.
- Research experience or course work related to fish biology, fish ecology, river ecology, or marine ecology.
- Knowledge of statistical methodologies and graphic design software including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.
- Experience with remote sensing or web-based mapping is a plus.
- Experience in development of online mapping applications to support communication and visualization of spatial data.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT
- Most work will be in an office but may involve occasional opportunities to visit project sites
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, travel in boats or small airplanes, mosquitos, and under physically demanding circumstances.
ELIGIBILITY
The Nature Conservancy's GLOBE Program candidate should demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Contribution to diversity of The Nature Conservancy. Applicant has circumstances, experiences, skills or talents that would benefit others and would enhance the diversity of the organization.
- Understanding of communities and skills that aid in the trust building process essential for collaborative efforts with urban communities, organizations and leaders—ability to cross boundaries, find common ground and work together across differences
- Commitment to diversity. Applicant has shown and can demonstrate a deep and active commitment to the issues of conservation and human diversity.
- Commitment to Equity. Applicant shows an understanding of inequity and its context and has experience with engagement and inclusion of those from disadvantaged and/or underserved communities
- This is a full-time, temporary internship position with a 10-week term of June 4 – August 10, 2018
- Housing stipend provided for duration of internship
INTERN SELECTION PROCESS
- Applications will be screened for eligibility, qualifications and experience level related to the project;
- Applicants will be notified of next steps in the process (within 3 weeks after the posting date ends)
- 2-3 telephone interviews will be conducted for selected applicants;
- Additional information may be required before making a final decision;
- All applicants will be notified of final selection by late-March