GIS Member - Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with National Park Service, is seeking ONE GIS Member to contribute to a variety of GIS duties with the Planning, Resources, and Education division of the park.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

 

Start Date: 10/05/2026 (Flexible)

Estimated End Date: 10/01/2027 (or 52-weeks after start date)

*a 52-week minimum commitment is required *

 

Location Details/Description: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Atlanta, GA.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is "an ancient river in a modern city," and offers many opportunities to get outdoors, including hiking, rafting, and fishing. Atlanta is Georgia's largest city and capital, and a thriving international business and entertainment center Park headquarters and housing is just north of Atlanta, near the interstate, MARTA, and typical amenities (grocery store, retail shopping, post office, etc.).

The park is in the northern suburbs of Atlanta and near the interstate and basic amenities (grocery store, retail shopping, post office, etc.). The park includes 48-river miles from Buford Dam to Peachtree Creek and 15 discontinuous land units. The park has one Visitor Center and units with trailheads, boat ramps, and picnic areas.

For more information about Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, please visit the Parks website.

Position Overview:

The participant will be responsible for providing geospatial data management support for GIS activities supporting land, water, and ecosystem management functions at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The individual selected will use GIS equipment and software to compile, capture, and update resource databases from various source maps according to the guidelines of specific data sets. They will ensure accuracy and appropriateness of data and correct any errors. They will also analyze geospatial data to support multi-resource analysis in planning and monitoring activities, and resource management decision making. The individual will create simple thematic map products and presentation materials such as wayfinding and other maps for public safety and enjoyment,

This role will provide the participant with the opportunity to use geospatial software, skills, and knowledge in park management applications. The participant will have the opportunity to sharpen their GIS skills. They will perform spatial analyses, develop other geospatial products, and provide GIS technical and project support to the park and internal staff. The participant will provide geospatial information to resource managers to fill-in important data gaps and support congressionally mandated work under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). This information will assist managers in making informed management decisions which will ensure the protection of park resources.

In addition to their role as a GIS specialist, the participant will also assist in the collection of data to support the park such as water quality sampling for a collaborative project between the CRNRA and U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS) to monitor bacteria (E. coli) levels in the mainstem of the Chattahoochee River; assist with other divisions and other projects as needed such as vegetation surveys, wildlife observations, trail cameras, surveying, social media, visitor use patterns, etc.

This role will work among a group of diverse subject matter experts specializing in hydrology, recreation planning, cultural resources, environmental compliance, surveying, and environmental education. All projects are collaborative offering the intern exposure to the many disciplines required to manage park resources.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: This role is Mon-Fri, 8:00am-4:30pm; however, flexible schedules may be discussed and approved by the site supervisor. There may be limited evening or weekend work, less than 6 times per year.

 

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $650/week (pre-tax) to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

This position is part of the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement must meet the PLC Eligibility Requirements to be considered for this position. Members may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

The individual will have a private bedroom with shared restroom, kitchen, and living area in a dormitory style house. The kitchen is fully furnished with dishes, pots, and pans. The member will be responsible for their own bedding, towels, and toiletries

Travel Allowance: The ACE member will have access to up to (NTE) $350 in reimbursable funds to be used for eligible travel expenses. Approval is required by site lead prior to use of funds and being reimbursed.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include CPR/First Aid, USGS QMS, Kayak Safety, etc.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as Geospatial Technology.
• Knowledge of Geographical Information System, specifically ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, and other ESRI Projects such as Field Maps, Survey123 Connect, and StoryMaps.
• Ability and willingness to work indoor and outdoor.
• Deep interest in GIS, resource management, field work, water quality.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Environmental: A majority of the work is performed indoors, office environment; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled; however, some outdoor work is expected. Outdoors assignments may be performed in potentially hazardous areas including steep slopes, rocky terrain, wetlands, and forests. The position may require strenuous physical activity including periods of standing, walking, climbing, and lifting and carrying heavy objects. Database development, data entry, map production and report writing work is sedentary, which entails the ability to concentrate for long periods of time.
• Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position does not require unique travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Eastern Member Manager, Maya Opara-Nadi.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.