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 *

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.

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 way finding 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.

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.

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…