GIS Cultural Resource Steward – Saguaro National Park

Description

Position Title:

GIS Cultural Resource Steward – Ameri Corps Conservation Legacy Program:
Stewards Individual Placements Site

Location:

Saguaro National Park, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730 Application Due:
July 3, 2026 OR once 50 applications received Terms of Service

• Start Date: 10/12/2026
• End Date: 04/02/2027
• Ameri Corps Slot Classification: 900-Hour Slot

Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards), a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with Ameri Corps service and career internship 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 NPS GIS office is hosting a cohort of GIS stewards.

Saguaro National Park is located outside of the city of Tucson, AZ. The park protects its namesake, our nation’s largest species of cacti, the giant saguaro, and its numerous cultural and historic resources. The focus of this project will be on cultural resources. Accurate geospatial data remains a fundamental component to understanding these. Examining resources in a geographic context allows Cultural Resource Specialists to study the interaction of those resources and to identify larger trends across landscapes.

Using technological tools such as geospatial data to better manage and protect our cultural resources is critical. With the implementation of such systems, however, comes the need for improved data management, which in turn necessitates the development of standardized elements to facilitate data sharing and dissemination. Park housing is not provided.

This position will serve with the park’s GIS Specialists and Cultural Resource staff to:

• The GIS Steward will serve with the park’s GIS Specialist and Archaeologist, with support from other NPS GIS and cultural resource experts. The project will include review and continued modernization of legacy data sets and developing tools and applications for data creation, editing and update.
  • Populating the site-specific information into the existing GIS data
  • Create Standard Operating Procedures and tutorials for managing park cultural resources GIS data including field mapping, updating the master data, metadata procedures, maintaining online maps, etc.
  • Assist with organization of other cultural resources spatial and non-spatial data
  • Assist with other park projects to be identified based on park needs and on Steward interests, skills, and goal.
  • Service will occur both individually and in a team setting.

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• Applicants must be between ages of 18-30 years old, or up to 35 for veteran, based on Public Land Corps Act of 1993 authorizing this Ameri Corps opportunity.
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an Ameri Corps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.

A successful candidate will have a strong foundation in GIS and data management practices and proficiency using Esri desktop software and data manipulation geo-processes and tools. Knowledge of geodatabase design principles and experience with spatial data standards and metadata are preferred. This position requires attention to detail, effective communication skills, and the ability to take initiative and work independently, while also being supported by subject matter experts as needed.

Planned service will be conducted in a climate-controlled office. Completed coursework in anthropology, archeology, and history is preferred.

Applicants who have obtained or are pursuing a GIS degree or certificate and/or with GIS experience are preferred. Prior to starting this position, a federal government security background clearance will be required.