Conservation GIS Apprentice Position

Conservation GIS Apprentice Program

WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE APRIL-SEPTEMBER POSITION

The Conservation GIS Apprentice is responsible for assisting American Wildlands GIS Lab staff in providing spatial data and cartographic products for the organization and region’s conservation community. The apprentice will work collaboratively with American Wildlands GIS and program staff, as well as staff of other conservation organizations within the U.S. Northern Rockies. S/he will be responsible for development, implementation, and completion of select GIS projects, with a focus on AWL’s Community GIS consulting program.

The GIS Apprenticeship position is competitive and designed for a person with existing GIS skills and a keen desire to pursue a career in conservation GIS. It is an opportunity for an individual to hone their GIS skills and become connected with the U.S. Northern Rockies conservation community. The apprentice will be trained in all aspects of conservation GIS including consulting for non-profits, marketing and promotion, project development and management, project documentation, data development, analysis, and cartographic output (including products for live presentations, media, newsletter, website, etc). The apprentice will develop and oversee a set of projects with oversight by the GIS Lab manager. S/he will meet regularly with members of the local conservation community in order to complete projects, as well as learn more about U.S. Northern Rockies conservation issues and the region’s conservation GIS needs.

The successful applicant will have the following: geographic information system training (with completed GIS projects representing their experience and skill), an aptitude for computers and technical work, ability in and comfort with data management, graphic design, and work documentation. S/he will work well with people and independently.

This is a six-month rotating position. Each six-month term will be followed by two vacant months used by AWL GIS staff to review and interview applicants for the upcoming position. The position is based in our Bozeman, Montana office and the apprentice will report to the American Wildlands GIS Lab manager.

Qualifications

  • Education. Minimum of a bachelors degree (with a specialization in GIS) and/or the equivalent of 9-15 credit hours of professional GIS training.

  • GIS, database, & graphics skills required. Apprentice must be skilled in the use of GIS and understand the underlying principles behind GIS. Experience with spatial analysis, geoprocessing and database management is a must. Apprentice must have a solid foundation in principles of cartographic design and metadata creation. Some familiarity with graphics software programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, is helpful, but not required.

  • Demonstrated interest in and commitment to wildlife conservation.

  • Desire to learn about conservation issues facing the U.S. Northern Rockies.

  • Commitment to a future career in conservation GIS for non-profits.

  • Detail oriented and highly organized.

  • Desire and ability to work well with others. This applies directly to apprentice's training in consulting with other non-GIS conservation professionals.

Salary / Internship Details

The apprenticeship position, depending on seasonal funding will either be a paid part-time (.75 FTE) position, or a non-paid internship. The status will vary. If a non-paid internship is available (or even if paid), the apprentice may want to consider using the internship to obtain 3-6 credit hours towards a graduate, non-degree graduate, or second bachelors degree. American Wildlands has an established relationship with the GIS program and faculty at MSU. Apprentices may either obtain credits through MSU, with our help or obtain credits through a different university. We will do everything possible to help the apprentice set up a for-credit program in exchange for the internship work.

How to Apply

  • Please view the schedule below. This schedule will identify when AWL will begin accepting applications for the upcoming apprentice position.

  • Contact Sarah Olimb. Sarah is the AWL GIS Lab Manager, contact her by email with any questions.

  • To apply. Send a letter of introduction, resume (including at least three professional references) and any pertinent materials you think help detail your experience and qualifications. Mail or email to: Sarah Olimb, AWL GIS Lab Manager. Physical Mail: American Wildlands, 321 E. Main St. Suite 418, Bozeman, MT 59715. Email: solimb@wildlands.org

    • Note: If you choose to send in email format. Please send in either Word Document format or as a PDF. Feel free to contact Sarah by email, no phone calls please.
    Position will be closed when filled.

    Schedule

    • Updated. We are no longer accepting applications for the April 2008 - September 2008 position.