Overview

January 17, 2023 to November 14, 2023
NYS OPRHP
PO-00734534
Geographic Info Systems (GIS, includes GPS)
Eligible
Valid Drivers License Needed
A personal vehicle is required to access amenities such as grocery stores, libraries, etc. as well as travel to Hudson Valley Corps trainings and events.
Yes
Indoor
Required
No

  • Forestry – some coursework or experience
  • Recreation Management – some coursework or experience
  • Resource Management – some coursework or experience
  • Computer Science – some experience
  • Field Research – some experience
  • GIS – competent with supervision
  • GPS – some experience
  • Writing/Publishing – some experience
  • Data Analysis – some experience
  • Orienteering compass skills – some experience

Note:

  • This position requires that you become enrolled in AmeriCorps.  If you are selected for this program please be sure to accept AmeriCorps during the SCA offer process. No travel allowance will be offered for this position even if it is stated on your confirmation of acceptance.
  • Due to Covid-19, events and trainings are subject to change in response to an increase in the number of cases in the Hudson Valley region. Such changes include, but are not limited to: trainings being held remotely, elimination of large-scale gatherings, and a reduction of education programs.
  • Conditions of Employment Required to demonstrate full vaccination status for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine; OR Receive from SCA a reasonable accommodation granting an exemption from vaccine requirements based on a medical disability or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Additional information and instructions regarding how to request a reasonable accommodation will be provided at the time of selection.

SCA Hudson Valley AmeriCorps partners with State and non-profit agencies to address the conservation needs of the Hudson River Watershed region. Corps members are placed at individual host sites, where service activities range from providing environmental education to underserved youth, to restoring streambanks along the Hudson River, and beyond. Members join together regularly for trainings, service projects, or other events.

This position is located at the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Headquarters in Albany, NY.

Purpose of the Program:

Collect GPS data on critical State Park assets – which include but are not limited to: Trails, Infrastructure, Utilities and Amenities.

Community Needs that the Program Serves:

Park patrons to NYS Park facilities – providing up to date and accurate maps of the amenities available for public enjoyment. Park staff – providing up to date and accurate maps and databases of trails, infrastructure and utilities within State Parks.

Values and Standards of the Program:

SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.

AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities:

Under supervision of GIS Bureau staff, conduct fieldwork relating to trails, infrastructure or utilities. Complete an inventory of trails, infrastructure, or utilities within a state park by collecting data with GPS.

This position will involve coordinating fieldwork with the individual parks. The SCA member will conduct the fieldwork under the supervision of a GIS Bureau staff person. Travel will be required. Specialized training in the software and hardware that the GIS Bureau uses is helpful but not necessary. Experience with GPS and GIS concepts is necessary.

How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization: Aids with critical data collection needs that inform decisions made by GIS and regional staff.

Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
  • Goal 1:  Collect high quality trail, infrastructure and utility GPS data
  • Goal 2:  Integrate collected data in to statewide GIS database
  • Goal 3: Produce high quality maps when asked for publication, inclusion in reports, as necessary.
Candidate Qualifications:
  • Ability to pass a background check.
  • Valid driver license of 3 years with a clean driving record.
  • BS or BA in natural resources, planning, forestry, environmental science, geography or GIS.
  • At least 18 years of age.
Skills/Knowledge/Training Necessary to be a successful AmeriCorps Member in this position: 

Skills: Able to work outdoors in a variety of conditions, good communication skills both written and orally, organized, able to document work well, able to work independently and in a team.

Knowledge: ESRI’s ArcGIS suite of software, including ArcMap is desirable.  Familiarity with Trimble GPS Units and associated software is helpful. Familiarity with ArcGIS Online and Survey123 is helpful.

Training: On the job training provided in GIS Bureau’s GPS data collection and cartographic templates

Benefits:
  • Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $6,495
  • Amount of living allowance member will receive:
    • $300/week living allowance
    • $1,000/month housing allowance upstate (if housing is not provided)
    • $1,100/month housing allowance in NYC (if housing is not provided)
  • Healthcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for free health insurance
  • Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
  • Student loan forbearance and interest payments, (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.
Training Opportunities:
  • On the job, training provided in GIS Bureau’s GPS data collection and cartographic templates.
  • All Hudson Valley Corps members receive Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Hudson River Citizen Science curricula, Trail Skills, Project WILD curricula, and professional development. Optional trainings include Leave No Trace, American Canoe Association Quick Start Your Canoe, and other opportunities that arise.