GIS Mapping

National Park Service • Washington, DC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Semester of Service Program offers students an unpaid, project-based volunteer opportunity to support Federal missions and gain hands-on experience and career-ready skills. This position is with National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, DC, for a 90-day term in Spring 2027, between mid-January and mid-June. The position is in office or at the work site only. The announcement lists a schedule of 8–16 hours per week, aligned with the academic term calendar; program conditions also require a commitment of 8–20 hours per week for at least 90 days.

The volunteer assists with management of the GIS database and database management system, including converting thematic source maps from analog to digital form using appropriate hardware and software. In coordination with a supervisor or higher-graded specialist, the volunteer augments the GIS database by digitizing mapped information, importing existing digital data, and converting data. The work must meet national data standards and park or program needs.

This is an unpaid volunteer position. No compensation, stipend, or hiring preference is provided. Volunteers are not Federal employees, and the service is not creditable for leave accrual or other employee benefits. The experience offers meaningful project work with deliverables, regular supervision and Federal mentorship, hands-on skill development, and exposure to Federal missions and career pathways. Volunteers receive coverage under the Federal Tort Claims Act and workers' compensation for service-related injuries, as well as structured onboarding and ongoing supervision.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national studying in the United States or abroad.
• Be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited educational institution beyond high school throughout the 90-day opportunity; graduating before May 1, 2027 makes applicants ineligible.
• Be in good academic standing as defined by the educational institution.
• Commit to volunteering 8–20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days.
• Complete required onboarding documentation for the Department of the Interior and the academic institution.
• Agree to volunteer without compensation; volunteers are not Federal employees.
• Not be a current Federal employee.
• Have basic knowledge of methods, procedures, and technology used in cartographic production.
• Be able to read and interpret maps, plats, surveys, and field notes.
• Be able to organize and distribute files to support effective and efficient protection, access, and use.
• Have functional knowledge of mathematics, including algebra, trigonometry, and/or geometry.
• Be able to interpret and use satellite imagery and aerial photography.
• Be able to communicate verbally and in writing to explain procedures, regulations, and findings and draft letters, memoranda, and report sections.
• Be able to manipulate, update, and maintain databases.
• Have basic knowledge of Microsoft Windows-based operating systems.
• Be able to create and maintain GIS data.
• Have skill in and ability to learn industry-standard vector-based GIS and/or CAD and survey packages, such as those available from Autodesk and ESRI.
• Know geographic projections and datums and be able to learn to convert data across coordinate systems, datums, and digital formats.
• Be able to transform data from a variety of digital and analog formats into computer-produced graphics and digital data.
• Be able to operate and maintain computer equipment, including computers, scanners, plotters, digitizers, printers, and related media.
• Submit a copy of transcripts with the application package to verify enrollment and academic standing.

Responsibilities

• Assist with management of the GIS database and database management system.
• Convert thematic source maps from analog to digital form using appropriate hardware and software.
• In coordination with a supervisor or higher-graded specialist, digitize mapped information, import existing digital data, and convert data to augment the GIS database.
• Ensure that work meets national data standards and park or program needs.

Benefits

• Meaningful project work with clear deliverables, regular supervision, and Federal mentorship.
• Hands-on application of academic knowledge in real-world Federal operations.
• Exposure to Federal missions, workplace culture, and potential career pathways.
• Federal Tort Claims Act coverage and workers' compensation for service-related injuries.
• Structured onboarding and ongoing supervision.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed