GIS Intern

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
Yamhill County Public Works Department (YCPW) initiated a Roadside Vegetation Inventory in 2016 that uses GIS (ESRI software) for collecting data and photos on features pertaining to roadside vegetation management. These features include areas with erosion to restore, significant native plant species to protect, and invasive plants to control. The information is used by YCPW for setting priorities and making management decisions, as well as for public education and outreach. The two interns will cooperate as partners on most tasks, manage their schedules and share tasks to ensure that all are completed by the end of the project period.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITIONS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION.  DEPENDING ON ASSIGNMENT, THE INTERN(S) MAY PERFORM A COMBINATION OF SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING DUTIES:

• Drive selected County roads, collect data and create layout maps of sites with management issues, using ESRI Software, including ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Field Maps, and ArcGIS Pro. Data is collected both from the vehicle and on foot.
• Take high quality photos of the features mapped. Optimize and upload photos to Google Photos.
• Monitor Special Maintenance Zones that include native plant protection areas and invasive plant treatment areas. Assist with restoration projects, including planting, monitoring, and weed control work.
• Maintain and manage the Google and ESRI databases (with supervisor oversight).
• Use Google programs including Google Photos, Slides, Sheets, Drive, etc. to share information and work together remotely.
• Write and revise instructions documents for Roadside Vegetation Inventory tasks and procedures.
• Create an educational slide show that presents the significant findings for the season, with data analysis, maps, photos, and other relevant information.
• Present findings to YCPW personnel and to the Roadside Vegetation Management Technical Advisory Committee at the end of the internship period.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Completion of at least one college level course in GIS, and/or equivalent training or experience using ESRI software.
• Training or education in botany, agriculture, forestry, or other natural resources related field.
• Interest in native and invasive plants, and ability to recognize common Willamette Valley plant species.
• Ability to create high quality plant and landscape photography.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team.
• Ability to manage time and meet project deadlines.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Field or work experience using GIS ESRI software – especially ArcGIS Online, Field Maps (formally called Collector), and ArcGIS Pro.
• Field experience identifying plant species.
• Interest in invasive species control and willingness to occasionally use mechanical (hand-pulling) or chemical (spot-treatment with herbicide) methods to control invasive plants.
• Experience working in collaborative environments.
• Laptop with ability to download ArcGIS Pro (Windows operating system).
• Smartphone or camera with GPS capability.

BENEFITS: 

• Experience working in local government and using GIS to solve real-world issues.
• Competitive hourly wage.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Equipment provided by YCPW, including iPads for collecting data, a vehicle for field work, and one laptop computer available for use in the office during work hours.
• Contact with skilled professionals in natural resources, networking connections for the future.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The incumbent typically works in a building and in outdoor areas. Weather conditions may vary.  The employee may encounter frequent interruptions throughout the workday. 
 
The employee is regularly required to talk, listen and hear, frequently required to use repetitive hand motion, handle or feel, and to sit, stand, walk, reach, bend, regularly push, pull and lift up to 40 pounds and occasionally push, pull and lift up to 60 pounds.