GIS Specialist

Mission:

The Truckee Meadows Trails program (TMT) is a community-driven effort designed to improve the range of opportunities for residents and visitors by identifying and establishing non- motorized routes for greater trail connectivity in the Truckee Meadows region. The program initiative started in 2017 with a coalition of land managers, government agencies, non-profits, and private businesses that came together to create the TMT Plan and Report. The objectives of the TMT program are to create a regional trail network that is connected with surrounding public lands, ensure high quality and consistent user experiences on trails, promote awareness of the Truckee Meadows natural, cultural and recreational resources, and coordinate and support trail planning efforts through a working group of regional partners. Currently, a planning document has been developed which requires the need for GIS and mapping activities.

Position Description:

The AmeriCorps GIS Specialist will be an essential member of the team for this non-profit organization. This person will implement and support the Wetland Restoration Program and Truckee Meadows Trails Program. This AmeriCorps member will assist the programs through updating the GIS datasets for TMT and TMPF, data collection in the field, creation of maps/layouts for projects related to the plan, and more. Members in this position will have the unique opportunity to lay the foundation for the development of the TMT program. 

Service Location: Reno, NV

Timeline for Service: September 2024 – August 2025 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Updating and management of the TMT and TMPF GIS dataset.
• Collection of GPS waypoints and alignments in the field (Truckee Meadows region).
• Creation of maps and other presentation methods or user tools. This will include the use of design techniques in order to follow with TMT branding layouts.
• Design of a web-based viewer for the TMT GIS database and/or GIS Hub.
• Attend weekly organization meetings,  to include TMT Working Group meetings.
• Assist in restoration data collection in the field and and upload data into GIS database

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Facilitate other interpretive programs such as Truckee Meadows Trails Challenge and Discover Your Parks walks. Participate in volunteer TM Trail Days.
• Participate with the wetland technician team and their activities, to include related outreach tasks.

Activities for the position may include the use of a personal vehicle, but mileage reimbursement is possible. Use of a personal cell phone with GPS and (free) mapping applications may be necessary as well. The position will  be conducting activities under the shared supervision of the TMPF trails coordinator and other TMPF staff.  

Qualifications:

• Passionate commitment to TMPF’s mission and vision;
• High degree of initiative and spirit of service;
• Ability to complete tasks with limited supervision;
• Knowledge of ArcGIS programs – data entry, maps and creative layouts, GIS hubs, etc;
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills;
• Strong writing skills;
• Ability to research needs and learn quickly;
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Natural Resource Management, or a related field;
• Preferred: Experience in field data collection and maps.

AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

• Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service; or be an out-of-school youth 16 years of age at the commencement of service participating in a program described in §2522.110(b)(3) or (g);
• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; OR not have dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and must agree to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award; OR obtain a waiver from the Corporation of the requirements in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this section based on an independent evaluation secured by the program demonstrating that the individual is not capable of obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent; or be enrolled in an institution of higher education on an ability to benefit basis and be considered eligible for funds under section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091);
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
• Successfully pass the National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) and National Sex Offender Program Registry check;

Physical Demands:

• Lift up to 50-70 pounds of material or equipment
• Bend, lift, pull, and push
• Crouch, stoop, kneel, stand, or bend for long periods of time
• Walk/hike for long periods of time on uneven surfaces
• Be outside in extreme heat or cold (depending on season)

Compensation:

Full term AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance of $26,000, a $7,385 education award upon successful completion of service, healthcare, childcare coverage (for eligible members), and loan forbearance on qualifying student loans.

To Apply:

Send a cover letter and resume to Trails Program Manager at jay@tmparksfoundation.org 

Visit the TMPF website, www.tmparksfoundation.org  for more information. Go to the projects tab for TMT program.