GIS/LAND STEWARDSHIP INTERN
Supporting Land Acquisition, Land Stewardship, Project
Establishment
Paid Internship (Spring or Summer Semester 2020)
Westervelt Ecological Services
Auburn, Alabama
About us: Westervelt Ecological Services (WES) specializes in the restoration and
conservation of wetlands, streams, and other listed species habitats in the form of
conservation and mitigation banks that provide environmental mitigation and habitat
services to landowners, businesses, government agencies, and land trusts throughout the
state of Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. Our mission is to provide enduring ecological
solutions for the benefit of our stakeholders and the lands we conserve.
Description: The primary purpose of this paid position is to give support to the
Westervelt Ecological Services Land Stewardship Team. Duties would primarily consist of
providing technical assistance in the office and field with site reconnaissance,
monitoring, and land management activities at our various Bank and Conservation sites.
Activities include GPS/GIS mapping, GIS modeling for reconnaissance and project
implementation, development of mobile applications for field use, working with drone
data, data analysis, the production of technical documents and reports, and support of
field staff in activities such as habitat/vegetation/hydrological monitoring and land
management activities.
Qualifications include:
Advanced Eexperience with ESRI and open source based GIS applications, ability to
use handheld GPS units or mobile mapping applications, and basic map and
compass skills is highly desirable.
Knowledge of programming basics helpful. Knowledge of Python, Java, Javascript is
highly preferred.
Well-developed communication and people skills. Ability to effectively work in a team
environment with associates, contractors, landowners, and customers in addition to
working independently.
Good knowledge of Microsoft programs such as Excel and Word with effective data
management and organizational skills.
Be able to safely operate a 4-wheel drive pickup truck and UTV. Must have a valid
driver's license.
Must be highly motivated, independent, a critical thinker, and able to work in a
high paced environment. Good physical condition and ability to perform under
adverse climatic working conditions and difficult terrain. Work schedules and
activities are dynamic and often involve long hour days.
Applicants must be actively pursuing a degree in geography/geoscience, or a GIS
focused forestry, wildlife biology, biology, environmental studies, ecology, or
related field. Master’s or PhD students are a plus.