The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with NPS, Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve is recruiting 1 GIS Technician to support the Natural and Cultural resource programs for the three South Idaho parks: Craters of the Moon, Hagerman Fossil Beds, and Minidoka National Historic Site.

This project will focus on the consolidation, standardization, and updating of existing spatial data across the three South Idaho park units. The associate will update existing spatial data to meet current NPS standards using standardized NPS templates. They will also establish workflows for the creation and maintenance of future spatial data. The project will include GIS modernization of legacy data sets (old shapefiles), mining of databases to locate, organize and consolidate GIS data, working with existing NPS authoritative datasets, web and mobile GIS, improving mobile GIS workflow, migrating workflow to the most recent GIS platform and updating technical documents.

Training for park staff on GIS data collection, querying, and proper translation of collected data into the database will be part of this associates work. The associate will present their work to park staff and to help train staff on accessing and using the consolidated geodatabase.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Review, organize and update existing GIS data to meet current NPS standards;
• Create maps, layers, and other mapping products that can inform resource management;
• Train Park staff on use of GIS applications, data collection, and best practices for data management;
• Join Park staff in the field for data collection of natural and cultural resources.

Timeline:

• May 5th – October 18th 2025, 24 weeks;
• Full time (40 hours/week);
• Schedule: M-F, 8 hours/day (schedule may vary depending on in field activities).

Location:

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is located in the high desert of southern Idaho. The scenic area, managed cooperatively by the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management, encompasses lava fields with many volcanic features, and sagebrush steppe grasslands. Opportunities for hiking and exploring unique geologic features, wildlife, and cultural history abound.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $23.35 hourly;

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Personal leave and holidays;
• Access to Pro Deals;

Housing: Park housing may be available at Craters of the Moon at an additional cost. Costs vary based on selected housing options.

• Housing is typically shared with option for a private room and shared kitchen, bathroom, and living room.
• Individual studio apartments may be available depending on staffing and demand.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Geography, GIS, Natural Resources, or a related field, with supporting coursework/certification in GIS, or equivalent combination of education and field experience;
• Proficiency in developing and analyzing spatial data using GIS, including knowledge of geodatabases, cartography, and data management;
• Strong experience with the ESRI platform, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online (web apps, Dashboards, Experience Builder, etc.);
• Experience creating ESRI workflows for field data collection using apps like Field Maps and Survey123;
• Skilled in using high-accuracy GNSS equipment (e.g., Trimble, Leica) for field surveys and data collection;
• Ability to navigate and hike through rough and rugged terrain;
• Comfort and proficiency in working outdoors and in the field environment;
• Ability to navigate safely to field sites using maps, compass, and GNSS technology;
• Experience with data entry, quality assurance (QA), and quality control (QC) procedures;
• Familiarity with the mission and operations of the National Park Service;
• Commitment to maintaining high performance standards and contributing to GBI and NPS goals;
• Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving record;
• Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.

Preferred:

• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills, with a collaborative team approach.

How to Apply:

Please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority:

This project is federally funded through the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority. Participants serving under this authority may be eligible for the PLC non-competitive hiring status and certificate. The PLC Authority requires all applicants meet the age and US Citizen requirements. Additional information regarding the PLC can be found on the GBI website under the Research Associate Programs FAQ.

EEO Statement:
We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.