STUDENT SUCCESS INTERNSHIPS: Geospatial Data Management (GIS) Intern for Merced Vernal Pool and Grassland Reserve (MVPGR)
Department Name(s)ORED, NRS
Project Supervisor Name(s): Joy Baccei, Erin Mutch
Project Supervisor Email Address: jbaccei@ucmerced.edu
Project Supervisor Email Address: emutch@ucmerced.edu
Who Can Participate:
Undergraduates who have been enrolled for at least one semester at the time of application with a minimum of 3.0 GPA may participate. First-year transfer students are eligible to apply. In addition, students must be in good academic and conduct standing with the University and be able to carry a full course load and still be able to complete the project experience.
Do I Get Paid?
A project provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world experiences. Upon completion of the project, the student will receive up to $3,000 awarded through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships as a student stipend and will be added to your financial aid awards.
Job Description:
The Geospatial Data Management Intern will work under the direction of, and with oversight from, the Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve(MVPGR) Director, where further direction, co-mentorship, and training will be provided by the UC Merced SpARC Director and/or staff, and in collaboration with Physical and Environmental Planning Department, to advance, update, and integrate MVPGR geospatial databases and resources to support research, education, management, and environmental stewardship activities. The intern will also undertake one project from a range of options to demonstrate the utility of the new system to facilitate MVPGR mapping and communication capacities.
Job Tasks:
• Work collaboratively under the direction of the Reserve Director of the Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve (MVPGR) and Director of the spatial Analysis and Research Center (SpARC). • Compile and organize geospatial data layers (from both public and private repositories) using Arc GIS Pro, ArcGIS online, and other Esri software, Google Earth, and other spatial data resources. • Check and correct tabular and spatial data and associated meta data for quality assurance/control. • Create organized geodatabases in both web (Arc Online) and network based (Cloud) repositories. • Support the creation of maps for MVPGR use (e.g., maps documenting emergency access or general reserve user access features; ArcGIS Story Maps for the MVPGR website; virtual guided tours, etc.) • Facilitate access to MVPGR geospatial data (e.g., species, soils, hydrology, etc.) via ArcGIS Hub for research and educational purposes. • Facilitate user interface with UC Natural Reserve System data repositories for research and education. • Use maps and Story Maps to diversify outreach audiences for greater inclusion, equity, and access. • Develop outreach material and assist with MVPGR management duties, such as community outreach, publicity, reserve maintenance, and research opportunities. • Document and write a report about database repository creation and independent project.
Additional Requirements:
Some previous geospatial experience strongly preferred.