Position Code #: COMMAP1
CENTER FOR COMMUNITY GIS INTERN
Location: Farmington, Maine
Summer 2008; 10-12 weeks

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Operating as a Field Desk and dedicated GIS service center, QLF's Center for Community GIS provides technical assistance, training, and educational outreach to public interest organizations engaged in community-based planning and decision-making. From its base in the Western Maine town of Farmington, the Center for Community GIS offers:

- Technical Assistance and Outreach: To deliver responsive and cost-effective access to GIS products and data to environmental, cultural heritage, community development, social services, and municipal organizations.

- Youth Mapping Programs: To enable students to enhance their understanding of local places and to address real community issues through partnerships with schools and youth development organizations.

- Workshops and Trainings: To provides individuals and groups with the technical and organizational skills necessary to utilize Participatory GIS and Community Mapping (CMaP) frameworks for local projects.

- Career Development: To creates meaningful applied learning opportunities for GIS interns and student consultants from regional high schools and universities.

Interns will be expected to support activities in all four areas. Sample projects may include:

- Map and GIS database development for a wide range of clients and projects

- Field mapping and GPS support for recreational trails inventories

- Assisting with a five-day GIS/GPS/Community Mapping workshop for educators

- Co-leading a geospatial technology camp for 5-9th graders

- Web site and Google Earth application development

Non-profit GIS service centers create cost effective opportunities for extending the power of geospatial technology at the community level. Through this experience, interns will gain wider appreciation and operational knowledge of an important model for delivering GIS support.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated person wishing to further develop their communications and technical skills and aiming to learn about the power of community mapping as a tool for local conservation and capacity building. It is an excellent point of departure for a career in community-based conservation or in mapping.

QUALIFICATIONS: Interns interested in a summer internship with the Center for Community GIS should have experience with a range of desktop mapping (e.g., ArcView, ArcGIS), graphic design programs (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Freehand), GPS, and be comfortable trouble-shooting technical issues that arise. Web design skills a plus. Equally important, candidates should be self-motivated, comfortable working independently, well-organized, and capable of setting and meeting project goals. Travel and personal transportation required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Remuneration is based upon experience. Travel and other work-related expenses will be covered. In the office, interns usually work from 9 am to 5 pm with about an hour for lunch. Some evenings and weekends may be necessary.

Applications are accepted on a rolling admissions basis; therefore, it is in your best interest to apply early. Positions are subject to change without notice. Please check for up-to-date information. Applications are due by March 30, 2008, but are accepted on a rolling basis. It is therefore in your best interest to apply earlier.