Check out this article in US News that discusses the role of geospatial technologies in today's society. 
http://www.usnews.com/science/articles/2011/05/11/geospatial-technology-as-a-core-tool

GIS Intern (1 position available)Location: Portland, OR
Application Deadline: June 15, 2011
Posted: May 2011

AMEC Earth & Environmental, Inc.  is seeking a GIS intern.  The intern will work on a variety of GIS projects primarily in the office.  Work will include some review and integration of CAD drawings into GIS so experience working with CAD is preferred.  Work will include limited field work for GPS data collection. 

Qualifications:

• Ongoing education in geography, earth science, or related field
• Knowledge of ArcGIS 9.x
• Knowledge of ESRI data models including Arc coverages, shapefiles and geo-databases
• Familiarity with Microsoft Access and Excel is essential
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy
• Work in a production-oriented environment
• Comfortable working independently with direction from a senior analyst

Desired Skills:

• Knowledge of metadata standards (FGDC, SDSFIE, and different states’ standards)
• Some experience with CAD drawings and files (.dwg and .dxf)
• Experience with GPS software and equipment

To Apply: Submit resume and cover letter to [email protected].  Information about AMEC can be found at www.amec.com.

AMEC Earth & Environmental, Inc.
Attn: Patrick McCarthy
7376 SW Durham Rd
Portland, OR 97224

No Calls Please

INTERNSHIP (PAID)
Western Rivers Conservancy, Portland, Oregon
Closes: Open Until Filled (Interviews in May)

Western Rivers Conservancy is offering a year-long full-time internship beginning in June 2011. The Intern will assist Western Rivers Conservancy staff with research, writing, maps, graphic design, outreach and office management. The Intern reports to the Assistant Program Director.

Responsibilities:
--General Communications and Outreach
--Produce publications
--Create Maps
--Research land ownership
--Research resource values
--Administrative tasks

Compensation:
Salary of $20,000 - $24,000 commensurate with experience, plus a generous benefits package.

Complete description available at:
http://www.westernrivers.org/pages/jobs.html

POSITION: GIS/Environmental Internship

SALARY:  $10.17 - $17.54 Hourly

OPENING DATE: 05/04/11

CLOSING DATE: 05/20/11 05:00 PM

DESCRIPTION:  To apply for an intern position you must be a student enrolled in school during the term of employment. Spring 2011 graduates will not be eligible for this internship unless documentation of continued educational classes (graduate school) can be provided at the time of application.

HOURS:  Typically 16-24 hours a week during the school year; 40 hours per week during school breaks; hours are flexible based on school schedule.

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Port of Portland has an opening for a 12 month internship working with environmental staff to support efforts assessing the current state of spatial data used to meet environmental business requirements.
    - Support GIS mapping needs for the environmental component of Port project planning and follow-up for environmental projects and programs.
    - Work with Port-wide environmental staff to define standards, definitions, metadata, and to refine existing data.
    - Support data requests from consultants and outside agencies.
    - Provide support to field work and GPS Mobile Program.
    - Work with GIS Program to update, manage and maintain Port GIS functionality.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE/LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:
    - Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in GIS, environmental science, geography, urban and regional planning or other natural science.
    - Practical experience and/or coursework in GIS applications, environmental assessment, or mitigation projects as applied to environmental data sets.
    - High comfort level with technology and experience with technical aspects of spatial data management.
    - Effective verbal and written communication skills.
    - A valid Oregon or Washington driver's license is required for this position.

SKILLS AND ABILTIES:
    - Advanced knowledge of ArcGIS applications, analysis and mapping.
    - Working knowledge of MS Office Suite, Relational databases, Aerial photography; including Orthorectification, LiDAR, and Remote Sensing. A solid understanding of GPS application is desirable.
    - Ability to:   
        -develop systematic approaches to similar tasks, projects, and issues;
        -express ideas clearly using written and oral communication;
        -organize workload and prioritize tasks to meet changing priorities and deadlines;
        -create and use spreadsheets for data analysis and reporting;
        ­work effectively in collaboration with peers and team members;
        -produce deliverables under direction, and work to new skill level, across departmental teams and under tight timelines.
    - Proven technical research, writing, and editing skills to generate project summaries, draft documents, conduct topic specific research.

APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.portofportland.com

7200 NE Airport Way
Portland, OR 97218
503-415-6400

[email protected]
   
Position #0000100024
GIS/ENVIRONMENTAL INTERNSHIP

Summer Internship Opportunity 2011
Department of Land Conservation & Development-
Natural Hazards Program

The State of Oregon, Department of Land Conservation and Development, Natural Hazards Program is pleased to announce one summer internship opportunity. The internship will give the selected student work experience performing a project or task that the Natural Hazards Program identifies as necessary to achieve its goals, and develop the student’s communication skills and knowledge of natural hazard planning and permitting practices and procedures.

One of the goals of the Natural Hazards Program is ensuring that Oregon’s flood-prone communities remain compliant with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by providing education, technical assistance, and program monitoring. Development within flood hazard zones is regulated by nearly all of Oregon’s cities and counties. The Natural Hazards Program administers the federal NFIP program at the state level, assisting and overseeing local activities.

This internship is intended to develop knowledge and skills that will be useful to anyone contemplating work as a land use planner for local or regional government. Duties during the internship will include some but not necessarily all of the following:

• Collecting and organizing information about floodplain management activities in select jurisdictions;
• Conducting field inspections of buildings for compliance with NFIP construction standards;
• Reviewing local zoning ordinances for compliance with the NFIP and Oregon building codes:
• Preparing maps using GIS to depict where flood hazard zone boundaries have changed because of revised FEMA maps;
• Composing articles for DLCD’s Natural Hazard News listserv; and
• Assisting local governments with compliance and permitting issues.

Specific projects and internship outcomes will be negotiated based upon selected student’s skills and interests.

The internship will begin with two weeks of intensive training on managing development in flood hazard zones according to NFIP standards and guidelines and state policy and law. Extensive in-state travel is likely. The internship will be supervised by DLCD’s Planning Services Division Manager and will work closely with the state’s NFIP Coordinator.

Skills required: The intern should have excellent writing, strong critical thinking and good oral communication skills. A strong interest in land use or hazard mitigation planning as a potential career is desired.

Type of student desired: Graduate or upper-level undergraduate student majoring in natural resources, environmental sciences, civil engineering, public policy, planning, or geography.

Compensation: $15/hour, a minimum of 32 hours and a maximum of 40 hours per week.

Duration: Maximum 12 week duration starting after June 1, 2011. The successful applicant must commit to completing the entire assignment.

To apply: Applications due by May 20, 2011. Please provide a resume and cover letter explaining how you have obtained the necessary skills for the position (as identified in the “skills required” section above) and why you are interested in this internship.

Please e-mail resume and cover letter to:

Rob Hallyburton, Manager
DLCD Planning Services Division
[email protected]

DLCD Flood Hazard site: http://www.oregon.gov/LCD/HAZ/floods.shtml

Thanks Jocelyn for sharing these maps with me!  here are a few links to some interesting maps in National Geographic. 

US Surname Maps:  http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/02/geography/usa-surnames-interactive

Map your Surname (click on 'visit site'): http://www.worldnames.publicprofiler.org/

The Great Tree Survey:  http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/05/big-idea/tree-map-text