Volunteer GIS Internship Opportunity (OR)

Geo‑tourism GIS & Mapping / Storyboard Intern
Location: Remote with potential travel along the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Duration: Summer 2025 (with possible extension), Academic year
Compensation: course credit (negotiable)

About the Program
The Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail (NHT) Geotourism Program celebrates and interprets the 4,900-mile journey from Pittsburgh to the Pacific Ocean. This partnership between the National Park Service (NPS), the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), and The Lewis & Clark Trust seeks to uplift the voices, stories, and attractions of Native American tribes along the Trail while supporting local businesses and fostering sustainable cultural tourism.

Position Overview
As a GIS & Mapping / Storyboard Intern, you will play a key role in developing engaging, map-based storytelling projects that connect travelers with the rich heritage, landscapes, and tribal narratives of the Lewis & Clark Trail. You will collaborate with NPS cartographers, AIANTA cultural liaisons, and Tribal representatives to produce high-quality geospatial products for both internal use and public outreach.

Key Responsibilities

• Spatial Data Management: Locate, clean, and maintain geospatial datasets relevant to Trail resources, tribal lands, and partner sites.
• Map Creation: Design and produce static and interactive maps using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and other GIS platforms.
• Storyboard Development: Craft narrative storyboards that integrate maps, images, and text to highlight places of cultural, historical, and ecological significance.
• Research & Analysis: Conduct background research on tribal territories—both ancestral and contemporary—and historical Expedition routes; analyze changes over time.
• Content Production: Write clear, engaging captions, descriptions, and technical reports aligned with NPS standards.
• Standards Compliance: Ensure all deliverables adhere to NPS cartographic, branding, and accessibility guidelines.
• Collaboration: Coordinate with AIANTA tribal tourism experts and NPS staff to verify cultural content and obtain permissions.
• Other Duties: Support related outreach, workshop, or inventory tasks as needed.

What You’ll Learn

• Trail History & Cultural Perspectives: Gain in‑depth knowledge of the Lewis & Clark expedition, including underrepresented Native American narratives.
• Professional GIS Skills: Advance your proficiency in ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, spatial analysis, and cartographic best practices.
• Scientific & Technical Writing: Hone your ability to produce clear, compelling reports, interpretative panels, and online content.
• Cross‑Cultural Communication: Learn to engage respectfully with Tribal partners, integrating traditional knowledge into modern mapping.
• Project Management: Experience the life cycle of a geotourism project—from data collection through public delivery.

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Qualifications & Desired Skills

• Education: Current enrollment in or recent graduation from a degree program in Geography, Cartography, GIS, Environmental Science, Anthropology, or related field.
• Technical Skills:
  • ArcGIS Pro & ArcGIS Online (proficiency preferred)
  • Cartography & topographic mapping
  • Geospatial data editing and spatial analysis
• Research & Writing:
  • Scientific/technical writing or reporting experience
  • Ability to synthesize historical and cultural research
• Soft Skills:
  • Strong attention to detail and problem‑solving mindset
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Collaborative teamwork and cultural sensitivity
• Other:
  • Familiarity with NPS mapping standards or willingness to learn
  • Passion for heritage tourism and Indigenous storytelling
• Current ongoing projects

How to Apply
Please submit the following materials as a single PDF to [email protected].:
1.   Cover Letter explaining your interest in this Internship
2.   Resume or CV highlighting relevant GIS and research experience
3.   Portfolio Samples if any (2–3 maps, storyboards, or technical reports)
4.   References (2 professional or academic)
For questions about the position or application process, contact [email protected].