GIS Mapping
Make an impact while you learn. The Semester of Service Program offers students a volunteer project-based opportunity to support real Federal missions, gaining hands-on experience and valuable career-ready skills. The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration aligning with each agency's strategic priorities.
Major duties
Location: National Mall and Memorial Parks, 1100 Ohio Dr. SW, Washington, DC Work Schedule and Flexibilities: 8-16 hours /week, aligned with academic term calendar In office (or work site) only Number of Positions: 1 Term: Spring 2027 (90 day term between mid-January and mid-June) This vacancy will be open until Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at 11:59pm ET. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages. Assists with the management of the GIS database and database management system, including the conversion of thematic source maps from analog to digital form through the use of appropriate hardware and software. In concert with the supervisor or a higher-graded specialist, augments the GIS database by digitizing mapped information, importing existing digital data, and converting data. Ensures that national data standards and park/program needs are met. The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program, as authorized under 5 U.S.C §31114 and 5 CFR Part 3085, enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration. These assignments are designed to align with each agency's strategic priorities, offering participants practical experience within Federal operations while supporting the advancement of targeted initiatives.
Qualifications
Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs. Specifically, applicants should possess: Basic knowledge of the methods, procedures, and technology used in cartographic production. Ability to read and interpret maps, plats, surveys and field notes. Ability to ensure all files are organized and properly distributed for effective and efficient protection, access, and use. Functional knowledge of mathematics including: algebra, trigonometry, and/or geometry. Ability to interpret and use satellite imagery and aerial photography. Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing in order to explain procedures, regulations and findings, and to draft letters, memoranda, sections of reports, etc. Ability to manipulate, update and maintain databases. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Windows-based operating systems. Ability to create and maintain GIS data. Skill in the use of and ability to learn industry standard vector based GIS and/or CAD and survey packages such as those available from Autodesk and ESRI. Knowledge of geographic projections and datum and the ability to learn how to convert data from various coordinate systems, datum and digital formats. Ability to transform data from a variety of digital and analog formats into computer produced graphics and digital data. Ability to operate and maintain computer equipment, such as computers, scanners, plotters, digitizer, printers and related media.
Education
To qualify, you must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution. You also must be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Attach a copy of your transcripts to your application package for verification.
Requirements
Conditions of employment To participate in this Program, you must: Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S National studying in the U.S. or abroad Be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution (beyond high school) throughout the 90 day Semester of Service opportunity. Students graduating before May 1, 2027 are not eligible. Selectees will be responsible for contacting a school official to sign a Semester of Service approval form indicating you are currently enrolled at least half-time and in good academic standing. Qualifying educational institutions must be located within the United States. Be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Commit to volunteering 8 - 20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days. Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Department of the Interior and your academic institution. Agree to volunteer. This position is unpaid. No compensation, stipends, or hiring preference will be granted from this work. You may use this volunteer experience to qualify for future jobs you choose to apply for. Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees. Not be a current federal employee. Current federal employees can reach out to the contact below to inquire about job detail opportunities.