What are the responsibilities and job description for the Hudson Valley Corps - Data Collection Specialist position at Student Conservation Association, Inc?
Position Summary
Data Collection Specialist - GIS, Planning, and Analysis
To be a technical/GIS resource to staff in the Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning. To collect GPS data relating to the trails, infrastructure, and utilities on NY State Park property and to conduct post project completion surveys on LWCF funded municipal park projects. GPS data collection will provide important information to update critical GIS databases.
Additional duties will involve working with Park Planners and Environmental Analysts on planning projects and SEQR review; working with Biologists and Stewardship Specialists on their mapping and analytical needs. This position helps patrons that visit NY State Parks or recreation facilities funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
Location
Albany, NY
Schedule
March 2, 2026 - October 16, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of GIS and Data Bureau staff, conduct fieldwork relating to park utilities, trails, and other infrastructure. This position will involve coordinating fieldwork with the individual parks. The SCA member will conduct the fieldwork under the supervision of a GIS Bureau staff person. Travel will be required. Specialized training in the software and hardware that the GIS Bureau uses is helpful but not necessary.
Experience with GPS and GIS concepts is necessary. In coordination with Planning Bureau staff, qualified candidate will conduct in person interviews of park patrons and conduct inspections of municipal recreation projects that were funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
Goal 1: Collect high quality trail, infrastructure and utility GPS data; integrate collected data into GIS database
Goal 2: Conduct post project completion inspections on LWCF Projects and conduct Park Patron visitor satisfaction surveys
Goal 3: Assist Planners, Analysts and Biologists with critical work relating to park planning, environmental analysis and natural resource mapping and analysis.
Marginal Duties:
Specialized training in the software and hardware that the GIS Bureau uses is helpful but not necessary.
Familiarity with utility data collection is helpful but not necessary
Required Qualifications
- Skills:
- Able to work outdoors in a variety of conditions,
- Good communication skills, both written and oral
- Organized
- Able to document work well
- Able to work independently and in a team.
- ESRI’s ArcGIS suite of software, including ArcMap/ArcGIS Pro is desirable.
- Knowledge:
- Familiarity with Trimble GPS Units and associated software is helpful.
- Familiarity with ArcGIS online and Survey123.
- For the Planning portion of the position, familiarity with survey collection techniques is helpful, and SPSS software package. Familiarity with planning processes and SEQR is also helpful.
- Training:
- On-the-job training will be provided in GIS and Data Bureau’s GPS data collection and cartographic templates.
- Additional training in conducting surveys will be provided
Preferred Qualifications
Degree in GIS, Environmental Sciences, or Computer Science
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
- $1000 housing allowance
Compensation
- Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $5,176.50
- Living Allowance member will receive: $440/week
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
- Required
Additional Benefits
- AmeriCorps and SCA Training
- SCA Risk Management
- Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
- Mental Health First Aid Training
- Wilderness First Aid & CPR
- Project WILD/Aquatic Curriculum
- Environmental Leadership Institute
- New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
- Hudson River Ecology
- Leave No Trace Level I Certification
- Professional Development & Job Readiness
- AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.
Salary : $440