Individual Placement - GIS Management at the Kansas City District Office (The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

Position Summary 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the leading federal provider of outdoor recreation and attracts over 335 million visitors annually to our lake and river projects in 43 states. The intern serving at the Kansas City District Office will update GIS databases in support of natural resources and conservation tasks to insure adherence to land classifications in project master plans, managing inventories of plant and animal compositions including threatened and endangered species, the facilitation of natural resources management tasks such as vegetation management, wildlife habitat management, pest and invasive species management, and soil conservation, protection of cultural resources, and grant compliance.

Hosting Organization

Kansas City District

Location 

Kansas City, MO

Schedule 

August 31, 2026 - February 26, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Intern will assist in organization of existing data, and further development of the GIS database and attributes to support natural resources and conservation management tasks conducted at KC District lake projects. Utilizing existing GIS data, historical and technical documents, the intern will organize, verify and further develop existing feature layers in ArcGIS Pro. Intern will likewise populate attribute tables with information related to land characteristics and management practices. Interns will also compare and reconcile various feature layers and historical records. Discrepancies will be researched utilizing internal USACE files to determine correct feature information. Work will require limited travel to/from lake project sites to gather GIS data and related documentation. The USACE will provide training on GIS data collection and use of related software and equipment, library cataloging and archive techniques, and defensive driving.

Marginal Duties 

Production of various GIS products such as publications, virtual tools, process automation, training materials, or AI integration; Sample collection to improve remote sensing capability and quality; Prepare presentation materials and provide technical insight to inform team and partner coordination.

Required Qualifications 

a. Must be 18 years of age.

b. Must wear required attire by SCA while on duty.

c. Must possess and maintain valid driver’s license.

d. Possess good verbal and written communications skills.

e. Ability to work as part of a team and take direction from USACE staff f. Working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro.

g. Must be able to access USACE networked computer, necessitating successful completion of Tier I background investigation pending favorable review of fingerprint check, SF85 Questionnaire for non-sensitive positions, and OF 306 declaration for federal [volunteer] employment forms.

Preferred Qualifications 

a. GIS/GPS data collection

b. Microsoft Excel

c. Working towards a BA in natural sciences, conservation, environmental science, land management or similar.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

No housing is available; intern will receive monthly housing allowance to find their own local housing.

Compensation  

Living Allowance - $350/week;

Housing Allowance - $900/month;

Commuting Allowance - $25/week;

Relocation Travel - $650 (maximum) issued as a reimbursement for actual expense based upon roundtrip travel distance from home location to site.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Driving Training

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

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 : $900