Sandy River Intern

The Sandy River intern will support land conservation planning in the Sandy River watershed in western Maine by addressing a key data and capacity gap. Several towns in the region lack digitized parcel data, limiting the ability of conservation partners to efficiently identify, evaluate, and prioritize land conservation opportunities. The intern will work with TCF and regional partners to digitize tax map parcels for select towns and develop a foundational dataset that can be used to inform land conservation strategies. This work will directly support ongoing efforts to clarify land acquisition priorities, identify strategic conservation opportunities, and strengthen coordination among partners. Start and end dates are negotiable, with a total internship of 375 hours. WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING Deliverables include: GIS parcel datasets for targeted towns in the Sandy River watershed; documentation of data sources, methods, and recommendations for future updates; a summary memo describing how the data can be used to support land conservation and partner coordination; and if partner conversations proceed in a timely fashion, a set of maps highlighting priority conservation areas and opportunities. To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Digitize parcel boundaries from tax maps for priority towns lacking GIS data.
• Compile and standardize parcel ownership and attribute information
• Support spatial analysis to identify priority conservation areas (e.g., riparian corridors, cold-water inputs, habitat connectivity, working lands).
• Assist in the development of maps and materials to support partner discussions and decision-making.
• Participate in partner meetings to understand how data informs real-world conservation planning.

WHAT WE NEED YOU TO HAVE

• Background in GIS, geography, environmental science, or a related field.
• Experience using ArcGIS (Desktop/Pro) for editing, digitizing, and basic spatial analysis.
• Familiarity with ArcGIS Online for data sharing, map creation, and basic web mapping.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly with data entry and digitizing accuracy.
• Ability to organize and manage datasets in a clear, consistent manner.
• Basic understanding of map interpretation (e.g., reading tax maps, aerial imagery).
• Strong communication skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel locally (as needed for meetings or accessing source materials).

WHAT WE’D LIKE YOU TO HAVE

• Experience digitizing parcel boundaries or working with cadastral data.
• Familiarity with data management practices (metadata, file organization, QA/QC).
• Basic spatial analysis skills (e.g., overlays, buffering, identifying proximity to features like rivers or roads).
• Experience working with conservation, land use planning, or natural resource data.
• Comfort working with incomplete or inconsistent datasets and problem-solving through gaps.
• Interest in land conservation, natural resource management, or community-based planning.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Some lifting and carrying will be necessary – up to 20 pounds.
• Work is performed in both an office setting and in outdoor settings in all weather conditions.
• When visiting conservation sites, the ability to traverse all terrain in outdoor/all weather conditions will be necessary.
• Willingness to travel as necessary to carry out duties, often with short notice and in inclement weather over long distances.
• Driver’s license.

Wage: $23/hr