About the Position: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) is seeking a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Intern in the Information Systems and Technology (IST) Department. The GIS Intern will perform GIS mapping and analysis tasks in support of land acquisition, open space planning, capital improvement, and resource management activities. Responsibilities include creating maps for District Board reports and presentations; compiling and synthesizing geographic data; developing attribute data for feature classes; performing basic geoprocessing; maintaining and updating GIS databases as new data are collected; preparing, modifying and updating District site maps and brochures; providing graphic support for other departments including the development of maps, charts, displays, presentations, graphics, brochures, and drawings; and collecting field data.  The expected start date for this position is December 2024.

About Midpen: Midpen helps plants, animals and people thrive throughout the greater Santa Cruz Mountains region by preserving a greenbelt of more than 70,000 acres of public open space with 250 miles of trails in 27 extraordinary preserves, permanently protected for natural resource conservation and ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Midpen is a public agency with a focused mission that guides our work, and where every employee makes an impact. If you are looking for an outstanding opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space protection, natural resource restoration and outdoor recreation, working with an incredible team of like-minded colleagues, we invite you to apply for this position! For more information please visit our Intern Program Brochure and check out the Working for Midpen video on our Employment Opportunities page.

Basic Requirements: Internships are open to applications from current students or recent graduates (within the last 12 months). Successful candidates will have a background in geography, planning, environmental studies, landscape architecture, or another related field; demonstrated experience with ArcGIS software; and demonstrated expertise/enthusiasm in cartography and map production. This position requires great attention to detail, excellent communication and critical thinking skills, the ability to work well both in a team setting and independently, and the willingness to occasionally work in rugged, remote settings.  Knowledge of web GIS, experience with field data collection, and the desire to learn are a plus. Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

Working Conditions/Schedule: This position will operate within the IST department. It will be based primarily in-office at our Administrative Office in Los Altos, CA, with occasional field data collection and may drive a district vehicle. These occasional field days may take place during inclement weather, and may involve working alone and in remote, rugged terrain with numerous biotic and abiotic hazards.  This is a temporary position working 20 – 40 hours per week, which will extend up to a total of 950 hours over a 6-9 month period. This is a non-benefited position.

Ready to apply?  Great!  We welcome your application online at CalOpps.org. 

Application deadline is Sunday, October 20, 2024.  Applicants with the most relevant experience and qualifications suitable for the position will be contacted for an interview.

The following application items are required to be considered*:

1. Fully completed CalOpps employment application
2. Cover letter
3. Resume
4. Supplemental question responses
5. A map you created demonstrating your work and cartography

*Incomplete CalOpps employment applications, or applications without the required application items listed here, will not be considered for the position.

Virtual Interviews are planned for Thursday, November 7, 2024. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate individual schedules.

At Midpen, we believe open space is for all. Our public lands are shared spaces provided for the community by the community. All people, regardless of background, deserve respect, dignity, safety, and a sense of belonging. Midpen welcomes all people to enjoy the public open space preserves we hold in trust, supporting the mental, physical, and social well-being of our region.

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department at 650-691-1200.

 Put your passion for Open Space to work!