Position Title: Trails GIS Technician - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Conservation Corps North Carolina

Site Location: North Carolina State Parks, Raleigh NC 27699

Terms of Service:

• Start Date: May 2026
• End Date: April 2027
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1700 Hours

Purpose:

The Trails GIS Technician will serve as a member of the North Carolina State Parks Trails Program, supporting statewide efforts to improve how state park trail systems are planned, managed, and communicated.

This position focuses on applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial data management, and digital tools to improve internal decision-making, accessibility planning, asset management, and public-facing trail information across North Carolina State Parks. The employee will help integrate GIS review workflows, trail asset inventories, accessibility visualization, and web-based mapping applications.
This is an AmeriCorps Individual Placement service position designed to provide hands-on experience in parks, trails, GIS, and public-sector planning while contributing meaningful service to North Carolina’s outdoor recreation infrastructure.

This is an AmeriCorps service position and not an employment opportunity. The IP will receive a living allowance and other AmeriCorps benefits but is not considered an employee of CCNC or the host site.

Description of Duties:

• The member will provide support to the Trails Program by developing spatial applications and tools to improve project management, decision-making, prioritization, disaster response, and trail accessibility. Deliverables include the following:
  • Application, workflow, and dashboard for trail project review, approval, and management
  • Project prioritization tool
  • Trail disaster response application and dashboard
  • Grant dashboard
  • Park Accessibility Hub
• Collaborate with other sections of the agency to meet project objectives
• Attend weekly meetings with project team
• Maintain accurate project records, data, and/or communication
• Other related duties as assigned by host site supervisor
• Adhere to host site policies and procedures

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• At least 17 years of age
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Coursework or demonstrated experience in GIS, geography, environmental science, planning, parks and recreation, or related fields.
• Proficiency and experience in GIS applications
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a team.
• Interest in public service, conservation, and outdoor recreation.
• Interest in conservation, community engagement, and public service
• Experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, web maps, dashboards, and/or spatial analysis.
• Interest in trails, outdoor recreation, accessibility, or public land management.

Our Commitment:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve [blank-day] to [blank-day], but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
• Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.
• Primarily office-based or remote GIS work, with occasional field visits to parks or project sites.
• Occasional evening or weekend service may be required for meetings, trainings, or site visits.
• Employee is expected to meet the service hour requirements of their AmeriCorps term.

Orientation and Training:

• Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• The member will be fully integrated into the North Carolina Trails Program, along with the Planning & Recreation Resources Section and the Division of State Parks & Recreation, and participate in all aspects of statewide trails work, including planning, design, construction, maintenance, policy, and partnerships.
• Training and development opportunities include:
  • Orientation to AmeriCorps service, CCNC policies, and host site expectations.
  • Training on existing data resources and trail management.
  • Mentorship from Regional Trails Specialists and Trails Program leadership.
  • Exposure to trail planning, accessibility considerations, environmental review, and interagency coordination.
  • Opportunities to participate in site visits, field reviews, and statewide trail discussions as appropriate.
  • Professional development focused on careers in parks, public lands, GIS, and outdoor recreation planning.

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7395.
• Living Allowance of $480 per week.
• Additional Benefit of $320 per week.
• Healthcare Coverage if Eligible
• Childcare Coverage if Eligible
• Loan forbearance if Eligible
• Interest Payments if Eligible

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.

Supervisor Name and Contact Information:

Sam Little Contact Information: Sam.Little@ncparks.gov

Recruiter Name and Contact Information:

Rachel Robinson Contact Information: rrobinson@conservationlegacy.org

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.