Graduate GIS Interns Supporting Eastern Mineral Resources Team USGS

(Received from Mason-Geography Students Listserv, 8/06/08)


Students will work with GIS and digital databases on multiple international and domestic projects focusing on environmental characterization and mineral resource assessment studies. They are expected to provide GIS expertise in support of Eastern Mineral Resources Team (EMRT) projects, including, but not limited to database development, management, data analysis, and publication activities. They will work with geologists and geochemists involved with data analysis. Students will use advanced aspects of GIS and will be expected to assist in developing derivative GIS data layers from existing USGS and adjunct digital data for digital and more traditional publication formats. They will also develop information and digital graphics for release in web and paper publication formats.

Specific Tasks for Student Interns
� Build ArcGIS projects incorporating diverse geologic and other thematic data to develop derivative maps and spatial models.
� Use statistical and USGS-developed software as needed for project activities.
� Maintenance of digital data bases, including sorting of records, merging of records, and entering data. Work will involve using spreadsheets and databases. Includes archiving of source data and paper maps
� Advanced GIS manipulations of spatial databases in ArcGIS 9. Editing and synthesizing GIS data to produce digital maps for publication.
� Prepare, analyze, edit and produce research results in accordance with USGS publication quality standards. Creation of graphics used in digital and paper-format publications
� Act as a member of a research team with shared responsibility and authorship of research products.

Minimum Skills and Experience Requirements for Student Interns

The ideal students should possess all or most of the following skills and experience:
 Familiarity with GIS software, especially ESRI products at both the user level and development level
 Familiarity with statistical and graphics software for analysis and drawing
 Knowledge in cartographic and map compilation principles
 (Geo)Database design and management
 Knowledge in environmental and geological sciences
 Strong verbal and written communication skills

Work arrangement
All duties are to be conducted in the USGS Office in Reston, VA during normal business hours and work days. A minimum of 8 hours and maximum 20 hours per week for Fall and Spring semesters are expected. A maximum 40 hours per week during semester break, spring break and summer is possible.