GIS Technical Intern Changing Landscapes Initiative
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute is offering an internship in GIS analysis as part of the Changing Landscapes Initiative. CLI is a joint spatial analysis and public engagement program utilizing both land use/land cover change modeling and scenario planning to inform land use decisions. Additionally, the program has now entered its next phase, where land use/land cover change models are being used to evaluate impacts to regional ecologic function. To that end, CLI is currently developing a method for assessing ecological integrity of landscapes using structural equation modeling.
This internship is intended for someone who wants to both refine and expand their quantitative and communication skill sets. The CLI team will provide opportunities for the intern to apply their knowledge to an authentic, ongoing scientific inquiry. The intern will learn alongside an experienced spatial analyst and landscape ecologist, Craig Fergus and Iara Lacher, to develop models using R and ArcGIS.
The intern will have access to a diverse set of real-world spatial data and the opportunity to refine their skills in R by both editing existing code and generating new code from scratch. The intern will also be introduced to, and develop proficiency in, the use of Dinamica EGO, a powerful modeling platform. Finally, the intern will gain first hand insight into how advanced spatial analysis is communicated to a variety of audiences (public, scientific, NGO) with the goal of integrating CLI science into regional planning and policy.
Learning Objectives:
Interns will have the chance to learn and develop quantitative and communication skills by:
- Preparing spatial data for advanced analysis
- Performing descriptive analyses in both ArcMap and R
- Writing, editing and running R scripts
- Creating aesthetically compelling cartographic products
- Assisting with data management
- Occasionally assisting with outreach efforts
Qualifications:
Who should apply? Interns with the following will benefit the most from this opportunity:
- Degree in geography, ecology, environmental science or related field
- Experience manipulating spatial data to meet analytical needs (projections, raster/polygon conversion, subset selection)
- Experience synthesizing and summarizing diverse spatial data sets of varying formats
- Proven ability to write and edit R scripts
- Experience with basic statistics and ability to perform simple exploratory analyses
- Interest in biogeography, landscape ecology/change and a desire to learn
- Experience with land use modeling or species distribution modeling
- Experience with the use of python in ArcMap