Stephen F. Austin State University

Job Summary Performs high-level Undergraduate or Graduate level work in a professional field performing supervised duties in support of County programs

Internship Goal

Travis County Parks is seeking an intern to support the Land Management programs through tree inventory analysis, vegetation surveys, and GIS data development across Travis County parklands and land owned in Throckmorton County.

The intern will assist with field data collection and GIS analysis to improve natural resource datasets used for land management planning, wildfire mitigation, and ecological restoration across more than 36,000 acres of Travis County parkland within Travis County and land owned in Throckmorton County.

This position requires strong GIS skills, the ability to work independently in the field, and the ability to travel between park properties throughout Travis County.

Most work will occur independently in the field or office, with guidance from Land Management staff.

Anticipated Term: May 2026 – August/September 2026

Distinguishing Characteristics

This class is distinguished from non-intern positions based on performance of professional level duties that are guided by industry methods and techniques to be used with options that are well defined, including clear, detailed, specific instructions given by the assigned supervisor. Requires consultation with supervisor on matters not specifically covered in the guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities Internship Goals

The primary goal of this internship is to support Travis County Parks in vegetation data collection and improving the quality, accuracy, and usability of natural resource GIS data across county park properties.

Key outcomes include:

Expanding tree inventory and analysis across park properties

Conducting vegetation surveys and stewardship monitoring

Improving and refining existing GIS datasets used by land management staff

Developing new GIS layers and maps that support land management planning

Helping improve GIS usability and data organization for operational staff

The work completed during this internship will help guide decisions related to:

Forest health and hazardous tree mitigation

Vegetation management and restoration planning

Wildfire risk reduction projects

Long-term ecological monitoring

Field Work

Conduct tree inventory verification and tree condition assessments across park properties

Assist with vegetation surveys and land stewardship monitoring efforts

Document vegetation conditions and land management features across park properties

Collect field data using GIS-enabled tools such as ArcGIS Field Maps or Survey123

Assist with ground verification of existing GIS datasets

GIS Analysis & Data Management

Review and refine existing GIS datasets related to forestry, vegetation, and park infrastructure

Develop new GIS layers supporting land management and natural resource planning

Conduct spatial analysis and create maps to support operational planning

Help organize GIS data to improve usability for field staff and decision-makers

Assist with development of maps, dashboards, and summary products

Reporting

Document field observations and data collection methods

Assist with preparing maps and summary reports

Provide recommendations to improve future vegetation monitoring and GIS workflows

Minimum Requirements Education

Current enrollment in or recent completion of a degree program or related degree program in:

Natural Resource Management

Forestry

Range Management

Wildlife Management

Ecology

Geology

Geography, or GIS related field

Required Qualifications

Experience using GIS software (ArcGIS Pro or similar)

Ability to work independently in the field with minimal supervision

Ability to collect and manage spatial data using GIS field data collection tools

Valid Texas Driver’s License

Ability to travel between park properties across Travis County

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with tree inventory or forestry field work

Experience with vegetation monitoring or ecological surveys

Experience using ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123, or similar tools

Experience with spatial data analysis and map creation

Familiarity with natural resource management or land stewardship

Work Environment & Other Information Work Environment

This position includes a combination of office-based GIS work and outdoor field work at park properties across Travis County. Field work may involve:

Hiking and working in rough terrain

Exposure to heat, sun, and changing weather conditions

Carrying equipment and working outdoors for extended periods

Additional Information

Intern must be comfortable working alone in the field.

Intern will be expected to travel to multiple park properties across Travis County.

Use of a personal vehicle (POV) is required, with mileage reimbursement provided according to Travis County policy.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm.

Works some nights, Works some weekends.

Department: Transportation and Natural Resources

Location: Travis County

Criminal, Driving, and Education Background Checks Required.

For updates or questions on this position, contact: Sylvia.Villanueva@traviscountytx.gov This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.