Department of Civil Service

Description:

Will work with DOW staff to complete various GIS tasks independently, including creating statewide layers from Excel files, spatial analysis on statewide datasets, and creating maps and/or web apps, among other GIS tasks. The ideal candidates would have coursework in a combination of Geographic Information Systems(GIS) and data management and analysis and experience with writing and presenting. Position projects include, but are not limited to:

Improve the resolution of the Waterbody Inventory/Priority Waterbodies List (WIPWL) GIS layer by comparing it to the recently improved National Hydrography Data (NHD) plus layer and correcting any discrepancies. The WIPWL dataset provides a summary of general water quality conditions, tracks the degree to which a waterbody supports its designated uses, and monitors progress toward the identification and resolution of water quality problems and pollutants. This work will allow DEC to represent NYS surface waters more accurately and relate them to water quality assessments. In addition, a more accurate dataset will help DEC and external partners identify restoration needs, consistent with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) aim to restore waterways and build more resilient communities.

Associate all DOW monitoring sites with National Hydrography Dataset Plus High Resolution (NHDPlus HR) geospatial framework. The NHDPlus HR framework enables spatial queries to be performed from a hydrological perspective. NHDPlus HR includes a number of useful spatial features, such as Strahler Order and estimated streamflow, and has been associated with other spatial variables through the National StreamCat and LakeCat datasets, including but not limited to the National Land Cover Database features, road density, and lithology type. This project will enable data to be readily available for 1) informing sampling designs, 2) developing models, 3) performing analyses, and 4) informing permit decisions.
Minimum Qualifications:

18 college semester credit hours in any combination of the following: engineering, geology, environmental science, natural or physical science, drafting, mathematics, or surveying.

Skills:

Engineering

Critical thinking

Drafting

Design

Science

Internship Areas: Engineering, Environmental Conservation