Intern, GIS Research

Program Overview:
Global Forest Watch (GFW) is a cutting edge, interactive online forest monitoring and alert system designed to help increase global access to environmental information, to reduce deforestation, and to conserve forest landscapes. As part of the broader GFW initiative, Global Forest Watch’s research team of GIS analysts and researchers collaborates with partners to collect and analyze data and produce meaningful insights for day-to-day users, local governments, and other stakeholders, while also providing near real time forest monitoring platforms for local NGOs and forest monitoring organizations.

Job Summary:
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is seeking candidates for a Geographic Information System (GIS) Research Intern to join the GFW research team, under WRI’s Food, Forests, Water and Ocean Program. As part of the GFW research team, the GIS Research Intern will prepare spatial data and provide technical support for the GFW platform and other GFW web applications. The GIS Research Intern will assist in identifying and acquiring relevant data sources, collecting training data, and delivering GIS-related research outputs. Being an independent problem solver with excellent attention to detail is a must. The projects this position will support include updating the Spatial Database of Planted Trees and associated technical note, as well as data collection and analysis related to mapping key drivers of deforestation. Other projects and opportunities may also be available based on the intern’s skills and interests. End Date: 12/31/2021

Job Responsibilities:
Research and GIS Analysis (80% of time required) Collaborate with others on the GFW team and external partners to identify relevant data sources and update metadata for the Spatial Database of Planted Trees Compile and synthesize spatial data from a variety of sources to expand the Spatial Database of Planted Trees to include additional countries and regions Analyze spatial data using geoprocessing tools to derive spatial statistics and time series trends Collect training points in support of artificial intelligence model development related to mapping drivers of forest loss Provide feedback on technical analyses and the development of geospatial web tools Write scripts to automate GIS tasks that are performed on a regular basis Outreach and Communication (20% of time required) Communicate with internal and external partners on status of collaborative projects Write technical publications to document geospatial analysis methods Prepare online and/or printed maps for GFW partners and communications materials

Job Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:   Bachelor’s Degree in GIS, Environmental Science, Geography, Forest Ecology, or another related field Expertise with GIS software like ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, Google Earth Engine, and/or Collect Earth Experience with both raster and vector-based GIS analysis Experience working with and analyzing large spatial datasets Experience with imagery interpretation, land cover classification and/or identifying drivers of forest loss (e.g., forestry, agriculture, burn scars, etc.) using satellite imagery Programming experience using Python, R, SQL, and/or other analysis tools Strong communication skills, including working within teams Willingness to take initiative and ability to work independently and manage own time Obsessive attention to detail Creative problem-solver with experience independently designing GIS methodologies to answer spatial questions Preferred Qualifications: Master’s Degree in GIS, Environmental Science, Geography, Forest Ecology, or another related field Knowledge of current state of forests and political climates in heavily forested countries Experience working with diverse audiences, including international staff and non-native English speakers

Potential Salary:
Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply:
Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter. Final candidates will be required to take a short analytical test. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

WRI Overview:
World Resources Institute  (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade in order to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean.

We are passionate. We value our diversity of interests, skills and backgrounds. We have a flexible work environment. And we share a common goal to catalyze change that will improve the lives of people. Our shared ideals are at the core of our approach. They include: integrity, innovation, urgency, independence and respect.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges , and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.
 
We have been growing rapidly: our staff has doubled in size over the past 5 years and our operating budget is now $150 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of 1,000+ people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa  ,  Brazil  , China  ,  Europe  ,  India  ,  Indonesia  ,  Mexico and the United States as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.  

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices.