Reflections by Sienna Paulsen
I am currently working as a Build Up Cartography & GIS Intern for the National Park Service’s Land Resources Division at the Washington Support Office (WASO). I studied Environmental Science as an undergraduate before pursuing a master’s degree in Geography, specializing in Geographic Information Systems and Technology (GIST). My program required me to complete an internship prior to graduating, and since I’m interested in pursuing a career within the federal government, the ACE Build Up internship seemed like the perfect fit. After being accepted into the ACE program, I began working in June 2024.
My job is to assist WASO and regional cartographers with park mapping and GIS-related projects, such as identifying and documenting encumbrances on NPS lands, updating legislative or exhibit maps, and referencing legal records to locate and map park boundaries. Most of my work is done using ArcGIS Pro, a Geographic Information System application developed by Esri. It allows me to analyze and visualize spatial data, such as transforming a multi-page list of property metes and bounds into a 2D map image of the property. The mapping process varies depending on the location, but it often involves independent research and data analysis, as well as collaboration with realty specialists, right-of-way coordinators, park staff, and other cartographers. The ultimate goal is to create a product that can be clearly interpreted and effectively used by the intended audience.
I typically begin working around 7:00 a.m., at which time I check and respond to any messages or requests I may have received the day before. Since I work in Eastern Standard Time, while much of my team is located further west, I usually have a few quiet hours in the morning to focus before any meetings begin. I often work on several different projects at once, so I split my day accordingly, tackling more complex tasks in the morning when I’m most productive. Meetings are scheduled as needed; some days I’ll have three or four, while others I’ll have none. All meetings are conducted via Microsoft Teams since I am not in an office, but it’s still nice to see and speak with my colleagues on camera. I have a lot of flexibility in how I organize my day, so developing a strong work routine has been key to staying motivated and productive. For anyone working remotely, I highly recommend setting up a dedicated workspace and outlining a general timeline of tasks to complete each day or week. Early in my internship, I also set up weekly check-in meetings with my supervisors to ask questions and ensure my work was on track.
One of my favorite aspects of this internship has been the opportunity to work alongside highly experienced cartographers and learn new GIS skills on the job. Geographic Information Systems are constantly evolving and enabling us to interpret, analyze, and visualize spatial data in new ways. It has been incredibly valuable to see how others on my team use different programs and tools, many of which I hadn’t previously known about or considered. I’ve now been working with the WASO team for nearly a year and would love to continue doing similar work in the future, whether with the National Park Service or a similar organization.