Student Assistant - Geographic Information System (GIS) - Remote

Theuniversityunion; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) seeks a part-time GIS Student Assistant to support CalGEM GIS within the Department of Conservation. You will collect, analyze, and interpret geospatial data, assist with mapping requests, and document processes.

The role requires GIS familiarity, ESRI ArcGIS proficiency, and strong note-taking during meetings. Flexible hours within a Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM window apply, with up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours during breaks.

Qualifications

• GIS experience through coursework or related studies.
• Proficient with ESRI ArcGIS/ArcGIS Pro desktop or web applications.
• Ability to analyze spatial concepts and provide solutions.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with CalGEM GIS staff to research data sources and assess their validity.
• Contribute to data quality control for sensitive receptors or related infrastructure.
• Analyze research questions using GIS concepts to propose solutions.
• Take detailed notes during meetings and follow up on action items.

Skills

GIS experience

ArcGIS usage

Analytical thinking

Education

High school diploma

Tools

ArcGIS

ArcGIS Pro

Job description

• Base Pay $16.90 - $19.00 / Hour
• Job Category Part‑time, Off‑campus, Department of Conservation
• Employee Type Student Assistant
• Required Degree High school
• Manage Others No

The California Department of Conservation (DOC) is seeking to hire a student assistant to work with the Geologic Energy Management Division (also known as CalGEM), Geographic Information System (GIS) Services Unit.

The student assistants will play a vital role in collecting, analyzing and interpreting geospatial data to support various projects and initiatives. This position will require familiarity with GIS concepts, analytical processes, as well as the ability to research alternative sources for data collection. The student assistants will be responsible for taking notes during meetings, creating documentation, and assisting with general GIS mapping requests.

Requirements

Conditions of

Employment

This is a part‑time, temporary, non‑benefited, student position. Employment in all positions with University Enterprises, Inc. is dependent upon the mutual consent of University Enterprises, Inc. and the employee. This means that either University Enterprises, Inc. or the employee can, at any time, terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause.

Depending on the type of position you are applying for, a pre‑employment background check consisting of one or more of the following may be conducted: employment history, professional references, criminal check: educational verification (degree, license, or official transcript) or DMV clearance. Applicants will be required to pass required pre‑employment checks to the satisfaction of University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) and the hiring Agency or Department.

UEI does not allow students to hold more than one UEI Job at a time, or work in more than one account per pay period. UEI employees who are considering leaving their current UEI student assistant position for a different UEI student assistant position should inform their supervisor in writing and provide at least a week's notice.

UEI is not a multi‑State employer. UEI only employs candidates who live and work in the state of California. If selected for the position you must reside in California, and all work must be performed in the state of California throughout the course of employment. By applying to the position you confirm that you live in California and understand that all work performed, even if remotely, must be performed in the state.

Prerequisites

Students must be enrolled in at least: six‑semester units or nine quarter units for undergraduate students; four‑semester units or six quarter units for graduate students.
Students declared major must match the major(s) listed in the job posting.

Majors/Fields of Study

Geography, Geology, Geographic Information systems, or related field of study.

Work Schedule

Flexible workdays and work hours, Monday - Friday, between 8 AM - 5 PM. The final work schedule will be determined by the supervisor.

Additional Work Schedule

Student Assistant and undergraduate/graduate Assistant employees generally work up to 20 hours per workweek (Sunday - Saturday) during the academic year and up to 40 hours per workweek during breaks; (winter, spring, and summer).

Compensation

$16.90 to $19.00 per hour.

Minimum Qualifications

• Geographic Information System and/or Science (GIS) experience through university coursework or have completed related coursework.
• User experience with ESRI suite, including ArcGIS/ArcGIS Pro desktop or web‑based applications.
• Ability to critically analyze spatial concepts and offer solutions to research questions.

Preferred Qualifications

Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The GIS Student Assistant will collaborate closely with the CalGEM GIS staff to research supplemental data sources and meticulously evaluate their validity.
• Contribute to data quality control for sensitive receptors or related infrastructure.
• Skillfully analyze research questions and apply GIS concepts to solutions.
• Take verbose notes during meetings and act on follow up items.

Physical Requirements

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; manual dexterity and hand‑eye coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computer workstations, telephones, calculators, copiers, printers, and scanners with or without reasonable accommodation.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a hybrid environment.

Students/Employees will be required to work according to the current UEI remote workplace policy and sign a UEI Work from Home Agreement. The decision to permit an employee to work from home is at the discretion of the supervisor or employer and may, at any time and with or without cause, unilaterally terminate the option to work from home.

Apply by: October 18, 2026

With a team of scientists and other dedicated professionals, the Department of Conservation (DOC) administers a variety of programs vital to California's public safety, environment, and economy. The services DOC provides are designed to balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s obligations by fostering the wise use and conservation of energy, land, and mineral resources.