Wetland GIS Technician

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 26 Sep 2022

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Wetland GIS Technician
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Is this position eligible for hybrid or remote work?
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202201363AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Research Associate II
Number of Vacancies 1
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $44,000-55,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ & https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
Desired Start Date 10/24/2022
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 09/26/2022
Description of Work Unit
The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) is Colorado’s primary biological conservation information center housed within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. CNHP is a key player in Colorado’s conservation of open lands and maintains the only centralized conservation database in Colorado that includes plants, animals, and natural communities. The staff consists of approximately 30 highly experienced biologists and information managers with expertise in inventory, research, and monitoring of Colorado’s flora, fauna, plant communities, and conservation issues. CNHP serves a wide variety of users including federal, state and local agencies, consultants, environmental groups, non-government organizations, private landowners, and the public. CNHP’s annual revenue is approximately 2 million dollars and is generated from contracts and agreements through CNHP’s partners and clients. CNHP generally works on over 40 conservation projects per year. For more information, please visit: http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/.
Position Summary
The RA II Wetland GIS Technician will work within CNHP’s Wetland Ecology Team to support the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)’s Riparian & Wetland Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (R&W AIM) program.
The position will develop and manage tools for data collection, quality control, and data visualization using ESRI’s ArcGIS suite of products, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Online (Webmaps, Dashboards, Web Apps, Story Maps, ArcGIS Hub), Field Maps, Survey123, and/or other electronic data capture platforms. The position will also communicate the use of these tools with BLM professionals, field technicians, and other partners through webinars, recorded presentations, written documentation, and meetings. The position requires experience with ESRI tools, particularly ArcGIS Online tools, and familiarity with programming languages, including python and R, to process and manipulate data. The position may also assist with developing sample designs using GIS and R to select random sampling sites from previously mapped wetlands and riparian areas on BLM land.
The position requires familiarity with field ecology and best practices for data collection. Experience working with the BLM AIM program collecting and/or analyzing AIM data is preferred. The position requires proficiency in writing, data management, and the use of Microsoft Office programs. Strong communication skills are required to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, both in-person and virtual. Periodic travel is required to meet with BLM partners and to train field technicians in the spring and early summer.
More information about BLM’s R&W AIM program and CNHP’s role supporting the program can be found here: https://cnhp.colostate.edu/cwic/condition/blm_aim/.
Beginning Monday, August 16, 2021, Colorado State University has mandated vaccinations against COVID-19. Faculty and staff are required to submit their vaccine status or declare an exemption. More information about the vaccination mandate can be found on the CSU COVID-19 Information & Resources site here, https://covid.colostate.edu/pandemic-preparedness-team-broad-guidance-for-all-summer-and-fall-2021-activities/.
Required Job Qualifications
  • Bachelors or Masters degree in GIS, planning, natural resources, ecology, range management, forestry, engineering or related field.
  • Three years of experience with ERSI software, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Online (Webmaps, Dashboards, Web Apps, Story Maps, ArcGIS Hub), Field Maps, Survey123, and/or other electronic data capture platforms.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products, particularly MS Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.
  • Experience collecting data on vegetation, soils, water, and/or other environmental data and experience with various vegetation sampling techniques.
  • Excellent reading, writing and communication skills required. Ability to communicate technical GIS information to non-technical personnel.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, yet collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Careful attention to detail and track record of developing creative and innovative solutions to problems.
  • Ability and willingness to travel periodically for up to 6 days at a time.
  • The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CNHP will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
    		•
    Preferred Job Qualifications
  • GIS Certificate.
  • Experience using R or Python to manipulate, analyze, and visualize ecological data from complex datasets and relational databases.
  • Knowledge of wetland ecology and experience working in wetlands and/or riparian areas.
  • Experience working with the BLM AIM program.
  • Preferred to have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
    		•
    Diversity Statement
    Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

    Essential Duties


    Job Duty Category Research
    Duty/Responsibility
    Data collection tools: Develop and refine electronic data capture tools (Survey 123, Field Maps, etc.); create web-based data review platforms, including web maps and dashboards.
    Percentage Of Time 50
    Job Duty Category Research
    Duty/Responsibility
    Sample designs: Assist in developing and using R code to randomly select sample points from existing wetland mapping based on goals for each sampling project.
    Percentage Of Time 10
    Job Duty Category Communication
    Duty/Responsibility
    Communicate the use of data collection tools and sample designs with BLM professionals, field technicians, and other partners through webinars, recorded presentations, written documentation, and meetings.
    Percentage Of Time 20
    Job Duty Category Training
    Duty/Responsibility
    Assist in planning several regional trainings. Develop training material specific to the data collection tools. Travel to at least one training each year to serve as a protocol instructor.
    Percentage Of Time 10
    Job Duty Category General
    Duty/Responsibility
    Participate in CNHP-wide activities, including full staff meetings, Wetland Ecology team meetings, strategic planning sessions, and other CNHP efforts, as needed. Participate in meetings and events with the BLM National AIM team. 
    Percentage Of Time 10

    Application Details


    Special Instructions to Applicants
    Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than September 26, 2022 for full consideration. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
    Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birthdates from application materials. A complete application consists of:
  • Statement of Qualifications (one-page letter addressing each qualification described in the announcement) uploaded in the ‘Cover Letter’ slot.
  • Resume
  • References – please include within your application contact information for 3 professional references including at least one supervisor.
    References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
    		•
    Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
    Search Contact Joanna Lemly ([email protected])
    EEO Statement
    Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
    The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
    The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
    The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
    Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
    Background Check Policy Statement
    Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

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