GIS Analyst

Playa Lakes Joint Venture (PLJV) is hiring a full-time GIS Analyst to expand its current GIS capacity. The GIS Analyst will work with the Lead GIS Analyst to develop spatially-explicit tools to drive effective conservation of wildlife and their associated habitats, including both terrestrial and aquatic systems. Work will focus on conservation of all priority wildlife in the PLJV region, including birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.

The Playa Lakes Joint Venture is a habitat-based partnership whose mission is to conserve playa lakes, other wetlands, and associated landscapes through partnerships for the benefit of birds, other wildlife, and people. PLJV encompasses a six-state area including parts of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Joint Venture is managed by a Management Board comprised of representatives from state and federal resource agencies, private not-for-profit conservation organizations, academic institutions and corporations.

Position Overview:

The position will report directly to and is evaluated by the PLJV Coordinator. The PLJV Coordinator and Lead GIS Analyst define the work to be accomplished in terms of broad objectives and priorities, specifying methods and techniques only in the broadest sense. Annual work plans for the position will be determined by the PLJV Management Board and Coordinator.

The Lead GIS Analyst establishes and outlines assignments, specifying objectives and end results. The employee is expected to plan and carry out the assignments, independently in accordance with proven techniques, methods, practices, and previous experience.

The work is primarily performed in an office setting with some fieldwork performed at intervals throughout the year. Office work typically requires a majority of time using computers. Field work will require travel which includes the normal everyday risks and discomforts of auto, bus, rail or air transportation, as well as, four wheel drive trucks, air boats, and all terrain vehicle use on project sites.

Responsibilities:

This position serves as a GIS analyst assisting with development and production of GIS data and products. The position participates in conducting analysis of biological and other natural resource information utilizing GIS and related technologies. This includes collection, input, retrieval, manipulation, analysis, and output of geospatial data.

This position assists in developing and applying remote sensing methods for the analysis of aerial and satellite imagery for use in land cover mapping and monitoring, to include a variety of terrestrial and aquatic communities in regions of Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

This position assists in field investigations and on-site reviews and surveys, as necessary, for the purpose of compiling, assessing and verifying species and habitat information to be entered into GIS databases. This position operates GIS hardware and software including computers, plotters, and data back-up devices. This position documents the sources and procedures (creates metadata) used in data collection, compilation, transformation, application, analysis, and presentation following the appropriate Federal Geographic Data Committee standards.

Contacts are with various levels federal, state, and non-governmental conservation organization both within and outside the immediate geographic area, as well with contractors, and institutions of higher learning. Contact with producers of GIS/RS geospatial data is also required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in wildlife or natural resource conservation field (e.g., forestry, rangeland ecology, fisheries), environmental science, or geography AND 2 years professional experience in a GIS technician/analyst position. If degree is geography or other field not directly related to natural resources conservation, substantial coursework or professional experience in such subjects is required.
• Extensive experience with ESRI ArcInfo and ERDAS Imagine software, including work with both vector and raster formats, spatial modeling, geodatabase design and maintenance, and creation of metadata. 
• Professional knowledge of ecological principles, ecosystem processes, and the procedures, techniques and methods utilized in vegetation mapping and wildlife habitat modeling applicable to a broad, multidisciplinary and comprehensive ecosystem management.
• Professional knowledge and skills to analyze biological and geographical data derived from ecosystem studies and studies pertaining to habitat and population management of specific species, and in investigation, analyzing, and understanding a broad array of ecological relationships.
• Knowledge and experience in use of computerized mapping systems (e.g., Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. ArcGIS (ArcInfo) software and ERDAS Imagine image processing software) and computer hardware and software for use in mapping and analyzing species and habitat data.
• Knowledge of theories, principles, practices, equipment, software, and techniques of remote sensing including computer assisted digital data classification, image manipulation, and statistical analysis to formulate and implement remote sensing and GIS applications in support of biological resource management programs or other related programs.
• Knowledge of GIS and RS terminology, theories, and techniques as they correlate to computer systems to maintain a GIS and associated databases. Knowledge and experience using Federal Geographic Data Committee standards and policies for creation, maintenance, and distribution of metadata.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Skill in written and oral communication to write and review correspondence, reports, and policy/procedural guidance, and participate on committees and ecosystem teams.

Preference will be given to applicants with knowledge and experience in:

• Analysis of aquatic ecosystems, especially riverine systems,
• Statistical and/or geospatial habitat modeling related to wildlife conservation,
• Landcover data development via remote sensing (RS) data.

Compensation:  Starting salary will range from $40,000 -$45,000 per year and is commensurate with education and experience. Medical is provided though heath insurance paired with a PLJV-funded Health Savings Account. Retirement is provided via a 403(b) to which PLJV contributes.

To Apply:

Applications will be accepted through April 11, 2010 and interviews scheduled as applications are received. 

Please send a résumé and cover letter via e-mail. Include contact information for three references. Limit cover letter to one page and describe related work experience, qualifications, available start date, and required salary.