GIS Technician, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

GIS Technician

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, is seeking two GIS Technicians.

The GIS technicians will serve as part of the GMUG GIS program under mentorship and guidance from the GIS Program Manager, Information Specialists (GIS) and other program specialists on the GMUG. GIS technicians would perform various GIS mapping and analysis tasks primarily in an office setting. Field visits and data collection might be an option working with specialists from various programs. Resource data collection, analysis and mapping would follow Geographical Information System techniques in accordance with Forest Service standard procedures, protocols, and regulations. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic professionals, with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in natural resource management and conservation.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: June (flexible)

Estimated End Date: Up to 26 weeks after start date

Location Details/Description:

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest (GMUG) is comprised of three

individual national forests that are administered as a single unit from the Forest Supervisor's Office in Delta, CO. However, this was not always the case. The Grand Mesa and Uncompahgre were joined in 1954, and the Gunnison was added in 1973. The earliest

segment of the Forests, dubbed the Battlement Mesa Forest Reserve, was established in

1. Today, the three forests total almost 3 million acres and are managed by 5 Ranger

Districts.

Project Websites: For more information on ACE, please click here.

For more information about Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests,

please click here.

For more information about GMUG, please visit here.

Position Overview:

• GIS Technician would be part of the GMUG GIS Program but may also receive added mentorship from other members of various other Staff groups.
• This is a casual work environment where employees typically carry out mostly office work related to their duties on a regular basis. About 90-95% of the work will be carried out in a climate-controlled office. The GIS Technician will be provided office space, a desk, and a computer equipped with the relevant software. Equipment and office space may be shared. The position may include approximately 5-10% field work.
• As part of the GMUG GIS program, the GIS Technician will be provided with GIS and data management experience related to various resource disciplines at both the forest and district levels of the GMUG National Forests. Some of the natural resource disciplines that are supported by the GIS program include: ecology, fisheries, wildlife, recreation, grazing, timber/forestry, fire/fuels and lands. Duties will include: map creation and design, geospatial analysis, data entry, data quality analysis, and review.

• The GIS Technician will have major duties that could include:
  • Data Management
    • Will receive training and assignments designed to provide a basic understanding of integrated land and natural resources management, and the basic geospatial analysis processes, protocols and solutions used to support multi-disciplinary land and natural resource management decision making.
  • Geospatial Analysis
    • Will participate with higher graded specialists in the manipulation and analysis of geospatial data that supports resource management decisions. Learns to perform multi-resource analysis.
  • Cartography and Map Design/Production
    • Will work with higher graded specialists to create thematic map products and presentation materials using established automated map and chart making processes. Learns how to collect and/or receive data for processing and compiling into datasets for producing cartographic models, maps, and analysis. Applies basic geographic and cartographic principles to the resolution of simple issues in geospatial database construction and map compilation.
• Geospatial (geographical) field data collection would be performed using ESRI mobile applications on tablets. Knowledge and skills in Geographic Information System (GIS), ArcGIS Online, Survey123, Field Maps, Avenza Maps etc. would be preferred but training and mentorship will also be provided. If field data collection is performed, office time will be spent, entering field data (data entry), managing databases, and developing GIS products.
• A limited amount of field work is anticipated. Appropriate PPE will be suggested (field boots, field appropriate outer wear).
• As part of the 26 weeks season, all watershed field crew personnel would go through a 1 to 1 ½ weeks training and be provided with all applicable protocols and field needs. During the job tenure, GIS Technicians would participate in all required trainings and safety briefings.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the USFS and ACE and is not flexible.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Housing Assistance: Remove if not provided: ACE Members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $100 per week. The ACE Member will only be reimbursed for approved and demonstrated housing expenses.

Relocation Assistance: ACE members will have access to up to $500 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Qualifications

Applicants must have an interest and experience in GIS and interest in natural resource management, environmental science, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position. Relevant education and/or appropriate experience, or a combination of the two related to the use of GIS is required. Resumes must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience as defined in the announcement.

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required byU.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check .
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Skills in geographical information systems (GIS) function and use and experience in geospatial modeling is desired.
• Experience in data entry and databases management concepts.
• Experience using and collecting data using handheld GPS unit and tablets is desired.
• Experience using basic computer hardware and software is required.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the USFS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the USFS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the USFS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to USFS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact Program Manager, Jack Hall at jhall@usaconservation.org.

EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Current Openings for GIS Technician, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC