The Wilderness Society seeks a GIS Analyst to join our Center for Landscape
Analysis. This is an exceptional opportunity for a conservation science
professional to apply his or her spatial analysis expertise to land
conservation and management challenges and to work in the nexus between science
and public policy. We seek an analyst who can apply skills in geographic
information systems (GIS), ecology, and natural resource management. These
skills will be used to design new spatially-explicit projects, conduct project
work, and communicate scientific results to further our wildland management and
conservation goals.
This position will focus on designing and conducting landscape analysis work
for the Idaho forests. The individual will join the team of six scientists
making up our Center for Landscape Analysis (CLA)-a subset of our Research
Department. Much of the work of the position will involve close collaboration
with interdisciplinary project teams, including ecologists, economists, policy
experts, regional conservation specialists, and communicators.
For our Idaho region, the position will involve conducting applied spatial
analyses in order to inform restoration opportunities across the landscape.
Initial projects include developing a prioritization road restoration and
reclamation model on National Forest lands based on an ecological, social, and
economic framework developed by our scientists in Idaho. The GIS work will
involve the collection and preparation of GIS datasets, performing GIS
analyses, automating the GIS analyses to create a model that can be applied on
any landscape, writing reports and developing other products stemming from
spatial analyses.
At a minimum, the ideal candidate will have a Master's degree (or equivalent
experience) in geography, ecology, or a related natural resources or
conservation field. We are looking for someone who is technically proficient
at performing a diverse array of GIS analyses, designing and constructing GIS
models, and rendering visual and written results clearly and concisely in an
ArcGIS environment. Experience with programming and automating common GIS
tasks is an advantage. More extensive technical experience may be substituted
for a Master's Degree. Familiarity with the non-profit conservation advocacy
community, scientific applications, and knowledge of Idaho landscapes is
beneficial. This is a one year temporary science position within The Wilderness
Society, and the work environment and compensation are competitive with
university, governmental, and other NGO science programs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
* Work with the science team to design and conduct new landscape analysis
projects that inform landscape restoration priorities and serve the goals of
the Idaho regional program.
* Automate frequently used spatial analyses
* Work productively on interdisciplinary teams of staff and with partner
organizations;
* Interpret and present analytical results for technical and
non-technical audiences;
* Write the results of GIS analyses in fact sheets, science briefs,
reports, and other forms of communication;
* Generate maps for posters, reports, PowerPoint presentations and other
internal and external communication needs;
* Communicate results orally to program team and external groups
including scientists, land managers, elected officials, and other audiences;
Qualifications:
* M.S. degree in the natural or social sciences, or equivalent experience
with Bachelor's degree including experience in GIS modeling and use of ArcGIS
technology;
* A minimum of 5 years of experience in research or applied science
involving ArcGIS. Programming experience would be a plus, but is not required;
* Passion for and commitment to wildland conservation;
* Demonstration of strong organizational and data management skills;
* The ability to work with and exchange GIS knowledge with staff in the
Center for Landscape Analysis and other GIS users;
* The ability to work independently and on a team;
* The ability to communicate technical information for technical and
non-technical audiences;
* Ability to stay on schedule and meet deadlines;
* A desire to continue learning in the fields of spatial analysis and
conservation science;
* Knowledge of Idaho landscapes preferred;
* Experience working with federal land management agencies and
familiarity with the non-profit conservation community is desirable;
The mission of The Wilderness Society is to protect wilderness and inspire
Americans to care for our wild places. Building and applying scientific
understanding of those places and the values they provide to human communities
has long been a hallmark of the organization, and that work is led by The
Wilderness Society's Research Department. It consists of experts in economics,
ecology, law and landscape analysis, including 12 Ph.D.-level scientists. This
team develops and deploys a base of knowledge needed to answer pressing
questions about wildland stewardship issues such as resource exploration and
development, public lands' restoration and management, climate change, and
recreation. This information is key to understanding often complicated
environmental issues and, ultimately, to making sound choices toward achieving
lasting protection for the resources and places that sustain us and our ways of
life.
The Wilderness Society is an equal opportunity employer and diversity is a core
value. This position is available immediately and is located in our downtown
Boise office. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To
apply please send a single email with the following four attachments to Bo
Wilmer (research_j...@tws.org) with the subject line "GIS Analyst": a cover
letter explaining your qualifications for and interest in this position; resume
or curriculum vitae; writing sample or other product illustrating GIS analysis
experience; and the name, address, and phone number for three references.
Best,
Christine Soliva
Research Project Coordinator
The Wilderness Society
