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