Wildlife Research GIS Analyst (La Grande, OR)

Natural Resource Specialist 2 (Wildlife Research GIS Analyst) | Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife |La Grande, OR
 
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oregon/jobs/1513878/natural-resource-specialist-2-wildlife-research-gis-analyst

CLOSING DATE/TIME:    09/07/16 11:59 PM
SALARY:               $3,501.00 - $5,102.00 Monthly

Make a Difference in Oregon's Natural Resources!
 
ODFW Mission: To protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.

• This position is with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife located in La Grande.
• This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified people to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill other vacancies as they occur.
• The employee in this position will be represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and will be subject to all terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement. Pay and benefits on all job postings may change without notice.
• You must submit your application online. Paper applications will not be accepted.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Wildlife Research GIS Analyst will assist the project leader with completing the objectives of the ATV-Hunter Interactions, Carnivore Interactions, Mule Deer Population Dynamics, and Ungulate Habitat Use Studies and other future projects, and provide assistance to Department staff regarding management and manipulation of spatial data. The Department Wildlife Research Program has ongoing research projects that focus on management of mule deer and elk and their habitat and predators. The Wildlife Research GIS Analyst will develop, maintain and archive animal location data collected by the Department and assemble Geographic Information System (GIS) data for habitat characteristics used by mule deer, elk, or other species of interest to the Department. Major duties and responsibilities are to:
 
• Conduct spatial and statistical analyses of animal location and other relevant project data.
• Gather/acquire data from literature reviews and on-line searches requiring use of computers and specialized knowledge of spatial data.
• Summarize and analyze data using geographic and statistical software such as ArcGIS, R, Python, or equivalents. Interpret data analysis.
• Develop, manage, and maintain databases of animal location data and spatial data associated with animal locations.
• Gather/acquire data from field studies that may require arduous physical activities requiring hiking across steep and uneven terrain, use of ATVs, snowmobiles, and 4-wheel drive vehicles.
• Compile, archive and appropriately document datasets collected during Department research and management projects.
• Write manuscripts suitable for submission to peer-reviewed journals that describe habitat selection of large mammal species occupying Oregon.
• Conduct literature reviews and summarize information on habitat selection of mule deer, elk, or other species of interest.
• Collaborate with staff from the U.S. Forest Service about managing and archiving data collected at the Starkey Experimental Forest.
• Communicate in person or via phone or electronic media with biologists, land managers, and other natural resource specialists on specific goals and objectives of research.
• Assemble various GIS layers and data sets needed for analysis to meet research objectives.
• Communicate with statisticians, conduct analyses, prepare tables and figure summarizing data analysis.
• Prepare written reports and oral presentations for scientific outlets, the public, professional meetings and managers.
• Assist with development of techniques and review of technologies to collect field data electronically.
• Assist with data collection and other tasks required to complete ongoing research projects. 
• Monitor GPS collared animals using telemetry from the ground and air.
• Assist with check station duties at the Starkey Experimental Forest.
• Investigate mortalities of collared animals and determine cause of death.
• Assist research staff with capture of wolves, cougars, mule deer, elk, and other mammals.
• Conduct vegetation sampling to determine phenology and nutritional value of plant species.
• Assist Department staff with questions regarding data management or GIS applications.
 
Working Conditions
• Work is primarily conducted in an office environment requiring use computer to compile, summarize, and analyze data and to write manuscripts and reports summarizing research activities. May require long periods of standing or sitting at a computer work station.
• Requires occasional field work involving arduous, physical activities requiring hiking across steep and uneven terrain, use of ATVs, snowmobiles, and 4 wheel drive vehicles. At times this may be during inclement weather and driving conditions. Requires conducting aerial telemetry flights to locate radio-collared animals.
• May require training and certification in the use of wildlife immobilization chemicals for restraining and capturing wildlife.
• Work hours may vary to meet sampling schedules and may require overnight stay in remote settings.
• May encounter people unhappy with the Department and natural resource management.
• May require lifting supplies up to 50 lbs. (e.g., trapping supplies or bales of hay) on rare occasions.
• This position requires an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety Education Card for on the job use of quads and three-wheeled ATVs (Class 1 ATVs) obtained through the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, accessible at the following website: www.rideatvoregon.org/. On your application, be sure to indicate in the Certificates & Licenses section if you have a card. If the selected applicant does not possess this certification, s/he must obtain it within six months of hire as a condition of continued employment.
• Requires a flexible work schedule that varies in the number of hours worked on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day, or a work schedule in which the starting and stopping times vary on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day. This includes working at all hours and workdays in excess of eight hours. Work many weekends, holidays and evening, including long and unusual hours. 
• This position requires occasional use of a firearm to deliver immobilization drugs and projecting nets for wildlife capture, euthanizing injured or sick wildlife, killing or hazing nuisance animals and birds, collecting animals for research or other studies, and protection from dangerous animals in close quarters. The successful candidate will be subject to an initial criminal history background check with fingerprinting to verify s/he may legally possess a firearm before using a firearm, and will be subject to annual criminal history checks thereafter. Continued employment is contingent upon passing the criminal history background check.

NOTE: You must have a valid driver license and an acceptable driving record.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will check driving records for in-state finalists. Out-of-state finalists will be required to present a current driving record for review.
 
NOTE: Within three-days of hire, applicants will be required to complete the U.S. Department Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODFW participates in E-Verify. ODFW is not able to support VISA sponsorships.
 

QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED & REQUESTED SKILLS:
Minimum Qualifications
 
• Two years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program that included one year of at least two of the following: gathering data, analyzing data, or preparing reports, and a Bachelor's degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, or a closely-related Bachelor's degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of biological/ecological coursework; or three additional years of  biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program; OR
 
• One year of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program that included at least two of the following: gathering data, analyzing data, or preparing reports, and a Master's degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, or a closely-related Master's degree in biological/ecological sciences; OR
 
• A Doctorate degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, or a closely-related Doctorate degree in biological/ecological sciences.
 
Applicants who have obtained a Master's degree or Doctorate that included work experience from an internship, work/study, thesis, or similar program may list this experience in their application to receive credit for the work experience. The Master's degree/Doctorate and applicable work experience will be considered separately and both the education and applicable experience may count toward minimum qualifications.
 
Note: Your application materials must clearly describe how you meet these qualifications. Answers to the supplemental questions must be supported in the "Work Experience" section of your Oregon E-Recruit application.
 
Note: A copy of all transcripts (if education is required to qualify) must be attached at the time of application in order to receive credit for college degrees or coursework. Transcripts must include coursework and indicate that a degree was conferred. Online transcripts are acceptable. Official or original transcripts are not required; however, they may be required to validate education.
 
Requested Skills
 
Preference will be given to applicants with experience:
• Conducting spatial analyses of animal location data
• Conducting statistical analyses and summarizing results
• Speaking in public and making presentations
• Experience developing and maintaining databases and geodatabases
• Writing progress reports, technical reports or scientific publications
• Working directly with other biologists or stakeholders to coordinate research or monitoring studies

To Apply:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oregon