GIS Biologist at Audubon Alaska

Overview:
Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action.  By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive.  And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level.  What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 22 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 46 states, and 700 staff across the country.  Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Position Summary:
The GIS Biologist will support Audubon’s conservation science and policy initiatives in Alaska, emphasizing the Arctic (terrestrial and marine), Southeast Alaska, and Important Bird Areas.

The GIS Biologist will collect, map, and analyze spatial biological data, review scientific literature, and prepare maps, atlases, reports, and scientific publications. The emphasis will be on compiling, managing, analyzing, and preparing products using geospatial data on Alaska’s wildlife, habitats, and resources.  S/he will apply advanced skills in data management, landscape analysis, map design, and scientific writing related to:

1. the Southeast Alaska rainforest, with a focus on timber program effects on wildlife such as wolves, salmon, and goshawks;
2. energy development on Alaska’s North Slope as it relates to wildlife;
3. conservation prioritization amidst offshore oil development and shipping activity in the Arctic Ocean; and
4. identification of vulnerable bird populations and Important Bird Areas across Alaska.

Essential Functions:

• In collaboration with agencies, universities, and other nongovernmental organizations, collect, organize, manage, and update large spatial databases for Alaska.
• Conduct advanced spatial analysis and/or modeling for conservation planning in priority landscapes of Alaska.
• Maintain geospatial data on landscapes, habitats, wildlife populations, development, and natural resources in priority areas of Alaska.
• Support Audubon Alaska programs with cartographic services including design of maps, atlases, and web maps that creatively and effectively communicate scientific findings and conservation priorities.
• Analyze, and summarize biological data and scientific information from a variety of sources including university research, agency databases and reports, peer-reviewed literature, land management plans, NEPA documents, etc. and prepare literature reviews and written reports related to such work.
• Represent Audubon at meetings of scientists, agency officials, and conservation NGOs.
• Represent Audubon at public functions related to Audubon conservation science and policy initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in geography, wildlife biology, ecology, environmental studies, or a related field. Preference will be given to candidates with 3+ years of professional experience or a graduate degree.
• For GIS, must be skilled in operating ArcGIS 10 and Spatial Analyst (3 to 5+ years experience). Candidate should be capable with ArcGIS Online and R, although expert level performance is not required for hire. Capability with Adobe products (InDesign, Illustrator, etc.), web design, and EndNote are desirable but not required.
• Must be able to effectively operate and troubleshoot computers (PC), printers, data storage devices, and related software, including the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).

• Expertise in map design is required—work samples may be requested.
• Experience in spatial analysis of natural resource data is required. 
• Ability to manage large, complex datasets and databases is required.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills and the ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences. 
• Other desirable attributes (not required to apply): interest or experience in conservation planning and bird conservation; knowledge of Alaska conservation issues; technical skill with statistical analysis; coding experience (e.g. webmaps, geoprocessing scripts).
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment with conflicting deadlines while effectively managing priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work some evenings or weekends as the job demands.  Occasional travel within Alaska, including to remote areas, and out of state is required. 

https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/2351/gis-biologist/job