Natural Resource Scientist 1 w/ ODF&W (Newport, OR)

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW)
Shellfish and Estuarine Habitat Assessment Project
Classification: Natural Resource Scientist - 1 (Classification #8501)
Salary Range: $3,129 – $4,545 per month (Commensurate with experience)
Location: Newport, Oregon
Duration: July 15 to December 31, 2017

Job Description:
The UAS Specialist assists the Shellfish Assistant Project Leader with a pilot project evaluating the utility of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for shellfish monitoring and estuary habitat mapping. The primary duties and responsibilities of this temporary NRS-1 position are to: (1) prepare and test UAS components for field deployments in estuaries; (2) conduct field surveys using UAS and by foot; and (3) compile, process, and analyze imagery to provide orthomosaics, mapping products, and metrics and statistics evaluating efficacy of this tool. This staff will also assist with other project needs and produce a technical report summarizing the findings of this study.
Work includes:

• Assembly and testing of UAS components (unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), cameras, communication with software
  
• Equipment maintenance and preparation (e.g., ground control points, quadrats, UAV, cameras, electronic storage, batteries)
  
• Evaluating UAS performance and image quality
  
• Collecting imagery of intertidal mudflats using UAS
  
• Field sampling of shellfish and estuarine habitats
  
• Downloading GPS and imagery data and geotagging imagery
  
• Creating orthomosaics using software such as Agisoft Photoscan
  
• Quantifying and analyzing features, comparing UAS imagery with ground surveys
  
• Writing technical reports summarizing progress and findings
  
• Writing protocols and modifying existing protocols
  
• Participation in outreach events with diverse audiences and assist in the development of project-specific outreach products. 
  
• Overnight travel up to 50% of the month during the work week
  

This position requires a flexible work schedule that will vary in the number of hours worked on a daily basis, but not necessarily every day, or a work schedule in which the starting and stopping times vary on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day. This position may be physically demanding; employees will occasionally be working independently under adverse weather conditions in remote areas.

Requirements:

• Must be willing to work long hours in the field in estuarine habitats.
  
• Must have valid driver license and an acceptable driving record. ODFW will check driving records for in-state finalists. Out-of-state finalists will be required to present a current driving record for review.
  
• Minimum qualifications include: 
  
  • 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 years of experience performing biological/ecological studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program
    
• Preference will be given to applicants with one or more of the following skills:
  
  • Experience in estuaries or intertidal systems
    
  • Demonstrated organization and communication skills
    
  • Experience building or operating UAVs o Experience with Agisoft Photoscan, Mission Planner, Lightroom, or GeoSetter software
    
  • Experience working with imagery or spatial data
    
  • Familiarity or experience with GIS mapping
    
  • Data management and statistical analysis skills
    

To Apply:
Applicants must submit an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Employment Application by July 21, 2017. We will interview those applicants who appear to be best suited, based upon an evaluation of their education and experience relevant to this position. Email (preferred), mail or FAX a completed

Department of Fish and Wildlife Employment Application to:
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife ATTN: Anthony D’Andrea
2040 SE Marine Sciences Drive Newport, OR 97365
Phone: 541-867-7701 ext238 Fax: 541-867-7706
Email: [email protected]

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found. Department of Fish and Wildlife applications can be obtained from the ODFW’s Jobs Page under seasonal jobs at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/hr/seasonal_jobs.asp.

Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODFW participates in EVerify. ODFW is unable to support VISA sponsorships.

If you have a disability and need assistance completing the application, you may call the ODFW human resources office at (503) 947-6051 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Reasonable accommodations for interviews will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities.

INTERVIEWS will be scheduled for those applicants who appear to be best suited, based upon an evaluation of their education, experience, and training and its relevance to this position.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.