Natural Resource Specialist 2 (Wildlife Research GIS Analyst) w/ ODFW in La Grande, OR

Duties & Responsibilities
The Wildlife Research GIS Analyst will assist the project leader with completing the objectives of the Elk-Cattle-Deer Interactions, Breeding Bull Elk, and Elk Nutrition-Predation Studies 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, SAS, R, 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, and elk.
 
• Conduct vegetation sampling to determine phenology and nutritional value of plant species.
 
• Assist Department staff with questions regarding data management or GIS applications.

For full job description & application details:  ​https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oregon/jobs/1288861/natural-resource-specialist-2-wildlife-research-gis-analyst_

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