Restoration & GIS Specialist w/ Friends of the Verde River (Cottonwood, AZ)

Friends of the Verde River is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as the Restoration and GIS Specialist. This person will be responsible for leading field crews to implement restoration work along the Verde River, as well as managing all spatial data for the organization. In the spring (April - June), this person will primarily work in the field, coordinating and supervising field crews conducting invasive plant monitoring and removal along the Verde River and its tributaries. During the remainder of the year, this employee will be based in the office in Cottonwood, AZ (hybrid, see below), serving as support for field crews, and fulfilling organizations data and visualization needs.

​Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage spatial data, produce maps, provide technical support, and maintain ArcGIS Field Maps app for crew use in the field. 
• Create project maps for grant proposals and reporting.
• Create Field Maps apps for data collection during the treatment and monitoring seasons.
• Create easily understandable and interactive story maps using ArcGIS Online.
• Coordinate, supervise, and complete quality control for field crew work, including invasive plant monitoring and removal.
• Provide field support for crews including chipper maintenance, sprayer maintenance and troubleshooting, herbicide delivery and other duties.
• Collect riparian vegetation data along streams (riparian forest corridors) in the Verde River watershed according to established monitoring protocols.
• Assist with organizational outreach events like bioblitz, birding and nature festival, State of the Verde watershed and more as needed.
• Assist with partner and landowner coordination, compiling/presenting work reports, assisting with project planning, involvement in regular recurring meetings with land management partners.
• Keep records of crew accomplishments for use in reporting.
• Provide other spatial data and map creation for the organization, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in related field and/or GIS Certification preferred; Associate degree (e.g., AA or AS) is accepted with sufficient related coursework in botany, ecology, wetland science, natural resource management, GIS or other related fields
• Coursework in botany, ecology, wetland science, natural resource management, geotech, GIS, or a related field
• One year of experience with ArcGIS software and proficiency creating useful, informative maps
• Able to identify plants in the field and collect vegetation data following established field protocols
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills (both verbal and written)
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively in a remote/hybrid work environment.
• Skilled with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Local and regional travel required; reliable transportation, valid driver’s license and auto insurance required
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule including occasional nights and weekends, with some overnight camping
• Willing to work a 10 hour/day for 8 day stretches seasonally including occasional weekends seasonally when out in the field with the monitoring crew
• Ability to demonstrate the right to work in the U.S., subject to E-Verify Employment Verification

​Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. We will review applications as they are received. The target start for this position is the end of July 2025.

Please send application materials in one pdf file (cover letter, resume, and a minimum of two professional references) to [email protected].