Overview

The University of Montana (UM) O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West (OCRMW) is partnering with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) to create wetland and riparian mapping across the western U.S. that will be used to inform management decisions and will be integrated into the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI).

We are currently recruiting Wetland Photo Interpreters with experience in GIS and ecology or a related field.

The Wetland Photo Interpreter develops and manages geospatial datasets that document and model wetland and riparian species, habitats, landscapes, and impacts to facilitate effective resource management and conservation. The Wetland Photo Interpreter uses ArcGIS Pro software to digitize wetland and riparian polygons on aerial imagery and classifies the wetland and riparian polygons according to USFWS NWI standards using ArcGIS geodatabases. The Wetland Photo Interpreter will also maintain documentation and implement quality control procedures.

The person in this position is supervised by the Wetland Mapping Project Manager. The position is funded by contracts and grants, will last 4-6 months, and is in-person in Missoula, MT.

Position Details

• Position is part- or full-time, temporary (< 6 months).
• Compensation is $17-19 an hour, based on qualifications and experience.
• Hours are flexible
• All equipment is provided
• Workspace is provided on UM Campus

Qualifications

We encourage individuals with relevant skills and a strong desire to learn to apply for this position, even if you don't fully meet all listed qualifications. These positions are an excellent opportunity to develop skills in GIS and data management, and significant training is provided.

Education and Experience

• Coursework in GIS and Ecology or related field

Technical Skills

• Experience digitizing in GIS
• Create and acquire new data
• Develop spatial datasets
• Demonstrate careful attention to detail, and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to follow established mapping protocols
• Carry out data quality checks.
• Proficient in ESRI ArcGIS Pro and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, Sharepoint).

Professional Skills

• Make sound decisions based on analysis of information, experience, and judgment.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with project managers and coworkers, providing and obtaining needed information.
• Function productively and respectfully as a member of a project or work team.
• Accept guidance and constructive criticism from peers and supervisors; willingness to learn and incorporate suggested changes.
• Manage time independently and meet deadlines.
• Resolve interpersonal conflict 

Post-Training Position Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Display detailed knowledge of project-specific protocols.
• Knowledge of USFWS National Wetland Inventory standards.
• Proficiency with wetland classification according to Cowardin Classification System
• Display familiarity with hydrologic features of wetlands 

Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• A bachelor’s degree in ecology, natural resources management, geography or related subject
• Experience interpreting aerial imagery
• Experience with ecological fieldwork

About UM and O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West

The University of Montana is a flagship research institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West, a regional studies and public education program. OCRMW staff are engaged in mapping wetlands across the western US and in carrying out inventory and monitoring projects for federal, state and tribal agencies.

To learn more about UM and OCRMW, please visit the links below:

University of Montana                     OCRMW Home Page                    Wetland Mapping and GIS Lab

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.