Think Wild – Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center

GIS Analysis Contractor

Issued by: Think Wild Central Oregon

Application Deadline: Open until filled (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)

Anticipated Start Date: ASAP

Contract Amount: $1,150 flat rate (negotiable based on experience or scope)

Contract Type: Short-term, independent contractor (remote-friendly; optional site visit), option for future contracts depending on project availability/need.

Contact: Dr. Maureen Thompson | maureen@thinkwildco.org

Website: www.thinkwildco.org | www.beaverworksoregon.org

 

Position Description

Application Instructions:

Please email the following materials to Dr. Maureen Thompson at maureen@thinkwildco.org:

  • A short cover letter including your availability
  • Resume or CV
  • 1–2 examples of past map products or geospatial analysis work (PDF or link)
 
 

Project Overview
Think Wild’s Beaver Works Oregon program is seeking an experienced GIS specialist to analyze pre- and post-restoration aerial imagery and thermal data to evaluate the ecological impacts of a habitat restoration project conducted under our Beaver Works Oregon program.
This short-term project will require the contractor to develop a reproducible workflow and generate visual and written outputs that contribute to grant reporting and long-term monitoring strategies. There is option for contract extension and/or future contracts depending on project need and availability.

 

Scope of Work & Deliverables
The selected contractor will:

  • Develop and document a reproducible GIS workflow to assess:
    • Open water extent
    • Greenline (riparian vegetation) width
    • Thermal imagery indicators of groundwater seepage
  • Analyze imagery datasets provided by Think Wild (NDVI, aerial, and thermal)
  • Create:
    • 3–5 high-quality maps
    • 2–3 summary data tables or graphics
  • Draft 1–2 paragraph written summaries of findings for each analysis metric
  • Participate in 1–2 brief virtual check-ins with the Think Wild team

Final Deliverables Due by September 15, 2025:

  • Reproducible GIS workflow and metadata
  • Final maps and visualizations
  • Written summary of analysis results (for grant reports)
  • Georeferenced datasets/layers (optional but preferred)

 

 

 

Qualifications

Required:

  • Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, or similar GIS platform
  • Experience working with aerial and satellite imagery
  • Familiarity with vegetation classification and hydrologic mapping
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

Preferred:

  • Experience analyzing thermal imagery and/or groundwater indicators
  • Background in restoration ecology, watershed science, or landscape hydrology
  • Knowledge of Columbia Plateau or Eastern Oregon ecosystems
  • Familiarity with Beaver Dam Analog (BDA) or similar nature-based restoration methods

 

 

Equal Opportunity Statement

Think Wild is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all contractors, staff, and volunteers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or veteran status.

 

About Think Wild

Think Wild is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center based in Bend, Oregon. Our mission is to inspire the high desert community to protect and care for native wildlife through education, conservation, and rehabilitation. Our Beaver Works Oregon program supports beaver-related restoration, research, and public education across Central and Eastern Oregon.