Tasks include:

• Evaluating and determining project requirements and business needs to implement the most-appropriate and best-available analysis/modeling methods and tools.
• Translating and integrating resource data (from a wide variety of sources, formats, and quality) into analysis workflows and modeling methods.
• Using spatial statistics and geospatial analyses (generally with Python, R code or ESRI software tools) to generate modeled, “value-added” data products from raw/base resource data.
• Developing, using, and maintaining scripts in Python and R to create automated workflows for improving efficiency and repeatability of analysis results – supporting the re-use of code and scripts by standardizing and maintaining in a code repository.
• Performing validation and quality control on analysis methods and modeled data products to ensure accuracy, integrity, and reliability of results.
• Maintaining a modeled data repository for the Wildlife Program and catalogs data in this repository.
• Distributing modeled data as local feature classes and web services for use by WDFW staff and external customers.
• Supporting the development of tools, applications and tools, interfaces (using ESRI COTS software or custom applications in JavaScript or .NET) for the display, query, and extraction of modeled data products.

Performs Image Analysis: Develops, interprets and maintains remotely sensed image data (from satellite, aerial, UAV, camera trap imagery).

         Tasks include:

• Supporting WDFW field data collection, data management and processing of imagery via UAV (drones) or passive sensors (e.g., camera traps).
• Conducting quality assurance on remotely sensed, image data collection and processing.
• Translating, integrating and managing remotely sensed data (multi-spectral images, Lidar) often comprised of disparate resolutions, formats, spatial extents, spatial/spectral integrity, quality and completeness.
• Conducting spectral and object-orientated image classification using software such as ArcGIS, Imagine and eCognition.

Provides general GIS and IT support to Wildlife Program staff.

         Tasks include:

• Supporting requests for modeled data products, classified imagery and other resource data that is managed by the Wildlife program.
• Supporting the use of ESRI GIS Desktop software, especially raster and geo-processing tools.
• Coordinating with other GIS staff on developing, maintaining, and publishing instructions and guides for GIS software and applications.
• Supporting the use of Image-processing software.
• Supporting requests for ESRI-created maps and webmaps.
• Assisting with troubleshooting and resolving bugs/issues with GIS and Image-Classification software.

Advises and coordinates with other IT/GIS staff on data and technology standards, methods, and policies.

         Tasks include:

• Consulting with IT staff and IT managers and participates in committees to establish data governance, data storage/organization requirements, data distribution and visualization methods.
• Testing and evaluating new and emerging GIS and remote-sensing technologies for appropriate use in Wildlife technology stacks.
• Monitoring and evaluating advancements in GIS and image data and processes for use in advanced wildlife analysis and modeling applications.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Setting, including hazards:    
  1. Work is performed in an office setting – requires extensive computer use and sitting.
• Schedule:   
  1. Typically, work schedule is 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday – requires flexibility in work schedule to respond to dynamic project requirements and priorities.
• Travel Requirements: 
  1. Some travel is required to participate in training, field work and professional conferences.
• Tools and Equipment: 
  1. Computer hardware and software with emphasis on geographic information systems, remote sensing and image analysis, enterprise relational database management systems, mobile technology, and data collection platforms.
• Customer Interactions:
  1. Successful delivery of data analysis and enterprise data management solutions – effective interpersonal communication skills, as well as a strong aptitude for interdisciplinary collaboration, consultation, and teamwork.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

AND

Knowledge of:

• Spatial statistics and experience with modeling wildlife species/habitat data (e.g., resource selection, spatial distribution patterns, habitat suitability modeling, home range analysis, etc.).
• Complex landscape ecology principles and ability to translate this understanding into valid models, using spatial data and remotely sensed imagery.
• Methods and techniques related to collecting, managing, and analyzing imagery and other spatial data.
• Principles of computer programming logic as they relate to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data processing and automation.
• Current technology and industry trends with respect to GIS and Image-classification software, cloud computing, mobile solutions.
• Principles and best practices of data and database design, development, and maintenance.
• Maintaining modeled and image data and associated metadata documentation in a data repository.

Ability to:

• Independently design and execute complex geospatial and image analysis workflows to consistently achieve successful, reliable, and effective data-driven outcomes.
• Write and maintain code, using Python or R, to automate tasks and manage data across systems and platforms.
• Identify, utilize, and customize CotS applications, such as ESRI’s webmaps and dashboards, for displaying and querying modeled or image-classified data.
• Conduct advanced spatial statistical modeling and assess validity of results using appropriate statistical methods and packages.
• Process and classify image data using appropriate methods and software.

Certifications/Licenses: