Job Code: 2021-RAP-022
Location: Twentynine Palms
State: California
Program: Research Associate Program
Contract Length: 6 Months
Job Description:
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the National Park Service Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR), is recruiting to hire an experienced GIS Technician to work cooperatively with National Park Service staff to provide geographic information system (GIS) mapping and data analysis support related to conservation, restoration, transportation management, protection of cultural resources and other natural and cultural resource projects. The GIS Technician will perform duties related to a broad spectrum of projects including, but not limited to, wildlife, cultural, and travel management. More specifically, the GIS Technician will be involved in the following projects:
• Completing spatial analysis and compilation of data related to natural and cultural resources, including creating maps and compiling data for long-term survey datasets;
• Ground-truthing and updating GIS data;
• Creating and updating metadata;
• Collecting GIS data in the field for a variety of trails and general park maintenance, law enforcement, and resource management activities;
• Creating Area of Potential Effects (APE) maps for NEPA/NHPA review;
• GIS modeling of resources;
• Creating a variety of cartographic products utilizing GIS data;
• Assisting park staff and managers in developing cultural, biological, and other geodatabases, schemas, and maps in GIS; and
• Providing GIS technical assistance, training, and planning with field office staff on GIS software and geodatabases.
Contract Timeline:
o Six month appointment beginning March 2021, or upon completion of a Department of Interior (DOI) background investigation;
o Possible extension up to one year, pending available funding and positive performance review;
o Full time, 40 hours per week.
Location:
Joshua Tree National Park encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in southern California. Joshua Tree National Park is of special management concern, lying in the transition of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert. Field conditions include hot, arid days with high exposure to the sun, as well as cold, winter weather. Resources of the region include threatened and/or endangered species habitat, big game habitats, abandoned mine lands, and historic and prehistoric cultural sites.
Compensation and Benefits:
o Wage: $19.00/hour;
o Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost;
o Paid leave and holidays.
Job Qualifications:
o Bachelor’s degree in GIS, geography, computer science or closely related field with coursework and/or experience that demonstrates significant understanding of the principles of geographic information systems (GIS); Applicants with advanced degree encouraged to apply;
o Proficient using GIS software, specifically ESRI suite including ArcMap with working knowledge of components, tools and techniques to create maps, manipulate and analyze data, as well as organize layers, required;
o Knowledge and prior experience using ArcGIS Desktop, including Spatial Analyst, 3-D Analyst, Data Driven Pages, and ArcGIS extensions will be highly beneficial;
o Capacity to collect and maintain field data in an organized manner that is easily understood and accessible to other staff;
o Knowledge of basic cartographic principles and sources of mapping materials; principles of Geographic Information System including entry/updates, map projections, coordinate systems and datums, analysis, and map production.
o Knowledge of the Mojave region, including common plants, wildlife, and/or geology/topography, desirable;
o Prior experience working collaboratively in a multi-agency environment, desirable;
o Experience with Python scripting, desirable;
o Ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team;
o Communicate and work alongside staff and other team members with varying short/long-term deliverable schedules;
o Effectively communicate, both written and orally, with a diverse audience.
Although the majority of the work the will be in an indoor office setting, occasional field site visits are possible. Thus, the following qualifications are also desirable:
o Ability to navigate and collect data using handheld field data collection devices;
o Experience utilizing a compass and reading topographic map;
o Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;
o Ability to live and work in rural and remote field and office environment; and
o Physically fit to work outdoors, carry up to 50 pounds of personal and/or field equipment, and withstand the rigors of a mountain and/or desert environment in all seasons.
o Successful applicant(s) must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position.
Other Job Information (if applicable):
EEO Statement
We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.