Data Specialist, O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West

Position Details

POSITION TITLE: Data Specialist

DEPARTMENT: O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West

JOB LENGTH: One year, with possible extension depending on funding (Letter of Appointment)

LOCATION: Casper, WY

Statement Describing Expectations and Responsibilities of the Position

The Data Specialist is responsible for assisting Bureau of Land Management (BLM) staff in the state of Wyoming with the completion, review, and analysis of BLM Lotic Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) data. During the field season (Mar-Aug) the Data Specialist will implement Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) procedures for BLM datasets, provide technical support and training to field staff in the use of ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123, work with BLM staff on data management and storage issues for AIM and related datasets (i.e., multiple indicator monitoring (MIM)), and assist field crews with the implementation of the Aquatic AIM protocol. In other months, and as time permits, the Data Specialist will complete basic analysis and reporting using AIM data as needed for completion of BLM business. Other duties might include (if needed): assisting in the hiring and training of new staff, communication, and coordination with agency project partners, reviewing research sites, equipment management and purchasing, transportation, and planning.

This position requires a strong background in aquatic ecology, with well-developed GIS, statistical, and geodatabase skills. The person in this position is supervised directly by the UM Aquatic Scientist/Project Manager and Associate Director (both located in Missoula, MT), in close collaboration the Wyoming BLM Program Lead and State Monitoring Lead (both located in Cheyenne, WY). The position is funded by contracts and grants

Management and Supervision 

• The Data Specialist may occasionally supervise student assistants or technicians on specific projects or a specific period of time (e.g. Lotic AIM technicians, GIS data assistants).
• May need to gain cooperation from colleagues over whom there is no direct authority to accomplish assigned work.
• Work with others to resolve complex issues.
• Identify time and effort necessary to complete proposed tasks and ensure that work is completed on time.
• Ensure that equipment is well-maintained and that samples are managed properly.
• Make sound, safe decisions based on analysis of information, experience and judgment.

Minimum Position Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Technical Skills:

• Characterize aquatic ecosystems including measuring multiple geomorphological characteristics of streams and rivers, habitat complexity, and riparian vegetation.
• Collect and manage macroinvertebrates and water quality samples.
• Conduct queries and analyses, develop spatial data delivery projects and tools, and design maps and other products that effectively communicate to target audiences.
• Keep current on emerging GIS technologies and assess their applicability to OCRMW and partner needs.
• Demonstrate careful attention to detail, and strong written and organizational skills to complete lengthy data forms.
• Follow established field protocols to conduct sampling and field data collection.
• Conduct data entry and management using electronic devices.
• Carry out data quality checks.
• Navigate secondary roads using digital maps and aerial imagery to efficiently access survey locations.
• Navigate off-trail and collecting coordinates with hand-held GPS units.
• Use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and preferably ArcGIS and Survey123.
• Drive 4WD trucks, especially on rough and unmaintained roads.

Professional Skills:

• Work and communicate effectively and professionally with a diverse group of people, including scientists, public agency personnel, program managers and others, providing and obtaining needed information.
• Comfortable with remote supervision.
• Anticipate, analyze, and solve complex problems and in contributing to team problem-solving and decision-making session.
• Lead groups to accomplish data collection and complete project deliverables.
• Maintain good working relationships with crew members and managers.
• Accept guidance and constructive criticism from peers and supervisors; willingness to learn and incorporate suggested changes.
• Implement multiple projects.
• Communicate on both lay and technical levels.
• Manage time independently and meet deadlines.
• Resolve interpersonal conflict during stressful situations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to carry a backpack (weighing up to 35 pounds) over rugged mountainous terrain, off-trail, for up to eight (8) miles a day, gaining up to 2000 ft. of elevation per day, which requires mobility and physical demands
• Wade in streams, sometimes up to chest height, which requires mobility and physical demands
• Willingness and ability to maintain a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather, hot or cold weather (~20°F–110°F), rugged terrain, mosquitos, poisonous snakes, bears, lightning, wildfire, etc., all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety
• Willingness to work irregular hours in harsh environments and challenging weather conditions
• Willingness to camp days at a time in undeveloped locations

Post-Training Position Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Conduct analyses of AIM data guided by the needs of state and local BLM personnel.
• Display detailed knowledge of project-specific sampling protocols.
• Collect data utilizing these protocols swiftly, accurately and precisely.
• Complete electronic data forms properly.
• Follow safety protocols and avoid hazards while working and camping in challenging environmental conditions.
• Use understanding of project goals to make appropriate decisions in the field without the help of a Crew Manager or Project Lead (e.g., independently makes sound decisions about site rejection criteria, moving a sample point, choosing a campsite, contacting a landowner).
• Drive 4WD vehicles safely and in control.

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

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in fisheries, hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, aquatic ecology, natural resources management, or related subject is required with additional computer and GIS training.
• An educational focus on project-related subject matter is preferred (e.g., wetland ecology, rangeland ecology, aquatic ecology, forest ecology, etc.)
• One year professional experience with ESRI’s ArcGIS suite and basic knowledge of other image classification software.
• Familiarity with at least one statistical software package (R or Python), and ability to manage and query information in Excel.
• A minimum of two (2) full field seasons collecting scientific data, specifically vegetation sampling, soil profile descriptions, water quality sampling, and/or other environmental data (as appropriate given the project).
• Knowledge of and experience working in the aquatic ecosystems of Wyoming.
• Basic botany knowledge and experience using botanical keys and field guides to accurately identify plants to species
• Valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and current insurance.
• Experience driving 4×4 vehicles on unpaved, unmaintained roads.
• CPR and Wilderness First Aid is preferred.

 
About the O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West

The O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West serves as a nonpartisan and trusted clearinghouse to help decisionmakers, stakeholders and the general public understand key issues in the Interior Rocky Mountain West of North America. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the OCRMW seeks to use scholarly and science-based approaches to convey the cultural, social, economic, ecological, and environmental forces that influence the region’s remarkable landscapes and human communities. These efforts include a diversity of voices across the region.

How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Thursday, November 17, 2022

Complete applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. To receive full consideration, candidates are required to submit all of the following materials.

Please submit the following application materials** via the UM Jobs portal  and by clicking “New Resume/CV” button.  Please do not apply through Indeed.com*.

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references– Names and contact information

*Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application.  Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the “How to Apply” section.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above. 

**Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.