Gis Biologist

Position(s) Overview:

Bird Conservancy is hiring a GIS biologist to provide spatial analysis support for our Avian Research Programs including Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions (IMBCR) and Non-breeding monitoring. The GIS Biologist will be tasked with spatially balanced sample draws, study design development in collaboration with staff and partners, covariate extraction from diverse land cover data sources and cartography. Applicants are expected to have a strong background analyzing geospatial data using ArcGIS. Experience and/or proficiency writing R code for spatial analysis is strongly preferred. The GIS Biologist will be part of our integrative science program (14 scientists and ecologists) directly supervised by a Spatial Ecologist and under the oversight of the Director of Science Operations. The biologist will be based in Bird Conservancy’s Fort Collins office; however, we will accommodate flex scheduling and telework with supervisor approval.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyze geospatial data, develop and maintain spatial data layers, databases and associated metadata using both ArcGIS and R

• Extract spatial covariates from diverse land-cover data sets (e.g., NLCD and Landfire, etc.)

• Use remote sensing products (e.g., Landsat and MODIS) to create spatial layers for ecological analysis

• Cooperate with the Science Team and partners to develop, design, and review research projects, including defining data needs and GIS outputs

• Produce professional cartographic materials for use in reports, presentations, and publications as well as reference materials for the development of new projects

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required (unless otherwise noted):

• BSc in the Natural Sciences (Biology, Ecology, etc.) or commensurate experience

• MSc degree and/or commensurate experience with spatial analysis in a natural resource setting

• Extensive experience (>2 years) with ArcGIS or class work equivalent.

• Proficiency coding in R preferably with spatial analysis

• Experience with USGS Global Visualization Viewer (GloVis)

• Experience with project management

• Proficiency in use of computer software including Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint and the ability to quickly learn new software

• Knowledge of current avian monitoring protocols (study design and methodology)

• Willingness to work as a team member for a growing non-profit organization and supervise part-time personnel

• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Must possess a valid Driver’s License.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to work in a standard office setting, with considerable sitting, standing and viewing of computer

• Mid-level stress

• Requires reaching continually throughout the workday (mouse, keyboard, telephone)

• May include lifting up to thirty (30) pounds of project gear on an infrequent basis- proper lifting techniques required

• Able to stand, walk, and hike for extended periods of time outside in all weather

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

To Apply:

Please submit your cover letter, resume and contacts for three references in ONE document to applicants@birdconservancy.org with “GIS Biologist” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Preference will be given to those applications that are submitted before October 30th, 2020.

GIS Biologist Job Posting_Final.pdf