Geographic Information Systems Technician

Position Details

Position Information

Position
Geographic Information Systems Technician

Full Time/Part Time
Full Time

Job Type
Regular

Position Summary

The New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute ( FWRI ), located on the campus of New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM, is seeking a Geographic Information Systems ( GIS ) Technician. The New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute provides technical assistance and practical knowledge in forest and woodland restoration to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire and restore healthy and sustainable forested ecosystems across New Mexico. This position will support current GIS projects including; field data collection, vegetation mapping using NAIP and UAV imagery, ArcGIS Geodatabase design and development, GIS software administration, developing web mapping applications using ArcGIS Online and providing technical GIS and GPS training to staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

· Responsible for maintaining and updating NMFWRI field and collaborative projects served via ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Hub web mapping applications.
· Coordinate and maintain NMFWRI’s GPS units, Plotters, and UAV equipment and software licenses. This includes software license installation and management.
· Perform GNSS -based field data collection and lead field crews in data collection.
· During the field season months this includes participation and leadership in the field monitoring crew, training student interns or work-studies when available, and overnight travel.
· Take a leadership role in crew preparation, management, and accomplishment of field tasks.
· Assist in the ecological monitoring field crew during the monitoring season by producing field maps, providing GPS training, and updating web mapping applications.
· Perform basic GIS analysis and data management, produce maps for publications, and create metadata for GIS data products.
· Assist NMFWRI staff in providing training to stakeholders on GIS applications in the form of webinars and in-person training.
· Assist with the installation of GIS software and the configuration of field data collection equipment
· Provide training to staff and stakeholders on Survey Grade GPS technologies.
· Pilot UAV’s and process imagery related to monitoring in forested and riparian environments.
· Maintain regular attendance and clear communication with supervisors and colleagues in office, field, and online working environments.
· Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

· EDUCATION : Associates Degree in Geography, GIS, Remote Sensing or Related Field
· EXPERIENCE : Familiarity with GNSS field data collection and ESRI ArcGIS Online desktop and web mapping technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

· EDUCATION : Bachelor’s Degree in Geography, GIS, Remote Sensing or Related Field: GIS certificate or certification, Wilderness First Aid or higher.
· EXPERIENCE : One year of experience working as a GIS Technician and/or related field. Experience using GIS in natural resource applications, experience using GNSS and natural resources field data collection, experience with Trimble field data collection hardware and software, GIS instruction experience, skill with Pix4D software, Python programming, and experience working with Drone Imagery and LiDAR data. Remote UAV Pilots License ( FAA Part 107)

Special Conditions for Eligibility

· Must have a flexible schedule, some travel may be required.
· Must have a current driver’s license
· Continued employment is contingent on grant funding

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Experience using ESRI ArcGIS software and/or other related GIS software packages.
· Experience working with ESRI Geodatabases and ArcGIS Online.
· Experience working on GIS projects in natural resource environments.
· Experience with mapping grade GNSS technologies.
· Ability to work in austere outdoor settings.
· Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
· Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and written. Knowledge of technical writing techniques.
· Effective time management and ability to achieve goals and independently undertake tasks with a minimum of direct supervision.
· Ability to work as a member of a team with diverse skills and backgrounds.
· Ability to communicate both orally and in written form.

Physical Demands

• Standing Frequently • Walking (cross country) Occasionally • Bending Occasionally • Squatting Occasionally • Kneeling Occasionally

Working Environment

Work is performed in an office on the campus of a regional public university. The possibility for hybrid work combining office and telework exists, if appropriate. Fieldwork is performed in outdoors, occasionally in remote settings. Some fieldwork may include overnight travel and camping.
The mission of the FWRI is to promote practices that advance adaptive management, reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and improve ecosystem function. The GIS position complements FWRI expertise in monitoring, geospatial information systems, collaboration, outreach, and ecological restoration. The FWRI is one of three Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes ( SWERI ), with partner institutes in Arizona and Colorado, and collaborates in the Forest Restoration Triangle ( FORT ) with the NMHU Forestry Department, the only SAF -accredited forestry department in New Mexico, and with the New Mexico State University John T. Harrington Lab in Mora, NM.
The FWRI is located on the campus of Highlands University in historic Las Vegas, NM. Highlands University, a Hispanic Serving Institution offers a comprehensive education to a diverse student body, and Highlands faculty are actively involved in research, service, and outreach. Las Vegas is located at the foot of the picturesque Sangre de Cristo Mountains and offers small-town charm, a healthy environment, and abundant year-round outdoor recreation opportunities in nearby national forests, state parks, and wildlife refuges. Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital, is an easy 60-minute drive to the west, and Taos and Albuquerque can be reached in less than two hours.

Pay Rate
42,000 – 55,000 depending on qualifications

Work Location/Campus Center
Las Vegas, NM Campus

EEO Statement

New Mexico Highlands University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to the University values of diversity, accessibility, excellence, and responsiveness.

For disabled access or services call 505-454-3242 or email hr@nmhu.edu

Visit the link below for more information regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity:
Equal Employment Opportunity is THE LAW

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number
AS697P

Open Date
02/03/2023

Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions to Applicant

Applicants must submit 1) a letter of interest, detailing compliance with minimum and preferred job requirements and describing work experience and suitability for this position; 2) a CV or resume; 3) the names and contact information for three professional references; 4) unofficial transcripts for all higher education completed or in progress. (5) Provide a portfolio of two examples of completed GIS projects (such as links to web maps, story maps, static maps, custom applications, or GIS Training materials). In addition, applicants must complete the NMHU Employment Application. References will be contacted in conjunction with interviews.
To apply, go to https://nmhu.peopleadmin.com/ and click on the “Staff” link, then on the link for [Job title]. Submit all materials through this website.
For disabled access or services, call (505) 454-3242 or email hr@nmhu.edu.
New Mexico Highlands University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to the University’s values of diversity, accessibility, excellence, and responsiveness.
Visit this link for more information regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity: https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf

Quick Link
https://nmhu.peopleadmin.com/postings/8169
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter/ Letter of Interest
3. Unofficial Transcripts Conferring Required Degree
4. Letter(s) of Recommendation
5. Portfolio

Optional Documents