Wetland Ecologist/GIS Analyst, O'Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West

Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College. Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com * .



The University of Montana invites applications for a Wetland Ecologist/GIS Analyst in the O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West . Most work will be performed in-office, with intermittent opportunities for field work.

This position requires a well-developed GIS and geodatabase skills as well as a background in wetland ecology or a related field. This position is supervised by the Associate Director or a Project Manager, and reports to the Wetland Mapping Project Manager when developing geospatial datasets.

Key duties and responsibilities include:

• Develop and manage geospatial datasets that document and model species, habitats, landscapes, and impacts, notably wetland and riparian habitats
• Conduct data quality control; prepare datasets for submission to partners; and assist in the training and supervision of staff and student photo interpreters
• Occasionally perform field work to verify mapping
• Keep current on emerging GIS technologies and assess their applicability to OCRMW and partner needs
• Act as a mentor and first-line supervisor for new wetland mappers during their first four months of employment
• Assist in the hiring and training of new staff, communication and coordination with agency project partners, reviewing research sites, equipment management and purchasing, and approval/submission of employee timesheets/travel forms
• Identify time and effort necessary to complete proposed tasks, and ensure that work is completed on time

Upon completion of training, the incumbent will have working knowledge, skills, and experience in the following:

• Experience using ESRI's mobile field applications, such as Field Maps and Survey123
• Knowledge of the Cowardin Classification System
• Experience photo interpreting wetlands using aerial imagery
• Knowledge of National Wetland Inventory standards
• Project management experience
• Familiarity with Microsoft Teams

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Position Details

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program. This position is funded by grants and contracts
• Salary for this position is $47,000 - $55,000 per year commensurate with qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in wetland science, ecology, natural resources, geography, or related field, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Experience in wetland mapping using aerial imagery and heads-up digitizing methods using ESRI ArcPro software and tools.
• Ability to apply the wetland classification using the Cowardin Classification System to polygons, in accordance with National Wetland Inventory standards.
• Ability to perform mapping analysis, interpretation, data edits and quality control following project protocols.
• Ability to manage time independently and meet deadlines in a production-oriented environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a diverse group of people, including scientists, agency personnel, program managers and students.
• Demonstrate careful attention to detail, and strong written and organizational skills to complete lengthy data forms.
• Ability to function productively as a member or leader of a project or work team.
• Ability to work with others to resolve complex issues and experiment to find creative solutions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to occasionally hike up to two (2) miles per day on uneven ground in wetlands and riparian areas, 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, mosquitos, poisonous snakes, wildlife, etc., all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety, which requires mobility and physical demands.
• Willingness to camp occasionally, which requires mobility and physical demands.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s Degree in a related field.
• Field experience characterizing wetland and riparian ecosystems including describing hydrology, vegetation, soils and geomorphological characteristics. Preferred experience with wetlands in the western United States.
• Experience using ESRI ArcGIS Pro.
• Proficient in the use of ESRI software, Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Google Earth.
• Proficient in interpretation of aerial and infrared imagery and general knowledge of remote sensing.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, thoroughness, and attention to detail; initiative and ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Leadership experience.
• Experience following established protocols.
• Valid driver’s license, safe driving record.

About UM and the O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West

The University of Montana is flagship, research-intensive R1 institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains and three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere.

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.



To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
  • Video: Mission First, People Always
  • UM on YouTube

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment.
In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference.
Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
References *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant.
Testing Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

E mployment Eligibility. All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

Must be eligible to work in the United State upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply

Priority Application Date : Sunday, June 25, 2023 by 11:59 pm (MST)

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
• Transcripts – Unofficial transcripts accepted, official transcripts due upon hire

* 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.

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular