USDA GIS Specialist

ORAU is seeking a qualified candidate to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture- (USDA) as an ORAU employee. This exciting work will last one or more years, and the successful candidate will become a temporary employee of ORAU assigned to the Research Station in a Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Work Unit. The Unit is one of four FIA Units across the country that comprises the national Forest Inventory and Analysis program. The FIA program is charged with conducting a nationally-consistent strategic annual forest inventory of the United States and its territories. Annual inventory results are widely used by public agencies, private companies and organizations to make informed natural resource decisions and policies.

The incumbent will perform advanced work utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) supporting managers and research scientists in the creation of interactive web maps and applications that display research material in a creative manner. Additional responsibilities include publication of geospatial data online as web services, creation and management of FGDC compliant metadata, and the creation of basic statistical reports using a variety of statistical tools. 

This position will be located at the US Forest Service Northern Research Station facility in St. Paul, Minnesota;

king a qualified candidate to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture- (USDA) as an ORAU employee. This exciting work will last one or more years, and the successful candidate will become a temporary employee of ORAU assigned to the Research Station in a Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Work Unit. The Unit is one of four FIA Units across the country that comprises the national Forest Inventory and Analysis program. The FIA program is charged with conducting a nationally-consistent strategic annual forest inventory of the United States and its territories. Annual inventory results are widely used by public agencies, private companies and organizations to make informed natural resource decisions and policies.

The incumbent will perform advanced work utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) supporting managers and research scientists in the creation of interactive web maps and applications that display research material in a creative manner. Additional responsibilities include publication of geospatial data online as web services, creation and management of FGDC compliant metadata, and the creation of basic statistical reports using a variety of statistical tools. 

This position will be located at the US Forest Service Northern Research Station facility in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Essential duties are as follows.

Geospatial Analysis Applies applicable principles to facilitate geospatial model design and analysis procedures related to natural resource and relevant forestry-related socio-economic data and products. Manipulates and analyzes geospatial data to support biometrics, data visualization and analytics, field and office inventory techniques, and data applications, for large geographical regions.  Performs multi-scale and/or multi-resource analysis in support of planning, analysis, and monitoring activities.

Web application development Assist research scientists in the creation, publication, and maintenance of geospatial web services, applications, and data visualizations. Interface with scientists to provide technical assistance in developing web content based on FIA data and publications.   

Training and Support Provides advice and recommendations on sources, standards, integrity, compatibility, and cost efficiency of natural resource and forestry-related socio-economic information.  Conducts formal and informal training and provides technical assistance regarding the development, storage, retrieval, analysis, and visualization of forest inventory data.

Cartography and Map Design/Production Compiles natural resource, topographic, and cartographic data for creation of thematic map products and presentation materials for research scientists and field research personal. Operates complex computer systems and software packages and uses established procedures to produce maps and graphics for partners and other inventory specialists.  Provides advice and responds to frequent user requests regarding cartographic depictions of resource information. Applies geographic and cartographic principles to address complex resource issues.

Data Management Works with managers and research scientists to determine type, amount and level of information required to develop and analyze inventory information.  Techniques applied may include remote sensing, image processing and analysis, forest inventory, data collection, geographic information systems (GIS), geospatial analysis, database management, database retrivials, statistical reports, and computer science.  Assists with developing data dictionaries, data models, and metadata for multi-disciplinary information and geospatial applications.  Converts geospatial information and remote sensing imagery into GIS databases.  Assists with the organization and maintenance of resource information and data to facilitate analysis in relationship to strategic forest inventories.