The University of Arizona

Land Steward / GIS Specialist with Colorado Open Lands

This position will support COL's mission to preserve the significant open lands and diminishing natural heritage of Colorado through private and public partnerships, innovative land conservation techniques, and strategic leadership. The Land Steward/ GIS Specialist will have two primary responsibilities:

As a Land Steward (~65%), this individual is responsible for all aspects of conservation easement monitoring of protected property throughout Colorado. Conservation easement monitoring responsibilities include verifying that the provisions of each conservation easement are being met, recording natural and man-made changes to the property, and documenting land-use and management of each property. Easement monitoring involves a combination of long distance travel, one-on-one interaction with property owners and managers, onsite fieldwork, and office report preparation. The Land Steward will also assist with the development and execution of natural resource restoration and enhancement projects.

As a GIS Specialist (~35%), this individual will conduct GIS analysis and cartographic production to support COL's operations including planning, project management, board relations and fundraising. This individual will support COL's land protection and stewardship efforts by creating and/or compiling GIS datasets, analyzing statewide data, and producing publication quality maps.

Qualifications:

  • Excellent understanding of natural resource management issues, strategies, and principles in Colorado.
  • Working knowledge of Colorado plant communities, wildlife habitat, and noxious weeds.
  • Proficient in the management and use of Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS 9.x) with excellent problem solving skills.
  • A thorough understanding of GPS technology and experience with field GPS data collection.
  • Understanding of principles and techniques of cartography and publication-quality map production.
  • Excellent writing, communication, and computer (Microsoft Office Suite) skills.
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities and to work independently but also effectively with other staff members.
  • Willingness to travel extensively within Colorado (approximately 50% of time, primarily between April and September) and to work in situations with occasionally challenging weather and travel conditions.
An ideal candidate would have the following qualifications and/or have the desire to learn:
  • Working knowledge of programming to generate tools or scripts to automate repetitive tasks.
  • Understanding of database design and integration between Microsoft Access and ArcGIS.
  • Familiarity with Geodatabases, ArcGIS extensions, ArcPad 7.x and/or ArcGIS Model Builder.
Education / Experience:
  • Degree equivalent to a BS/BA with major coursework in geography, land use and regional planning, environmental science, conservation or wildlife biology, natural resources management or other related field & relevant experience with GIS. Advanced degree preferred. Minimum three years experience.

This is a permanent full-time position. Salary: Mid-$30s with full benefits. Start date January 2nd, 2009.

Candidate must have a valid driver license and clean driving record.

Please send a cover letter and resume (by mail, fax, or email) to Cheryl Wagner, Colorado Open Lands, 274 Union Blvd, Ste 320, Lakewood, Colorado 80228. cwagner@coloradoopenlands.org. No phone calls please. 274 UNION BOULEVARD, SUITE 320, LAKEWOOD, CO 80228
WWW.COLORADOOPENLANDS.ORG
Application Deadline November 7th, 2008.

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COL LandStewardGIS_Full Version.pdf102.25 KB