Research Analysis Specialist

Job Summary

The Research Analyst Specialist exists to perform Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing work for the Division of Forestry Resource Assessment (RA) program. Duties include, statewide acquisition of aerial photography in a fixed-wing aircraft; geoprocessing both raster and vector geospatial data through the use of GIS and remote sensing techniques to support program inventory and assessment projects. Assist the Research Analysis Specialist Senior positions to; extend GIS software capabilities through programming to extract natural resource information not readily available from standard software products, streamline existing product creation, support and enhance existing RA projects and infrastructure, and extend cartographic capabilities. Other duties include; troubleshoot GIS & image processing software, and streamline office procedures through programming when appropriate. The analyst will be required to make presentations at public meetings or professional gatherings.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a Natural Resources or Earth Science discipline and three (3) years of professional experience with GIS and/or Remote Sensing data and products, including a demonstrated proficiency with industry standard software and knowledge of theory and practical applications of GIS and Photogrammetry.

OR

• Master’s Degree in GIS or Remote Sensing.

• Knowledge of:
  • GIS techniques and applications used in Natural Resource Management;
  • Cartographic skills.
  • Geospatial data/database collection, analysis, trouble shooting, and distribution techniques.
  • Project Management techniques and structure management plans.
• Ability to:
  • Ride in a fixed-wing airplane for up to eight hours without adverse effects (air sickness);
  • Learn how to acquire and manipulate aerial photography;
  • Perform field work and ground truthing, which may be in remote areas or inclement weather;
  • Keep current with changing GIS and image processing software & techniques while in a production-oriented environment;
  • Work with multiple software packages;
  • Identify and implement new techniques pertinent to resource assessment and inventory;
  • Operate in Microsoft Windows computer environment.
  • Recognize DNR natural resource inventory and management procedures and have the ability to present potential GIS solutions to problems is required.
  • Communicate effectively and respectfully with team members and external customers.
  • Experience writing reports for technical and non-technical audiences;
• Must be able to operate in a rapidly changing, multiple project environment.
• Requires the ability to ride in a small fixed wing airplane for five to eight hours at any one time without adverse effects (air sickness) and the ability to learn how to acquire aerial photography.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Geography Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, Earth & Space Science, or Forestry with an emphasis in GIS.
• Experience and demonstrated proficiency with a variety of remotely sensed data such as LiDAR, aerial photography, or multi-spectral satellite imagery.
• Experience acquiring and manipulating aerial photography.
• Ability to design and apply statistically valid, spatially distributed samples and run statistical analyses.
• Experience with Python programming language or other scripting languages.
• Understanding of the fundamental principles of photogrammetry.
• Natural resource inventory techniques, Northern forest cover types, and forest management techniques

How to Apply

Click on the link included and search for “Research Analysis Specialist”. On the listing page, click “Apply” at the bottom of the page and submit an application/resume that clearly describes how you meet the qualifications listed above.

If you have questions about the position, contact Dennis Kepler at dennis.kepler@state.mn.us or 218.322.2512.