Forestry GIS Specialist

Job Duties:

The Division of Forestry (FR) GIS Specialist works primarily using applications to analyze geospatial / remotely sensed data, solve problems, create solutions and facilitate decision making for the Division of Forestry.  This position is part of a section of IT professionals each with a focused discipline.  The FR GIS Specialist is an internal and external consultant for staff, leadership, inter-divisional teams, and partner groups for their area of expertise.  This position maintains contemporary knowledge and expertise by staying abreast of current research and maintaining an effective professional network. The position analyzes new or emerging geo-spatial and remote sensing technologies and provides guidance to the division’s management concerning specific information systems that support the forestry division’s business needs. The position assures that forestry IT applications meet department and enterprise standards.  The customer base for this position is 450-500 Division staff, including three central office bureaus and four districts, as well as colleagues throughout the Department and key partner groups statewide as well as corresponding programs in the US Forest Service and other state and local units of government.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:   

• College-level training or professional development in the use of GIS in a natural resource management or related field.
• Knowledge and experience in the analysis, development and management of natural resource information systems including, data modeling, GIS, and the creation of natural resource applications.
• In-depth knowledge and experience in information system analysis, investigating parameters, and developing prototypes for employing complex technology into natural resource management projects.
• Knowledge and experience using ESRI’s ArcGIS technologies including experience with ESRI geo-databases, spatial analyst tools, spatial statistic operations, and other data management tools.  ArcGIS for Desktop (Advanced / Arc/INFO), ArcGIS Server, and Spatial Database Engine (ArcSDE).
• Database knowledge and experience, management, creation and maintenance including knowledge of Access, Structured Query Language (SQL), and SDE is required.
• Knowledge and experience of cartographic concepts, and the ability to create maps for forestry staff and the general public.  
• Knowledge and experience of aerial photography and remote sensing technologies including digital imaging, ground control and aerial photography use in natural resources.
• Knowledge and experience developing and managing multiple complex projects while achieving deadlines.
• Good organizational skills and ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment.
• Knowledge and experience of customer service concepts and strategies with strong problem solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to facilitate decision making in a group context. 
• Knowledge and experience of short and long-range planning methods, team building and negotiating.
• Performs well under pressure, with potential for emergency management activities where timelines and accuracy and attention to detail are critical.