U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
This is an EXPIRED job listing. Do not apply for this position!
The US Geological Survey (USGS) is a world leader in the natural sciences. The USGS provides reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize the loss of lives and property from natural disasters; manage biological, water, mineral and energy resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.
The USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center cooperates with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on programs in support of the National Standards and Support Team. One component of the program is maintenance of the USFWS Wetlands Master Geodatabase (MGD). The Wetlands MGD relies on key Information Technology (IT) components, specifically GIS, database, and development software components. The Wetlands MGD houses the Wetlands Status and Trends data and the Wetlands Layer of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure. The Wetlands Mapper provides an interface to the wetlands data and provides government, state and local agencies, universities, NGO’s and the public with wetland location and habitat information to assist in a suite of wetland and habitat programs, questions and applications.
Background
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Wetlands Status and Trends project began over 50 years ago to track the scope of wetlands extent throughout the US and periodically report changes throughout time. Using a combination of field-based data collection and photointerpretation of aerial imagery, stratified permanent study plots are used to estimate wetland classifications and extent across regional
and national scales. These estimates are summarized into peer-reviewed reports published approximately each decade. Aerial photos were used by photointerpreters to hand-draw wetland areas within a study plot onto transparent mylar overlays, which can then be used for further analysis.
Performance of Work
Incumbent in the position is assigned to the Wisconsin Water Science Center, Science Support Unit as a contractor and participates as a member the USFWS National Standards and Support Team that supports the Wetlands MGD.
Initially the primary duties will include organizing, sorting, mailing, and tracking hardcopy documents and maps for archive and enhancement of the digital wetland mapping library and database. Duties may transition into scanning and digitizing documents to enhance the Wetlands MGD by utilizing ESRI ArcGIS software to assist in efforts to perform various geoprocessing tasks such as spatial data organization, spatial data editing, map development and map interpretation. Proficiency using ESRI ArcGIS software will be helpful, as well as a strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality. Team members will be expected to report on their progress on a regular basis and submit their work for quality assurance. Along with this primary task, team members may be asked to perform other GIS related tasks as needed to contribute to the Wetlands MGD and to complete other Fish and Wildlife Service goals.
Description of Major Duties
- Hardcopy Document Conversion: Organizing, sorting, mailing, and tracking of Status and Trends hardcopy documents and maps for archive
Other duties may include:
- Geospatial Data Development: scanning and digitizing of hardcopy documents, spatial data organization, spatial data editing, map development, data processing.
Experience Requirements
Applicants should have strong organizational skills, attention to detail and be comfortable working independently on repetitive tasks. Strong computer skills and data processing abilities is strongly preferred. A formal education and/or practical experience in geographic, cartographic, and GIS principles is beneficial.
Other Information
- This is a contract position for the Federal Government.
- Position duration dependent upon project funding. Will not exceed 3 months.
- The Federal Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please email a letter of interest and resume to Mitch Bergeson (mitch_bergeson@fws.gov).