GIS & Imagery Analyst – Cartographer 3 – Project – *12788-24

Working Title– GIS & Imagery Analyst
Classification– Cartographer 3
Job Status– Full-Time/Project
Appointment Length– 6.5 Months – December 16, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Possibility to extend project beyond stated date if additional funding is received.
WDFW Program– Habitat Program – Administration Division
Duty Station– *Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
* Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent must reside within the State of Washington and must be available to report to the duty station located in Olympia, Washington as needed.  The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to 4 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

This is an opportunity to provide remote sensing and GIS support for the Habitat Program, particularly in land cover and land cover change mapping as part of the High Resolution Change Detection (HRCD) team. 

With your geospatial and technical skills, you will be directly involved in creating and quality checking data using automation, visual assessment, and vector & raster GIS analysis. 

You are excited to join a collaborative team which produces accurate data used in the monitoring and assessment of fish and wildlife habitats throughout Washington, particularly riparian areas.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Change detection data creation, research, and image analysis.

• Image analysis and interpretation: Perform accuracy assessment for change detection model results; utilizes custom software developed by WDFW to review image sets and attribute them with predefined change categories. Image sets consist of aerial imagery similar to Google Earth imagery, at multiple time periods. This task includes classifying random samples as well as verifying classified samples. This task requires consistent attention to detail and the ability to discriminate subtle differences in imagery.
• Apply existing protocols to assess change and notes weaknesses or bias in protocols. Participate in change detection and land cover team review process for updating and improving methods for the High-Resolution Change Detection project.
• Maintain a high level of accuracy when engaged in repetitive inspection of similar landscapes.
• Provide meaningful contributions towards the ongoing integrity and development of the protocols used to assess data.
• Document accuracy assessment procedures.

GIS Tasks.

• Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify, assess and visualize new change dynamics or systematic land cover mapping anomalies.
• Utilize GIS and remote sensing knowledge with ArcGIS Pro to develop and perform analysis tasks such as reprojecting, clipping, joining data, summarizing, and buffering data. Maintain metadata for project products.
• Make occasional maps for presentation, print distribution, and website.

Land cover data creation.

• Utilize ArcGIS Pro to develop classified maps from statistically derived unlabeled classes. Perform classification of vegetation and shadow features in high resolution imagery from unsupervised classification. This task involves assigning unique identified raster classes into a predefined classification system. This task also includes generating land cover training points using a separate classification system designed for the HRCD project.
• Feature delineation: utilize the eCognition segmentation software to design, compile and produce land cover delineations and manually classify areas of interest by recognizing different land cover types in aerial imagery.
• Apply QAQC protocols to newly created landcover data. This includes thinking critically to identify unknown issues and investigate the root cause.

Maintain externally facing resources.

• Maintain Esri Hub Site to reflect current data standards and data availability.
• Create and update user guides, manuals, and tutorials for data users to increase usability of the data.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Work is primarily performed in an office setting.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Flexible schedules are available at the discretion of the supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree with coursework in cartography, geography, photogrammetry, geographic information systems (GIS), computer sciences, remote sensing, natural resources, or closely related field.

And

One (1) year of professional geographic information systems (GIS), cartographic production, and/or remote sensing experience.

Please note:  Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.  Additional years of education in Geographic Information Systems or Cartography may substitute for the required experience.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of GIS analysis.
• Land cover mapping.
• Aerial image interpretation.
• Statistical accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

Job knowledge and experience:

• Knowledge of geospatial technologies in riparian area / natural resource management.
• Experience creating, editing, and managing spatial data (raster and vector).
• Ability to develop and employ Python and/or ModelBuilder for automating ArcGIS Pro tasks.
• Knowledge of remote sensing processes, concepts, and image processing software (I.e., ERDAS Imagine).

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union – WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-12788.

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