CAreers

Overview
The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and detail-oriented Mapping Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will support RSA’s mission by producing geospatial information products to help ranchers prioritize environmental conservation and help us manage these partnerships.  The Mapping Specialist role will lead the production of maps (digital and print) and reports, ranch management database development, and spatial analyses for a variety of ranch management and conservation projects in our portfolio. The ideal candidate will have a passion for environmental conservation and land stewardship combined with a strong background in geospatial technology and environmental monitoring. The Mapping Specialist will have a direct opportunity to make a difference in the northern Montana ranching community and to protect and enhance environmental quality in the region.

This position is fully funded with US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service support for 5 years with the potential to continue based on funding availability. The incumbent will be an employee of Ranchers Stewardship Alliance. Daily and weekly oversight, guidance, mentoring, and assistance with project prioritization provided by RSA.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Mapping and Inventory

• Utilize geospatial software and tools to create accurate and detailed maps for RSA partners.
• Conduct field surveys and assessments to gather data on land cover, vegetation, wildlife habitats, and other environmental factors.
• Maintain a database of natural resources, including species, habitats, and ecological features of ranching partners.
• Safely and professionally conduct inventory in the field. Maintain a comprehensive database of monitoring information.
• Organize and manage geospatial and monitoring data, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
• Generate reports and prepare presentations summarizing project findings and progress.

GIS Analysis

• Collect, organize, and analyze geospatial data using GIS software to support conservation planning, ranch management, and decision-making.
• Create GIS-based maps and visualizations and report methods and results in writing and verbally to partners.
• Identify spatial patterns and trends related to conservation goals and objectives.

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with team members to contribute to grant proposals and project deliverables.
• Work closely with the Conservation Committee and other RSA staff members to align mapping and monitoring activities with conservation objectives as part of the Montana Grassland Partnership.
• Collaborate and partner with local NRCS field offices to support Targeted Implementation Plans (TIPs) and other Montana Focused Conservation objectives as part of local collaborative conservation efforts.
• Collaborate with other external partners, landowners, and agencies to gather data and share information.
• Participate in team meetings, workshops, and training sessions to enhance knowledge and skills.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in geography, environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field. Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Proficiency in Esri suite of GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online) and other geospatial tools.
• Familiarity with remote sensing and GPS technologies.
• Familiarity with data collection protocols, surveying techniques, and monitoring methodologies.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate within a team environment.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel across Blaine, Phillips, and Valley Counties.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in ranching or agricultural settings.
• Knowledge of wildlife, range or landscape ecology, and other facets of ecological science utilized in strategic habitat and landscape conservation.
• Understanding of conservation practices and land stewardship principles.
• Ability to access API data sources using R/Python and / or Google Earth Engine experience.