Spatial Data Analysis Assistant (Student services contractor; U.S. Geological Survey)

Multiple wildfires between 1996 and 2011, and severe flooding in 2013, resulted in extreme disturbance along small streams on the east side of the Jemez Mountains in northern New Mexico. In fall 2018 and summer 2019, we collected data along two of these streams in Bandelier National Monument – Rito de Frijoles and Capulin Creek — to assess the condition of the canyon bottoms through which these streams flow, with emphasis on riparian vegetation composition and abundance. In addition to these datasets, there exist aerial imagery taken during the growing season in years before and after the wildfire and flood events.

We are seeking assistance with interpretation, management, and presentation of multiple spatial data sets from Frijoles and Capulin canyons. Specifically, a student services contractor would be responsible for managing and interpreting (with guidance and collaboration of the USGS Project Officer/Technical Liason) four sets of aerial imagery along the two canyons that bracket key fire and flood events, and recovery periods (early 1990’s, 2011, 2014, 2018). Interpretation of these datasets will include assisting with development of a grid/point-based sampling scheme, identifying different vegetation and land cover types at sample points, attributing and storing these data in a GIS, and developing summaries of change over time in the different cover types. In addition, the student services contractor would assist with processing data from a survey of woody plants conducted along approximately 21 km of both canyons and generating graphical presentations of these data that include maps of the distribution and abundance of different species along the canyons. The student services contractor would be responsible for entering and managing data within standard GIS and spreadsheet software (e.g., ArcGIS, XCEL), doing QA/QC on all data, and preparing some preliminary presentations of the data (tables, graphs) under the guidance of USGS.

This work will begin in February or March, 2020 and end on September 30, 2020, and is expected to require between 320 and 400 total hours of work during this period. A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree plus relevant coursework is the level of education that is relevant to the duties for this position. Experience working on spatial datasets in a vegetation dynamics context and with ArcGIS and XCEL would be highly relevant to this position. The pay rate is anticipated to be between $20 and $25/hour, depending on education level. This is a 1099 position. Persons paid on a 1099 basis are independent contractors and are self-employed. Independent contractors are required to pay all self-employment taxes (Social Security & Medicare) as well as income tax. If you need further help to understand the implications of 1099 employment, please contact the Career Center for further assistance. 

How to apply: NO LATER THAN 5PM (MDT), JANUARY 17, 2020, Send (e-mail) resume, cover letter and unofficial transcripts to Pat Shafroth, U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Ave., Bldg. C, Fort Collins, CO 80526. E-mail: shafrothp@usgs.gov