GIS Technician - West Valley
Overview:
The Rare Insect Conservation Program (RICP) of Utah is seeking two part-time GIS technicians to assist with the data collection and development of species habitat distribution and suitability models for identified Insect Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) to include with species profiles on the Utah Field Guides https://fieldguide.wildlife.utah.gov/. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) is developing the Field Guide database as a public-facing companion to the 2025 revision of the Utah Wildlife Action Plan, and species profiles provide key information relevant to species’ conservation needs.
RICP works closely with UDWR to identify at-risk insect taxa, associated habitat and ecological information necessary to develop beneficial conservation actions. GIS technician will report to the Rare Insect Conservation Coordinator.
This position is temporary (through June 30, 2025), with the possibility of extension based on available funding. This position is eligible for hybrid work within the state of Utah
Responsibilities:
- Participate in the collection of on-site field data for focal insect species and their habitats, using GPS and mobile devices to gather georeferenced data.
- Assist with research design to develop research questions, study protocols, and appropriate methodologies to collect reliable data.
- Assist with managing data layers, performing GPS fieldwork, and creating maps and other relevant GIS content (e.g. habitat suitability models where sufficient data exist).
- Perform tasks such as digitizing historic species range maps, population and habitat monitoring data, and other records that predate modern database development techniques.
- Coordinate closely with UDWR and Natural Heritage Program, taxonomic experts, and land managers, as needed.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Individuals holding a Bachelor's in Geography, GIS, or related field; equivalent work experience involving environmental GIS will be preferred.
- Attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in data collection and analysis
- Analytical and organizational skills
- Solution-oriented, resourceful and innovative approach
- Interest in wildlife ecology and conservation
- Effective (clear, concise written and verbal) communication skills
- Teamwork and collaboration with agency colleagues and academic professionals
- Outdoor skills, environmental awareness and attention to safety in remote environments
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Insect survey techniques (e.g., species identification, non-lethal sampling, basic macrophotography, etc.)
- Curiosity and respect for insects and other invertebrate wildlife
- Field collection and coordination management
- Ability to endure long periods of physical activity
- Familiarity with ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS ESRI Mobile Apps preferred
- Understanding of spatial analysis and mapping of data (e.g., ArcPro, geodatabases, Microsoft Excel)
- Understanding of statistical analysis and statistical software to interpret data (e.g., R, SAS, Python, etc.)
- Motivated individual with a knack for technology based solutions for problem solving
Required Documents:
Along with the online application, please attach:
- Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV"
**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
Advertised Salary: $28.00-$30.00 per Hour, commensurate with experience
ADA:
The environment and physical requirements may change depending on the specific function of the work performed. Incumbents may be in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, in an office space, event space, or public space are protected from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes.Incumbents may nearly continuously sit and often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing).
Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold. Bending, crawling, and crouching may be required. Incumbents may be required to lift, push, and/or pull objects up to 40 pounds and be required to walk and/or stand for long periods of time.
College/Department Highlights:
The S. J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources is nationally and internationally recognized for its research, extension, and teaching on natural and socio-environmental ecosystems. It is a high-impact college at Utah State University with over $15M in research funding annually, 55 tenure-track faculty in three departments, and close partnerships with federal and state natural resource agencies.
The Department of Wildland Resources in QCNR encompasses research in applied terrestrial ecology, including the ecology and management of wildlife, forests, rangelands, conservation biology, and climate change adaptation. Award-winning faculty teach courses that prepare students for professional careers in many natural resources fields, including programs accredited by the Society of American Foresters and the Society for Range Management and aligned with the Society of Ecological Restoration.
University Highlights:
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.
USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county.USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.
Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.
Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service.We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023.
Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
- updated 01/2025
Notice of Non-discrimination:
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:
Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266
Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266
Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov- updated 09/2023