The Montana Natural Heritage Program (MT NHP) is recruiting two Ecologists/Photointerpreters to:
1) interpret, classify, and digitize wetland and riparian ecological systems through remotely-sensed imagery;
2) identify vegetation and classify ecological systems in the field;
3) integrate data into spatial and tabular databases, and map layers;
4) carry out QA/QC and hydrogeomorphic classification procedures on wetland maps;
5) produce information summaries and maps for presentations, publications, and the internet; and
6) effectively represent MT NHP to partners, information users, and landowners. The position may require fieldwork during spring and summer months, often working alone in remote locations with extremes of temperature and many natural hazards. More detail can be found by accessing the full position description at www.umt.edu/hrs.

These positions are one-year, full-time (40 hours/week average) positions with benefits, with the possibility of annual renewal based on funding.

The Ecologists/Photointerpreters work closely with other staff ecologists, database specialists, and public and private partners to document the distribution, dynamics and management of Montana's ecological diversity. These full-time positions are supervised by the Ecologist/Projects Manager, and may lead work teams or supervise interns, student employees or volunteers as appropriate.

The Montana Natural Heritage Program (http://mtnhp.org), operated by The University of Montana with the Montana State Library, is part of a hemispheric network of over 80 programs that maintain and disseminate data on the distribution, status and management of vulnerable species and important habitats. MT NHP is part of the Montana Natural Resource Information System (NRIS), a nationally-recognized leader in using emerging GIS and Web technologies to integrate and distribute spatially referenced data on natural resources (http://nris.mt.gov/). The main MT NHP offices are located in Helena, Montana, with a smaller office on the campus of the University of Montana in Missoula. The Ecologist/Photointerpreter positions will be based in Helena, MT.

Both positions require the following combination of education/experience:

Bachelor's degree in ecology, botany, geography, or wildlife biology; advanced degree preferred.

Demonstrated experience with ESRI GIS software including ArcGIS 9.2 or above and Spatial Analyst.

Demonstrated experience in the identification of wetland communities and an understanding of wetland classification systems including the Cowardin system (USFWS) and the hydrogeomorphic system (HGM).

Demonstrated ability to delineate wetland boundaries both in the field and through aerial photointerpretation.

A working knowledge of the vegetation and flora of the Rocky Mountains and Western Great Plains with an emphasis on wetland vegetation.

Knowledge of wetland and riparian function.

Familiarity with quality assurance and quality control processes as they apply to photointerpretation and image analysis.

Minimum of two field seasons conducting field surveys and assessments, with at least one season working independently or as a crew leader.

The positions also require the following skills, knowledge and ability:

Proficiency in working with databases and analyzing tabular and spatial data using statistical and GIS software.

Experience with landscape assessment, aquatic classification, or the production of synoptic maps using digital elevation models, hydrology datasets, aerial photographs, LiDAR, remote sensing imagery, soils and geologic maps, and field data.

Demonstrated experience using GPS in the field and importing and analyzing coordinates and other data.

Demonstrated ability to implement and successfully complete projects on time and within budget; ability to set and reach goals, and problem-solve effectively. Strong organizational skills, thoroughness, and attention to detail; initiative and ability to work independently and with a team.

Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and an ability to build effective partnerships and collaboration with government agencies, academia and the non-profit sector.

Willingness and ability to travel and to conduct long days of strenuous fieldwork, often alone and/or under adverse conditions or in remote areas. Ability to hike long distances (5-8 miles per day) over rough terrain carrying equipment and personal gear. Current driver's license and clean driving record required.

The starting salary range for these positions is $30,000 per year. The University of Montana offers an excellent benefit package, including generous health insurance benefits for the employee and his/her dependents, including domestic partners.

Application Instructions
To apply, please send only electronic copies of your resume, a letter of application specifying the position you are applying for, with an explicit description of how you fit its specific requirements, and the name/phone numbers of three professional references to:

Catherine McIntyre
cmcintyre@mt.gov
Ph: 406-444-5381

The review of candidates will begin on January 15, 2011 and continue until the positions are filled.

ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference