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The University of Montana’s O'Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West invites applications for a Data Specialist to join their team. The Data Specialist is responsible for assisting Bureau of Land Management (BLM) staff with the completion, review, and analysis of BLM Lotic Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) data. During the field season (Mar-Aug) the Data Specialist will implement Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) procedures for BLM datasets, provide technical support and training to field staff in the use of ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123, work with BLM staff on data management and storage issues for AIM and related datasets (i.e., multiple indicator monitoring (MIM)), and assist field crews with the implementation of the Aquatic AIM protocol. In other months, and as time permits, the Data Specialist will complete basic analysis and reporting using AIM data as needed for completion of BLM business. Other duties might include (if needed): assisting in the hiring and training of new staff, communication, and coordination with agency project partners, reviewing research sites, equipment management and purchasing, transportation, and planning.

This position requires a strong background in aquatic ecology, with well-developed GIS, statistical, and geodatabase skills. The person in this position is supervised directly by the UM Aquatic Scientist/Project Manager and Associate Director (both located in Missoula, MT), in close collaboration with the Idaho BLM State Monitoring Lead (Challis, ID). The position is funded by contracts and grants.

LOCATION: Challis, ID (preferred); any city in Idaho with a BLM field office (negotiable).

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Position Details

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program
• Salary for this position is $47,000 - $53,000 per year commensurate with qualifications
• A moving stipend of $1200 (pre-tax)

Minimum Requirements

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in fisheries, hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, aquatic ecology, natural resources management, or related subject is required with additional computer and GIS training
• Two years of professional experience related to any of the qualifications below

Technical Skills

• Characterize aquatic ecosystems including measuring multiple geomorphological characteristics of streams and rivers, habitat complexity, and riparian vegetation
• Collect and manage macroinvertebrates and water quality samples
• Conduct queries and analyses, develop spatial data delivery projects and tools, and design maps and other products that effectively communicate to target audiences
• Keep current on emerging GIS technologies and assess their applicability to OCRMW and partner needs
• Demonstrate careful attention to detail, and strong written and organizational skills to complete lengthy data forms
• Follow established field protocols to conduct sampling and field data collection
• Conduct data entry and management using electronic devices
• Carry out data quality checks
• Navigate secondary roads using digital maps and aerial imagery to efficiently access survey locations
• Navigate off-trail and collect coordinates with hand-held GPS units
• Use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and preferably ArcGIS and Survey123
• Drive 4WD trucks, especially on rough and unmaintained roads

Professional Skills

• Work and communicate effectively and professionally with a diverse group of people, including scientists, public agency personnel, program managers and others, providing and obtaining needed information
• Comfortable with remote supervision
• Anticipate, analyze, and solve complex problems and in contributing to team problem-solving and decision-making session
• Lead groups to accomplish data collection and complete project deliverables
• Maintain good working relationships with crew members and managers.
• Accept guidance and constructive criticism from peers and supervisors; willingness to learn and incorporate suggested changes
• Implement multiple projects
• Communicate on both lay and technical levels
• Manage time independently and meet deadlines
• Resolve interpersonal conflict during stressful situations

Physical Requirements

• Carry up to 35 pounds in a backpack over rugged mountainous terrain, off-trail, for up to eight (8) miles a day, gaining up to 2000 ft. of elevation per day
• Wade in streams, sometimes up to chest height
• Willingness and ability to maintain a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather, hot or cold weather (~20°F–110°F), rugged terrain, mosquitos, poisonous snakes, bears, lightning, wildfire, etc., all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety
• Willingness to work irregular hours in harsh environments and challenging weather conditions

Preferred Qualifications

• An educational focus on project-related subject matter is preferred (e.g., wetland ecology, rangeland ecology, aquatic ecology, forest ecology, etc.)
• One-year professional experience with ESRI’s ArcGIS suite and basic knowledge of other image classification software
• Familiarity with at least one statistical software package (R or Python), and ability to manage and query information in Excel
• A minimum of two full field seasons collecting scientific data, specifically vegetation sampling, soil profile descriptions, water quality sampling, and/or other environmental data (as appropriate given the project)
• Knowledge of and experience working in the aquatic ecosystems of Idaho
• Basic botany knowledge and experience using botanical keys and field guides to accurately identify plants to species
• Valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and current insurance
• Experience driving 4x4 vehicles on unpaved, unmaintained roads
• CPR and Wilderness First Aid

About the OCRMW and UM

The O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West serves as a nonpartisan and trusted clearinghouse to help decisionmakers, stakeholders and the general public understand key issues in the Interior Rocky Mountain West of North America. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the OCRMW seeks to use scholarly and science-based approaches to convey the cultural, social, economic, ecological, and environmental forces that influence the region’s remarkable landscapes and human communities. These efforts include a diversity of voices across the region.

The University of Montana is a unit of the Montana University System with over 10,000 students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 72,000, surrounded by mountain grandeur which was recently ranked in the “top 20 best college towns with a population of less than 250,000” by the American Institute for Economic Research and ranked 9th in Outside Magazine’s “The 16 Greatest Places to Live in America” in 2014. Many national publications recognize Missoula for its high quality of life. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
  • Video: UM Lifestyles
  • University Highlights

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Friday, May 5, 2023 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by the ‘Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain OPEN UNTIL FILLED. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online via the UM Jobs website directly to ensure a complete application is received. Please do not apply through Indeed. Questions about the position or the application can be sent to Matt Trentman (matthew.trentman@mso.umt.edu).

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references
4. Transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are adequate)

Required Skills

Required Experience

Minimum Education Graduate of an Approved School of Nursing.

Minimum Work Experience Background in critical care preferred.

Required Licenses Registered Nurse
Current KY license or valid compact state license. Current BLS and ACLS certification preferred.