Physical Science Technician
Agency: National Park Service (NPS) Southeast Coast Inventory & Monitoring Network (SECN)
Location: Jacksonville, FL.
Closing Date: June 30, 2020
Contact: Lisa Cowart Baron (lisa_baron@nps.gov)
Interested applicants should email their resume and an example of GIS work to Lisa Cowart Baron before 30 June 2020. When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.
Term/Grade: GS/5/9/7
Position Summary:
This position will be the Coastal Program field lead and will be responsible for equipment inventory and maintenance, field preparations, and data management (data collection and entry). For this position, experience with GPS and GIS is required. The incumbent will be trained to collect, post-process, and manage geospatial data according to SECN protocols. Once trained, the incumbent may assist in training others using these methods and techniques. Occasionally, the incumbent will assist with other physical science and monitoring efforts, which may include supporting stream monitoring and terrestrial monitoring efforts. In addition to general office duties, such as scanning, copying, and filing documents, etc., the incumbent will be expected to assist in editing and providing feedback on standard operating procedures.
This position entails a high level of responsibility and initiative. The ability to work efficiently, independently, and be detail oriented is essential. Previous experience organizing and leading field efforts is preferred. Good leadership skills, commitment to program mission, and respect for authority are essential.
Major Duties:
The incumbent will be responsible for implementation of the SECN protocol for monitoring shoreline change and salt marsh elevation change. In addition, the incumbent will assist with other network monitoring activities. This position may require up to 50% travel for fieldwork, training, or other work-related duties.
Organizing, scheduling, coordinating, and conducting the collection of shoreline and salt marsh data and other samples as needed, and evaluation of quality assurance compliance. He/she will synthesize ancillary data from related network coastal monitoring activities, conduct geographic information systems (GIS) analysis, and assist the SECN Coastal Ecologist to complete analysis needed to inform park resource management staff.
• Maintains up-to-date working knowledge of coastal monitoring equipment maintenance/use and competently performs tasks documented in standard operating procedures. Assists in training Park staff and interns on basics of coastal program monitoring field and office methods. Assist Coastal Ecologist in working with Park staff and partners on technical issues related to coastal program monitoring and/or equipment issues when appropriate.
• Utilizes a variety of computer programs to compile, reduce, store, retrieve, analyze, and report data and other related information. Conducts data entry and implements quality assurance/quality control procedures. Works with the Coastal Ecologist and Data Manager to ensure preservation of paper and electronic files. Generates metadata for data generating, including tabular data, pictures, and GIS files.
• Provides cartographic, GPS, GIS, and spatial data management assistance when needed in support of the Coastal Program’s shoreline and saltmarsh monitoring projects, including processing GPS data, analyzing GIS data, drafting professional quality maps, and generates computerized digital maps.
• Prepares graphs, computations, mathematical calculations, and illustrations for technical studies and presentations. Compiles and summarizes information. Prepares draft project reports which include literature research, descriptions of methods, preliminary data analysis, graphs and charts, results, and recommendations for planning, protection, and mitigation activities. Performs research and assists in writing scientific reports. Provides advice, assistance, and training to students, student conservation assistants, and volunteers involved in projects and field research.
• Ensures safe use and maintenance of field sampling equipment and vehicles. Evaluates and mitigates safety risks prior to and while conducting field operations.
• Provides assistance to other SECN data collection efforts and protocol development effort when needed. Works with supervisor and other SECN protocol leads to ensure efficient allocation of time and resources.
See full announcement and apply here.