Fort Collins, CO

Position Title: Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis Specialist

Organization: Colorado State Forest Service

Location: Fort Collins, CO

Organization Overview:The Colorado State Forest Service is an agency of Colorado State University, Colorado’s land grant institution of higher education, and is housed, organizationally, in the Warner College of Natural Resources. The CSFS also staffs the Division of Forestry for the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. The CSFS has 18 field units throughout the state, with a State Office located in Fort Collins on one of the foothills campuses of CSU.

The Science and Data Division of the Colorado State Forest Service provides leadership, oversight, coordination, and administration of statewide science and data programs, policies, and procedures that contribute directly to the delivery of agency core services. Division staff advise field personnel, agency leadership, and management on current and emerging issues in Geospatial Data Management and Analysis, Forest Inventory Analysis and Monitoring, Forest Insect and Disease, Monitoring, and Science Delivery program areas. Division staff work collaboratively with CSFS customers and partners to meet these program delivery needs. Division staff support Colorado State University Warner College of Natural Resources and College of Agriculture, and Front Range Community College academic programs and connect CSFS with research and resources from these programs.

Position Overview:  Under the direct supervision of the Geospatial Data and Analysis Program Manager and in collaboration with the Science and Data Division, the Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis Specialist will provide technical remote sensing and geospatial project support that will ensure that CSFS continues to provide forestry leadership and expertise. This position will add to CSFS GIS/Remote Sensing expertise in manipulating and analyzing geospatial data, from a broad range of sources, including expanding use of drone derived imagery, to support wildfire risk reduction, forest monitoring and resource management decisions. The position will also make recommendations and provide expert advice on the development and application of remote sensing and geospatial analysis protocols and solutions to mission critical resource management issues.

Duties: 

• Work with the Program Manager to develop CSFS capacity for remote sensing and modeling capabilities.
• Research, develop and manage remote sensing and modeling protocols and system(s) across CSFS divisions and programs.
• Provide technical support for imagery, data products, analysis tools, and storage solutions across CSFS divisions and programs.
• Document, evaluate, and interpret end user analysis requests, and develop appropriate systems, training, and/or applications solutions based on CSFS staff requests and needs.
• Fly drone data collection missions and lead data processing for research utilizing drone imagery and field data for forest monitoring applications.
• Co-lead drone program management across CSFS and develop mapping and spatial analysis capacity and standards within the program.
• Ability and interest in acquiring an FAA Part 107 pilot license (if not currently licensed).
• Participate in, and lead, training and/or informational webinars on advances in remote sensing and modeling techniques for agency users and external partners.
• Provide high-level science-based GIS expertise to support CSFS staff and projects.
• Collaborate with other CSFS Divisions and external partners on special Remote Sensing/GIS projects.
• Support GIS analysis, data management, and cartography for CSFS projects.
• Attend meetings and provide status updates to the Program Manager.
• Maintain currency of GIS and remote sensing knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems through webinars and training.
• Provide oversight and guidance to seasonal and/or interns as needed.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• Co-author technical reports for collaborators and internal agency use, non-technical documents for policy-makers and the public, and scientific publications.
• Contribute to collaborations and discussions with agency partners to establish and develop applied research opportunities.
• Build networks of collaboration to contribute to applied research projects and/or identify research funding to build long-term research projects.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• A bachelor’s degree in GIS, remote sensing, geospatial science, data science or another natural resource or geography program.
• 3+ years of professional Remote Sensing/GIS and/or data science experience is required that can include a mix of remote sensing, geospatial modeling, statistical analysis, database management, knowledge of cartographic principles and standards, and mobile data collection.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master’s or higher degree in geospatial science, forestry, wildland fire science, natural resources, or related field.
• Knowledge and understanding of integrated GIS principles, systems, and technologies
• Programming experience, such as Python, R, and/or Google Earth Engine for spatial data processing and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience automating spatial analysis workflows across multiple data types (raster and vector data, tabular, and databases) and software platforms for remote sensing applications.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing and/or processing LiDAR data for remote sensing applications.
• Proficient in ESRI ArcGIS software, especially ArcGIS Pro.
• Proficiency in other imagery analysis software (ERDAS Imagine, eCognition, etc.) is a plus.
• Familiarity with UAVs/drones and their applications for remote sensing (aerial imagery, structure from motion, etc.)
• FAA Part 107 licensed pilot.
• Demonstrated experience in developing training materials and/or public presentations related to remote sensing/geospatial data and analysis concepts.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and effectively in teams and with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Innovative, enthusiastic, and creative in finding ways to meet and serve the public, problem solve, and provide technical assistance.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and at a high level of proficiency.
• Capable of effectively documenting accomplishments and record-keeping.
• Evidence of a commitment to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Salary/Pay: $65,000 – $70,000 Commensurate with experience

Application Deadline: January 8, 2024

How to Apply: Please use the online application to view the full job description as well as how to apply.