December 20, 2024
collecting data

Working Lands Conservation

GIS & Remote Sensing Technician - 1 Position Available

Description

We are looking for a hardworking and enthusiastic individual to help with our summer 2025 field season. Our project examines how livestock grazing affects riparian health and extent on public rangelands in Rich County, Utah.

Major Duties

The Technician will lead WLC in mapping riverscape features & collecting data on riparian vegetation:

  • Map the current extent of riparian plant communities and stream channel on-the-ground using a GPS device and remotely via high resolution imagery
  • Find and utilize pre-existing models to analyze historical climate and riparian extent
  • Generate map products of the riparian areas and riverscape morphology using remotely-sensed imagery, elevation data, and mapped layers
  • Make & document decisions regarding GIS & remote sensing techniques & products
  • Communicate results with land managers, scientists, and stakeholders at conferences and workshops

Qualifications

  • Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at USU’s Quinney College of Natural Resources
  • Experience, or interest, in rangeland & riparian health
  • Demonstrable experience with GIS and point cloud processing software (ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Earth Engine, Cloud Compare, python, SQL) & remotely-sensed platforms (Landsat, Sentinel, NAIP)
  • Experience working alone in the field, as well as on a crew
  • Comfortable working in cold to hot conditions, carrying >10lbs of gear, up to 10 hrs/day
  • Effective communicator, detail-oriented, & organized problem-solver

Salary: $21

Dates: May 12th to August 22nd, four 10-hour days/week

 Credits/Honors

Successful applicants are required to enroll for 1 credit each in NR 4151 (in the Spring 2025 2nd 7-week session) and NR 4152 (in the Fall 1st 7-week session). Successful applicants may also enroll for up to 3 summer credit hours during the internship; Honors Program participants may enroll for points. Individuals would work with a USU advisor to develop and complete an academic assignment during the internship.

Location

During fieldwork the Technician will stay at a research station in Randolph, UT. Housing in Randolph will be covered by WLC; the Technician will provide their own food. The rest of the time, the Technician will work locally in WLC's Logan office (lodging not provided in Logan).

Apply to the QCNR summer internship program here

Application Deadline: We will accept applications until positions are filled. First review is January 29th