Salary: $19.86 - $30.00 Hourly
Location : Salt Lake County, UT
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 42988
Agency: 560 Department of Natural Resources
Unit: 3910 DNR UGS GROUNDWATER
Opening Date: 10/16/2024
Closing Date: 11/3/2024 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Recruiter: Karen Weir / 801-538-7425 / kweir@utah.gov
# of Openings: 1
Location: 1594 W. North TempleSalt Lake City, UT 84114
Schedule Code: TL - Time Limited - This is a career service exempt at will position.
Benefits: This position is eligible for a full benefits package. See benefits tab below for details.
Driver License Requirements: Employees hired for this recruitment will be subject to the Driver Eligibility standards found at the following link: https://adminrules.utah.gov/public/search/driver%20eligibility/Current%20Rules
EEO Statement: The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, dial 711 or TTY: 800-346-4128.
Job DescriptionJob Title: Wetlands Specialist (Program Specialist I)Job Description:Would you like to have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues on wetland-related research projects that match your interests and skills? The Utah Geological Survey is looking for a Wetland Ecologist to assist with wetland mapping, data analysis, reporting, and other wetland assessment projects. They would join the Groundwater and Wetlands Program, a congenial team of scientists conducting multidisciplinary studies. We provide unbiased, rigorous scientific data and interpretations that are used by local, state, and federal officials and the Public to make informed natural resource management decisions. As a team, we have a range of scientific backgrounds and interests, are intellectually curious and enthusiastic, and support professional development and growth. The Wetlands Mapper will work on a variety of wetland projects with a primary focus on wetland mapping. Duties will include digitizing and classifying wetland polygons, collecting field validation data, writing mapping report, and presenting results to audiences with varied scientific backgrounds. You will also spend approximately four weeks per year maintaining a network of wetland piezometers in a remote location in western Utah. Work will primarily be conducted in the office with occasional day trips and overnights stays in the field.
Principal Duties:As the Wetlands Ecologist you will:
- Use photo interpretation techniques to identify, classify, and map wetlands in GIS
- Review mapping data from colleagues and participate in mapping group discussions
- Help produce written reports and other outreach material such as presentations or Experience Builder apps to communicate project results
- Apply existing Python or R workflows to process data, conduct statistical analyses, or automate workflows
- Assist with fieldwork on wetland mapping and assessment projects
- Collaborate with colleagues on other wetland-related research projects.
The Ideal Candidate:The ideal candidate for this position will have foundational knowledge of wetland ecology and watershed sciences, but also demonstrate broad interest in Utah's natural resources and furthering the Utah Geological Survey's mission to provide timely and accurate scientific information. The ideal candidate for the Wetland Ecologist position will demonstrate the following qualities:
- B.S. or B.A. or higher in ecology, biology, geography, geology, or related field.
- Proficiency in Geographic Information System (GIS) software to digitize features and conduct spatial analyses
- Familiarity with wetland classification schemes including Cowardin, hydrogeomorphic, and LLWW (landscape position, landform, water flow path, and waterbody type).
- Attention to detail, ability to manage complex datasets, and effective problem-solving to improve existing workflows.
- Experience using R, Python, or JavaScript to process data and automate simple GIS or data management tasks.
- Experience conducting remote sensing analyses with satellite imagery
- Experience producing both technical reports and outreach material for the general public.
- Experience with wetland sampling methods and a willingness to work in various field conditions.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, government agencies, and the public.
Why you should join our team:The Utah Geological Survey's Groundwater and Wetlands Program staff is highly motivated, conducts rigorous multidisciplinary applied science throughout Utah, and features a friendly, supportive, and enthusiastic working environment. We are fully engaged in providing data and analyses to help address Utah's critical wetlands and groundwater issues. Projects are multidisciplinary and require field work, data analyses, and report writing. Working at UGS provides an unmatched opportunity to conduct applied wetland research while enjoying a work-life balance that affords ample time for family, cultural, and outdoor activities. The State of Utah provides generous benefits and retirement package, as well as ample vacation and sick leave.
Below is a summary of the benefits offered to state employees:Health Insurance - Public Employee Health Program (PEHP):
- 3 medical plan options. Choose a Traditional or High Deductible Health Plan.
- There is an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those who have other medical insurance coverage.
- 5 dental plan options, with an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those who have other dental insurance coverage.
- 4 vision plan options under EyeMed or OptiCare
Retirement - Utah Retirement Systems (URS):
- Employees who have any service credit with an employer covered by the Utah Retirement Systems before 7/1/2011 are in the Tier I Public Employees System.
- Employees hired on or after 7/1/2011 and who have never been in the URS retirement system have two options for retirement in the Tier II System.
- Tier 2 Hybrid Retirement System. Employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of your salary between both plans (pension and 401(k))
- Tier 2 Defined Contribution Plan. Employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of your salary to a 401(k) plan only.
- Employer contributions to your 401(k) are vested after four years.
Paid Time Off:
- Annual leave and sick leave are accrued at 4 hours per pay period each (4 hours annual, 4 hours sick).
- Annual leave amounts increase with years of service.
- We have 12 paid holidays.
The Division Click for more information about the Utah Geological Survey
Qualifications Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- B.S./B.A. or higher in ecology, watershed science, biology, geography, or related field
- Coursework and/or working experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Experience writing technical scientific reports (e.g., thesis, capstone projects, contribution to larger technical reports like NEPA documents) and outreach material for the general public (presentations, posters, ESRI apps like StoryMaps or ExperienceBuilder)
- Familiarity with R, Python, or JavaScript programming languages
- Attention to detail, ability to manage complex datasets, and effective problem-solving to improve existing workflows
- At least one season of natural resources fieldwork
- Familiarity with wetland classification schemes including Cowardin, hydrogeomorphic, and LLWW (landscape position, landform, water flow path, and waterbody type).
- Experience using R, Python, JavaScript, or any other programming language to process data and automate simple GIS or data management tasks
- Experience conducting remote sensing analyses with satellite imagery like Sentinel, Planet, and Landsat
- Multiple seasons of field experience conducting field surveys in wetlands
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, government agencies, and the public.
Supplemental Information Working conditions:
- Work will be performed in various environments including standard office conditions to working outdoors, including in remote locations.
- Periodic and sometimes strenuous fieldwork is required, including walking and hiking in both hot and cold weather conditions and flat to steep terrain, as well as lifting and carrying moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs).
- Work may require some physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or similar activities.
- Willingness to occasionally work long hours and unusual schedules in the field
- Valid driver's license required
- Field work may occasionally include multi-day travel away from the office.
- Typical work schedule: 40 hours/week, flexible, with longer hours on field days
Please note, that a position's eligibility for remote work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason
Benefits:The State of Utah offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for a detailed information page: To access a Total Compensation Calculator in Excel format click
FMLA General Notice: (right click + open link in new tab)
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01
Applicants for this recruitment will be rated based on their answers to the supplemental questions listed below. It is imperative that information provided on the application and work history are detailed and clearly outline your work experience & skills. Your work history must support and/or match answers to the supplemental questions. Failure to include your work history in your profile will result in disqualification from further consideration.
You are also required to attach a cover letter to your application profile in the attachments area.
I acknowledge that I have read the statements above.
02
Preference will be given to candidates with a Bachelor's degree in ecology, watershed science, biology, geography, or a related field, and additional preference to candidates with a Master's degree in a related field or at least two years of directly relevant experience.
Select your highest level of education and your highest years of experience.
Select 2 maximum - High School diploma or equivalent
- Associate degree in a related field
- Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field
- BS or higher in Ecology/Geography/Geology or a directly related field
- MS or higher in Ecology/Geography/Geology or a directly related field
- 2 years of directly related experience
- 5 or more years directly related experience
- None of the above
03
How much experience do you have conducting field work outdoors in wetland systems? If you have experience with field work in non-wetland systems, mark the appropriate response as well.
- Less than three months of natural resources field experience
- Three to six months of natural resources field experience in non-wetland systems
- Three to six months of field experience in wetland systems OR more than six months of natural resources field experience in non-wetland systems
- More than six months of field experience in wetland systems
04
Select your level of experience using Geographic Information System (GIS) software to produce data, conduct analyses, or develop maps, apps, or other informational material.
- No experience or unfamiliar with any GIS software
- Experience using GIS only during coursework or other instructed environment
- Up to six months of professional experience
- Over six months of professional experience OR experience applying GIS to thesis or capstone research projects.
05
If you answered "No experience" to the question above type N/A in the space provided.
If your answer to the question above was something other than "No experience" provide BRIEF DETAILS of your GIS experience by listing the length of your experience and typical GIS projects.
06
Select your level of knowledge of programming languages like Python, R, or JavaScript to automate or conduct simple data management or Geographic Information System (GIS) tasks.
- No experience
- Limited knowledge (brief exposure)
- Moderate knowledge (some professional experience)
- Advanced knowledge (substantial professional experience)
07
If you answered "No experience" to the question above type N/A in the space provided.
If your answer to the question above was something other than "No experience" provide BRIEF DETAILS of what programming languages you have used and in what context you have used them.
08
Select your level of experience writing reports for both technical and general audiences.
- No experience
- Experience writing reports as part of academic coursework
- Up to six months of professional experience OR preparing report for thesis or capstone research project.
- Over six months of professional experience OR publishing peer-reviewed reports.
09
If you answered "No experience" to the question above type N/A in the space provided.
If your answer to the question above was something other than "No experience" provide BRIEF DETAILS of both your overall experience and the types of reports you've prepared.
10
How much experience do you have conducting wetland, riparian, or other ecological research or technical studies like wetland delineations? Include both professional experience and experience from academic research.
- No experience
- Experience only coursework or other instructed environment
- At least six months of professional or academic experience
- Over six months of professional experience or academic experience.
11
If you answered "No experience" to the question above type N/A in the space provided.
If your answer to the question above was something other than "No experience" provide BRIEF DETAILS of your experience conducting wetland, riparian, or other ecological research.
12
Please indicate how you heard about this specific job posting.
- State of Utah job site (www.governmentjobs.com/careers/utah)
- Referred by a Friend or Family
- Indeed
- Other External Job Board or Site
- LinkedIn
- Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
- DWS job website (www.jobs.utah.gov)
- Advertisement (Digital Ad, Billboard, Print, etc.)
- Professional Network (Association, Membership, Work Colleague)
- University Network (Handshake, School Job Board, Career Center, etc.)
- Contacted by a Recruiter
- Career or Job Fair
- Internship
- Interviewed for different position
- Internal communications (Agency/Division, etc.)
- Other (not listed above)
Required Question