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Public Land Name:
BLM San Juan Islands National Monument

Position Title:
Habitat Mapping for Large Landscape Conservation

Agency: BLM

Position Type: GeoCorps

Position ID Number:
2015417

Location:
Lopez, WA

Accepting Applications?

# of current Applicants: 0

Position Description:
The incumbent will draw from existing landsat data, USGS NLCD Landcover, LiDARr, satellite and NAIP aerial imagery, to build out a complete database foundation and image set for public lands, 35,000 acres (1/3 of the landscape) of the San Juan Islands archipelago. This position will work from the BLM office but will integrate information from San Juan County, WA State Parks, the San Juan Preservation Trust, US Fish and Wildlife, and the National Park Service to accomplish the goals of this project.

Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
Maps for purposes of representation of required baseline data generation, science based decision-making, and interagency and community planning: Wildfire management data source Invasive species management Cultural Landscape Sustainable recreation design Rare and listed species habitat identification Trails and Travel Management

Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
Per Secretarial Directive of 2011, the BLM will act as lead to initiate and support the collaboration of Interior agencies on the San Juans for federal efficiencies in support of community goals, preservation of nationally significant resources, and infrasturcture for the social setting and economic foundations. In the last three years through the Terrestrial Managers Working Group, the BLM has advanced skills training, strategic planning, collaboration in stewardship and ecosystem based decisionmaking. In the past year BLM, NPS and FWS have initiated a discussion to establish a Service First agreement. This position would tap BLM specialists, as well as resource managers and data stewards from other agency and organizations to accomplish this overarching planning tool for the region.

Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
Specialists and experts in this region are already working closely to build out opportunities for conservation. A position similar to this one was partially funded several years ago to a nonprofit partner, during which time the BLM researched and compiled much of the desired information for this project. The deliverable of this project will come about through the relationships of existing partner. The geocorps intern will be connecting to each organization, to glean and and compile discreet records for a consistent overall map.

Leadership Development:

Presenting Project Results:

Physical/Natural Environment:
The monument is on 75 different locations around the San Juan Islands. The terrain is densely vegetated, rugged, rocky, and steep. The climate is cool and damp in spring and summer and can be cold and rainy in winter. Travel by water is common

Work Environment:
The candidate will work in a small, very busy office along with two other full time employees and a botanical specialist.

Qualifications:
Applicants should have a strong background in GIS data management. Mapping skills are essential, drawing from ArcGIS, and interpreting and spacial modeling of LiDAR. Ability to integrate GPS tracking into layers. Knowledge of the DNR's Natural Heritage "Plant Associations in Washington's Puget Trough Ecoregion" which this effort has been using thus far for the National Vegetation Classification system standard. Chappell in 2006 developed a key to the Plant Asssociations of the puget trough region which has been the basis for vegetation mapping on public lands in the San Juan Islands. Applicants should be able to work outdoor in inclement weather, carry up to 50 pounds, and be open to camping if necessary for data collection. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required. Because this position does not have a strong focus on the geosciences, if you wish to apply to it, but you are not a geoscience student and are not a GSA member, please contact Matt Dawson (mdawson@geosociety.org) at GSA to discuss alternative application methods, which can be done on a limited basis.

Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable):

Position Dates:
Flexible - between April and September 2015

Position Duration: 12 weeks, to be extended if funds are avaible

Hourly Wage: $3,000 (if duration is extended, additional stipend will be provided)

Housing Details:
On-site housing may be available but participant may need to arrange their own rentals. If a rental is required, a housing allowance of up to $500/mo. will be provided. A personal vehicle or bicycle is recommended, as the setting is rural.

If you have questions about the application and selection process, please contact GSA's GeoCorps managers.  If you have questions about any aspect of the position — description, qualifications, housing, dates — please direct them to the contact(s) listed in the project description. Remember, application materials can only be submitted online. The project contact(s) will not accept application materials sent to them via e-mail, mail, fax, etc. See the full program details at the GeoCorps homepage.

PRIMARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Marcia deChadenedes
Monument Manager
37 Washburn Lane
Lopez, WA 98261
 (360) 298-4302
 mdechade@blm.gov
Website

SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Nick Teague
Outdoor Rec Planner
37 Washburn Lane
Lopez, WA 98261
 (360) 468-3754
 gteague@blm.gov
Website