Gis/Aerial Photography Specialist - Research Analysis Specialist

At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Working Title: GIS/Aerial Photography Specialist
Job Class: Research Analysis Specialist
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $25.25 - $37.02 / hourly; $52,722 - $77,297 / annually
• FLSA Status: Exempt-Professional
• Division/Unit: Forestry
• Date Posted: 05/01/2023
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Closing Date: 05/22/2023

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This positng will be utilized to fill one (1) position will have the option to report to one (1) of the following locations: Grand Rapids, Duluth, or St. Paul.

The Research Analyst Specialist performs Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing work for the Division of Forestry Resource Assessment (RA) program.

Duties include:

• Troubleshoot GIS & image processing software and streamline office procedures through programming when appropriate.
• Assist the Research Analysis Specialist Senior positions to: extend GIS software capabilities through programming to extract natural resource information not readily available from standard software products, streamline existing product creation, support and enhance existing RA projects and infrastructure, and extend cartographic capabilities.
• Make presentations at public meetings or professional gatherings.
• Geoprocessing both raster and vector geospatial data using GIS and remote sensing techniques to support program inventory and assessment projects.
• Statewide acquisition of aerial photography in a fixed-wing aircraft.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a full-time or part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Human relations skills sufficient to assign and monitor the work of staff; resolve problems with clients, the public, and other employees; and represent the division on committees and task forces.
• Bachelor's degree in GIS or Natural Resources, or closely related discipline.
• Knowledge of GIS techniques and applications used in Natural Resource Management, Cartographic skills, and Geospatial data/database collection, analysis, trouble shooting, and distribution techniques.
• Ability to work with multiple software packages, identify and implement new techniques pertinent to resource assessment and inventory, and operate in Microsoft Windows computer environment.
• Three (3) years of professional experience with GIS and/or Remote Sensing data and products, including a demonstrated proficiency with industry standard software and knowledge of theory and practical applications of GIS and Photogrammetry. *An advanced degree as defined above could count as one year of experience.*
• Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations, and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation.
• Ability to acquire and manipulate aerial photography, perform field work and ground truthing (which may be in remote areas or inclement weather), and keep current with changing GIS and image processing software & techniques while in a production-oriented environment.
• Communication skills sufficient to clearly communicate complex concepts and principles to other resource professionals and the public in verbal and written format.
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to work as a productive member of a team.
• Experience in project management including project planning, organization, and implementation.
• High level of organizational skills with an ability to prioritize, coordinate, and manage multiples tasks and projects.
• Ability to learn new technology and process such as how to acquire aerial photography.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Python programming language or other scripting languages.
• Knowledge of Department and Division policies, procedures and operating guidelines and State of Minnesota statutes pertaining to natural resources management.
• Advanced degree in Geography Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, Earth & Space Science, or Forestry with an emphasis in GIS.
• Experience and demonstrated proficiency with a variety of remotely sensed data such as lidar, aerial photography, or multi-spectral satellite imagery.
• Experience acquiring and manipulating aerial photography.
• Ability to design and apply statistically valid, spatially distributed samples, and run statistical analyses.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties.

Requires the ability to ride in a small, fixed wing airplane for five to eight hours consecutively.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record.

It is policy of the Department of the Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Education/License Verification
• SEMA4 Records Check
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Dennis Kepler at [email protected] or 218-322-2512.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Nicole Tefft at [email protected].

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Vision coverage
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Public pension plan
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Wellness programs and resources
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employer paid life insurance
• Dependent care spending account
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Training and professional development
• Prescription drug coverage
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid parental leave
• Paid vacation and sick leave

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and indicate what assistance is needed.