GIS Planning Assistant Position, Inland Sensitivity Atlas Project

GIS and Planning Assistant
Inland Sensitivity Atlas Project

Summary

The Upper Mississippi River Basin Association (UMRBA) is seeking a detail-oriented individual for an interagency oil spill contingency planning and mapping effort. Ongoing since 1992, the Inland Sensitivity Atlas project covers the six states of US EPA Region 5 (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI) and adjacent portions of other states. Having produced initial sensitivity maps for the entire area, the project is now focused on updating and enhancing this library of maps, and applying the Atlas to related planning efforts. The project is a team effort led by US EPA in collaboration with UMRBA and the Great Lakes Commission. Additional project information is available at: www.umrba.org/isa.htm.

Position Description
The GIS and Planning Assistant will participate in the production of digital atlases. The Assistant will also update data on environmental, economic, and cultural resources, as well as potential spill sources, using a variety of techniques, including data verification surveys. Other duties include updating spill response plans, general coordination assistance, and participation in related meetings.

Hours: 40 hours per week

Term of Employment: Through March 31, 2013

This is a temporary position. Extension beyond 3/31/13 is funding-contingent.

Wage Range: $15.50 to $16.50 per hour

Benefits: Paid leave (available after 3 months of service), paid holidays, and 403(b)
retirement plan (employee contributions only)

Application Deadline: April 23, 2012

Qualifications
 Undergraduate degree or substantial coursework in geography, natural resources, planning, public health, public policy, or related fields.
 Excellent computer skills, with proficiency in GIS, word processing, and data management applications, including ESRI ArcGIS, Microsoft Access, Adobe Acrobat, and Microsoft Word. Familiarity with TerraGo GeoPDF production software is preferred.
 Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
 Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and meet scheduled deadlines.
 Ability to work independently and take on additional responsibilities over time.
 Ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve information technology problems.
 Some familiarity with natural resource and chemical contaminant issues is desired.

To Apply
Submit a resume, brief writing sample, and map sample to:

Dave Hokanson, Water Quality Program Director
Upper Mississippi River Basin Association
408 St. Peter Street, Suite 415
St. Paul, MN 55102
dhokanson@umrba.org

Email applications are welcome. Please submit resume, writing sample, and map sample as attachments to your email. All requested materials must be received for your application to be considered complete.

About the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association (UMRBA)
UMRBA is a non-profit organization formed in 1981 by the Governors of the five Upper Mississippi River states – Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. The Association provides a forum for discussion and collective action on regional water resource issues. UMRBA’s activities span a broad range of issues, including habitat rehabilitation, resource monitoring, commercial navigation, flood risk management, and water quality.

See www.umrba.org for more information.