Forestry GIS Analyst – Wildland Fire Protection Emphasis

Job Description: Forestry GIS Analyst – Wildland Fire Protection Emphasis 30% Expand the Bureau of Forest Protection’s Structure Zone Mapping project. Assist program and field staff by working on setting standards that will be used throughout the state for Structure Zone Mapping. Work with field staff and county land information offices to obtain GIS data layers necessary to complete Structure Zone Maps. County information will include roads, water points, addresses, and assessed values of structures. Structure location will be acquired through high resolution digital orthophotos. Staff information includes the placement of zones based on clusters of development. Maintain statewide layers of all zone information for program use. 20% Work with the Division’s GIS Specialists and regional staff specialists to standardize the Incident Manage Team (IMT) data structure and training for use during an incident. This could include data gathering, testing software for use in the field, identifying common naming conventions and locations for data storage. 20% Lead the Bureau of Forest Protection in GIS mapping within the Communities at Risk (CAR) project. Finalize a spatial database of the Wildland-urban Interface areas by doing a multi criteria weighted analysis using existing datasets. These existing datasets include; census housing data, WISCLAND Landcover, historic fire occurrence data. This project includes the establishment of a baseline map which will provide visual information from which community members can assess and make recommendations regarding wildfire protection and risk-reduction priorities. The position will work with other fire control agencies across the state, including the US Forest Service, US Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and local fire departments to ensure the accuracy of the CAR mapping criteria. 15% Provide technical advice on field data collection techniques with GPS units. Advice includes trouble shooting as well as assisting in training sessions to assure staff proficiency in global positioning techniques and GIS software. 10% Represent the Bureau of Forest Protection on the Aerial Photo Team. 5% Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Required: Working knowledge of Wisconsin Land Information. Knowledge of emergency management, Wisconsin Land Cover, forestry, and fire management is also desirable. Must be able to communicate effectively with colleagues inexperienced in GIS. Knowledge of the concepts, functionality, and appropriate applications of GIS software. Knowledge of the specific functionality, operation, and appropriate applications of the ArcGIS (9.x) and ArcView (3.x) GIS software and graphic design/output software. Knowledge of the concepts and execution of GIS data analysis, and how to effectively apply these methodologies to natural resource applications. Knowledge of the types and sources of GIS data, and the methods used to compile and incorporate those data into cartographic and analysis projects. Knowledge of remote sensing technologies including digital imagery, ground control and aerial photography use in natural resources. Knowledge of the concepts, functionality, and applications of GPS technology in natural resource management. Knowledge of the specific functionality, operation, and appropriate applications of the Garmin and Trimble GPS including Pathfinder Office software. Knowledge of Input / Output modeling techniques. Knowledge of Wisconsin forest resources.