Senior Writer (WRITER, SR)

This position is located in: Tahoe Environmental Research Center, Lake Tahoe and is not represented by a union. Working hours: M-F, 8-5.

This External position is for UCD/UCDHS employees and the general public. Applications from the general public and UCD/UCDHS employees will be considered simultaneously.

This position is with the Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) of the John Muir Institute of the Environment. The approximately 30 UCD personnel that comprise the TERC include graduate students, postgraduate researchers, Staff Research Associates I-II-III-IV, Academic Federation research faculty, and Academic Senate faculty. Offices and laboratory facilities are located in the Tahoe basin and on the Davis campus. For more information on TERC visit the TERC website at http://johnmuir.ucdavis.edu/research/centers/terc.html. Position will be based in the Tahoe basin and report directly to the Director of the TERC, the Education and Outreach Coordinator of the TERC, and the Executive Director of the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC). The CTC is a California state agency, based in South Lake Tahoe, which works to protect and enhance the natural environment of the Lake Tahoe Basin, including the exceptional clarity and quality of the waters of the Lake, and the broad diversity of wildlife habitat around the lake; and to increase public access and recreational opportunities within the Basin.

Responsibilities: Under direction of the Director of the Tahoe Environmental Research Center, the incumbent will assist the California Tahoe Conservancy and TERC in maintaining Geographical Information System (GIS) capabilities. The employee will acquire appropriate data sets from various sources and create and maintain metadata for all Conservancy data sets. The employee will use ESRI ArcGIS, ArcIMS, ArcSDE and Trimble Global Positioning (GPS) software to create and update GIS Geo-datasets and files as appropriate to ensure that the most current data are readily available to Conservancy and TERC staff in real time. The employee will also foster relationships, GIS data sharing initiatives and data acquisition with partner agencies and research institutions and conduct data and spatial analysis as needed. Conduct spatial analysis of multiple data sets in support of Conservancy programs and projects. Develop standardized map templates and other GIS map products.

Requirements: Knowledge of principles and concepts of geography, cartography, and computer mapping; techniques of spatial analysis that involve geo-database files and proximity analysis; familiarity with various map products provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, including digital formats; familiarity with map projections and coordinate systems that relate to spatial analysis. Knowledge of research methods and techniques, including planning of studies and investigations, statistical procedures, general principles, concepts and terminology used in research in order to gather data produced by independent survey teams for importation into GIS or AutoCAD. The studies, objectives and conclusions may be based on spatial analysis of natural resource management and land use planning. Extensive experience using ESRI ArcGIS, ArcIMS, ArcSDE and AutoCAD software suites and the techniques and methodologies associated with geographic information systems, including mapped and tabular data and coordinate systems. Knowledge and experience with the maintenance of software in a networked computer environment. Experience creating high quality map products, working with graphical designs and other visual reproductions for public presentation and distribution. Knowledge of statistical analysis using a combination of GIS and Microsoft Excel. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing utilizing a broad base of verbal and writing skills with special emphasis on the ability to provide information relative to projects, data, and methodology. Ability to act as a project and program lead to help others with GIS skills development. Skills to adapt and perform spatial analysis techniques and methods in complex problems involving mapped information. Skills to perform research and statistical studies involving various types of digital spatial data. Skills to translate historic geographic data into ArcGIS geodata format. Skills to gather and interpret data dealing with complex problems and situations that may require the use of complex math or mathematical analysis. Special Conditions of Employment: Non smoking work environment. Valid CA driver’s license required. Work overtime and occasionally on weekends as needed, usually on short notice to meet operational needs. Physical Requirements: Position requires lifting up to 25 lbs. Ability to operate a variety of office machines including a copier, fax machine, personal computers, workstations and peripheral equipment. Ability to use fine and gross motor coordination in data and keyboard entry, and manipulating a mouse. Ability to perform on-site field inspections that require exertion of a moderate amount of physical effort to walk, climb, and lift over irregular and sometimes steep terrain to perform assigned duties; may be subject to uncomfortable working conditions including exposure to dust, heat, or cold; requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements such as operation of a motor vehicle. Ability to perceive and discriminate between similarities and differences in texture, form and color.