Company Background and Job Summary
Applied Ecology, Inc., a small, but rapidly expanding environmental consulting business, is seeking a highly motivated and qualified GIS Analyst with proven experience to join our growing team. The role focuses on integrating spatial analysis with planning applications to guide sustainable land use, infrastructure development, and regulatory compliance initiatives. The ideal candidate will apply GIS tools, analytical skills, and critical thinking to analyze natural resources and climate conditions, perform watershed modeling and landscape analyses and support federal, state, and local agency projects. This is an onsite position to support our Planning and Geospatial Service Line in the Melbourne, FL office.
AEI has three offices located in Florida (Orlando, Melbourne, and Tampa) and is a regional leader in managing water and natural resources, engineering, planning and geospatial applications. As a small business, we are involved in diverse yet challenging environmental research projects that require innovative approaches and out-of-the-box solutions. Our business provides a great opportunity for an individual passionate about research to solve real-world environmental problems while working with a highly qualified multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers and planners. This position is ideal for someone who prefers a high-energy environment working on diverse projects ranging from geospatial analyses of coastal changes, to identifying and evaluating habitat health, to estimating water column attributes.
The GIS Analyst Scientist hired for this position will apply geospatial knowledge to plan and design research to support policy and programs that address environmental problems. Qualified candidates must have demonstrated experience and expertise in remote sensing data, geospatial data processing, and application of spatial analyses to environmental issues in Florida and the southeastern US. Additional competency is desired in one or more areas including water quality, environmental compliance, coastal management, habitat and species monitoring, resiliency and adaptation planning, shoreline restoration and monitoring, and/or environmental protection policies and programs. In this role, the qualified candidate will have the opportunity to further develop their professional skills, and work on exciting small and large-scale projects. The ideal candidate has a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in utilizing GIS applications to perform spatial analyses, solid technical writing skills, and is a great communicator and collaborator.
Interested applicants, please submit a cover letter and resume addressed to Kelsey Mack, AICP Planning and Geospatial Services Manager, Applied Ecology, Inc.
Responsibilities
- Performs spatial analyses including identifying, downloading, and manipulating remotely sensed and other spatial data, organizing data files appropriately, integrating data into ArcGIS for analyses, using and developing indices for interpretation, implementing appropriate analytical methods, and succinctly writing results that resonate with receiving audiences.
- Understands and applies the capabilities of GIS, databases, and other computer programs to solve, present, and display complex spatial and relational data/problems.
- Develops geospatial analysis procedures and workflows to produce accurate, well-documented work products that are clear, consistent, and reproducible.
- Effectively organizes, writes, and edits technical reports, user guides, peer review summaries, data collection memos, and other technical documents. Writes analytical methods and technical documents so they are understandable to lay readers and accurately represent processes and results.
- Assists with implementing, documenting, and accurately recording data collected using an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS, aka. drone).
- Utilizes remote sensing data collected via drone (UAS), aerial, and satellite to evaluate water conditions and flows, estimate ChlA in water, and classify vegetative communities.
- Interprets remote sensing data to evaluate water, vegetation, and habitat conditions, identify submerged aquatic vegetation, and apply other novel approaches to interpret remote sensing data using custom or known algorithms like the NDVI, NDCI, NDWI, etc.
- Conducts remote sensing field data collection safely, documented accurately, and in compliance with applicable protocols and standard operating procedures.
- Develops appropriate field validation monitoring for infrastructure assessment projects and prepares databases for field data collection using FieldMaps and other GIS data collection applications.
- Coordinates multidisciplinary research teams to design research and field sampling methods to solve real-world environmental problems.
- Supports Sr. Project Managers by assisting with scopes of work and GIS workflow development.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution in Geography, GIS, Remote Sensing, Environmental Science, Engineering, Geology, Natural Resources or similar with Masters degree preferred.
- 2 years of experience in spatial data analysis and/or remote sensing.
- Experience with non-spatial data analysis and/or technical reporting.
- A valid Florida Driver's license is required, and a clean driving record must be maintained.
- Must be able to pass drug testing and a background check.
- Ability to work on DOD contracts (US citizenship required).
- UAV Remote Pilot Certification (or ability to get certified within 6 months)
Preferred Qualifications
- 5 years of experience in spatial data analysis and/or remote sensing.
- 3 years of UAV experience (data acquisition, processing, and scope development).
- LiDAR processing experience.
- Experience in satellite data, including ESA sensors, data processing and applications.
- GIS Professional Certificate (GISP) or ASPRS certifications.
- Graduate degree in related fields.
- GIS and/or data analysis experience in water resource management, ecological applications, and resilience/vulnerability assessments.
- Experience performing field reconnaissance and using GPS enabled survey equipment.
- Experience in python scripting in the GIS framework.
- Public sector project experience (state, local, and federal government).
- Experience presenting data and final products to technical peers and/or clients.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
- Expertise with spatial data management, large dataset QA/QC, spatial analysis technologies, process design and modeling, server and web GIS technologies.
- Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
- In-depth understanding of geospatial analysis techniques, tools and software.
- Possesses effective analytical, critical thinking skills.
- Is highly motivated to learn and contribute to the growing Planning and Geospatial Services Line.
- Proficiency using the Microsoft Office suite with expertise using Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and familiarity with Access.
- Able to work in the field in various weather conditions, lift heavy equipment (30 pounds), and stand, bend, twist, and walk for 8 hours a day.
- Able to organize and prioritize time to execute multiple projects effectively.
- Able to peer review and quality assure final data products created by the geospatial team.
- Detail-oriented and takes pride in delivering high-quality work.
- Exhibits professional, courteous demeanor.
Applied Ecology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our firm is committed through responsible management policies to recruit, hire, promote, train, transfer, compensate, and administer all other personnel actions without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, status as a protected veteran and any other factor prohibited under applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws, rules, and regulations.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
