Organization: NorthTree Fire International
Title: Wildfire Mapping GIS Cowboy
Location: Western USA
Application Deadline:
Posted: 2008-03-18

Position Description:

Background

NorthTree Fire International (NTFI) provides wildland fire equipment and personnel for emergency response and recovery. NTFI GIS specialists provide innovative mapping solutions for Incident Management and Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation Teams during major wildland fires and other emergency incidents across the American West.

NorthTree Fire International is accepting applications for Mobile GIS Trailer Managers for the 2008 season. This is a call-when-needed position, with no guarantee of assignments or minimum term of employment. However, if we do have assignments, you will make good money.

Job Description
Successful applicants will staff Mobile GIS Mapping Trailers on wildfire incidents, natural disasters, and other emergencies. GIS-related tasks may include the design and production of map atlases, briefing maps, terrain analysis products, satellite imagery, and other GIS products as requested. Other general tasks include towing generators and trailers, ordering supplies, completing daily invoices, repairing computer hardware, solving network and satellite internet problems, and maintaining a cheerful and positive presence under non-negotiable deadlines.

Requirements
This job often requires deadline-driven-dead-reckoning across choppy GIS seas. A diverse background in all aspects of GIS/Cartography is required. Skills in latenight HP Plotter sweet-talking, an unflappable demeanor, and strong personal stress management skills will help you excel in this job. While a 4 year degree in resource management, geography, or forestry with coursework in GIS or Remote Sensing is preferred, 2 years of professional GIS experience are required, and production cartography or design experience is a big plus. Wildfire experience and current wildfire qualifications are desirable.

NOTE: THIS CAN BE A VERY DEMANDING JOB!
IF YOU B.S. YOUR WAY INTO THIS POSITION, YOU ARE GUARANTEED A VERY DIFFICULT AND UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE! However, if you enjoy producing under pressure as a member of a high-functioning organization, this job can be both rewarding and fun.

A solid familiarily with ESRI ArcMap software is required, ArcInfo/GRID analysis experience, Avenue/AML script writing and Visual Basic skills are desirable but not mandatory. Photoshop, large format printing, and other graphic design skills are appreciated. A large personal library of energetic and tolerable music is a plus.

All candidates will be required to complete a practical GIS skills test as part of the application process in order to assess technical ability.

Availability
Successful applicants must be available for 14 day assignments between July and October. Work is in 16 hour shifts for up to 14 days. Tent camping is required on many assignments, travel expenses are paid by NTFI. We are especially interested in hiring people who can be available on very short notice (within 6-12 hours) between July 15th and September 15th.

Responding to this Announcement
We are now hiring for 3-5 positions on our roster. To apply, follow these steps:

1. Download and fill out an NTFI Employment Application
2. Fill out, sign, and mail to:

NorthTree Fire
PO Box 863
Marina, CA 93933
Attn: Human Resources

3. Send an email introduction and resume to gis@northtreefire.com
You may attach samples of your mapping work, but web links to sample work are preferred.

Please respond only via email. No unsolicited telephone calls please.