Salary: $17.86 - $22.32 Hourly
Location : Missoula Mountain Campus
Job Type: Temporary Hourly Staff
Job Number: 202400692
Department: O'Connor Ctr for the Rocky Mtn West, University of Montana
Opening Date: 05/19/2026
Closing Date: 6/10/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Non-Exempt
DescriptionThe Wetland Photo Interpreter is responsible for developing and managing geospatial datasets that document and model species, habitats, landscapes, and impacts, notably wetland and riparian habitats, and for making the data available to support effective resource management and conservation. The Wetland Photo Interpreter uses ArcGIS Pro software to digitize and rectify wetland and riparian polygons on digital imagery and creates and manages an associated ArcGIS geodatabase with tabular data that attributes wetland and riparian polygons according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands Inventory standards. The Wetland Photo Interpreter will also maintain related hard-copy documentation and implement quality control procedures.
This position requires well-developed GIS and geodatabase skills as well as a background in ecology or a related field. The person in this position is supervised by the Wetland Mapping Project Manager. The position is funded by contracts and grants.
We encourage individuals with relevant skills and a strong desire to learn to apply for this position, even if you don't fully meet all listed qualifications. These positions are an excellent opportunity to develop skills and significant training is provided.
Minimum QualificationsTechnical Skills- Create and acquire new data
- Develop spatial datasets
- Experience interpreting aerial imagery
- Experience digitizing in GIS
- Demonstrate careful attention to detail, and strong organizational skills
- Ability to follow established mapping protocols
- Carry out data quality checks
- Proficient in ESRI ArcGIS Pro, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, Sharepoint)
Professional Skills- Communicate effectively and professionally with project managers and coworkers, providing and obtaining needed information
- Function productively and respectfully as a member of a project or work team
- Accept guidance and constructive criticism from peers and supervisors; willingness to learn and incorporate suggested changes
- Manage time independently and meet deadlines
- Resolve interpersonal conflict
- Ability to travel for some field work as needed
Preferred Qualifications- A bachelor's degree in ecology, natural resources management, geography or related subject
- Coursework in GIS
- Training or coursework using ESRI ArcGIS Pro
Additional InformationCompensation Title: Mapping TechUnion: FOCUS-MFPEWork Schedule: Temporary (<6 months) - 0.75-1.0 FTE (30-40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Probationary Period: Six (6) months minimum
Benefits Include: Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Screening of applications will begin after the closing date. Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration.A complete application includes:- Letter of Interest- addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as "Dear Search Committee" or "Dear Hiring Manager" is acceptable.
- Detailed Resume- listing education and describing work experience
- Three (3) Professional References- names and contact information
The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM's non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans' or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.
Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.
Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.
The University of Montana offers a wide variety of benefits. Please visit the for full information or contact our office if you have additional questions.
