Training Announcement: AK Hydro Editing and Workflow Training

THIS TRAINING IS FULL!

Please join us for a free, hands-on training of Alaska's hydrography stewardship model, the Alaska Hydrography Database (AK Hydro).

Location: AK DNR TIPS Training Room, Anchorage, AK
Date(s): February 3-5, 2014

Attendees will gain exposure to the standards and workflows required to participate in the statewide hydrography collaboration, as well as get hands-on experience editing and contributing updates to both AK Hydro and the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD). If you're interested in updating hydrography data in Alaska, then this training is for you!

This training is sponsored by the Alaska Hydrography Technical Working Group (AHTWG). For more information about AHTWG, please visit http://seakgis.alaska.edu/ahtwg/.

For more information about the training or to sign up, please contact Becci Anderson at rdanderson@usgs.gov.

Click here for the training flyer.

Event Announcement: ASPRS Accuracy Standards Update

Organization: ASPRS
Comment Period: December 12 - February 1, 2014.

CLICK HERE to view the PDF version of the ASPRS Accuracy Standard Update.


Dr. Dave Maune will be giving a web presentation for the April 2014 AAUG/URISA meeting about the new ASPRS Accuracy Standards for Digital Geospatial Data, the major new standards that replace the ASPRS Accuracy Standards for Large-Scale Maps (1990) designed for paper maps only. Dave is the lead author of these new ASPRS standards.

The draft standards are presented for public comment in the December, 2013 issue of PE&RS (see link at the top of this annoucement). All comments on the draft ASPRS accuracy standards are due by February 1st, after which there may be changes to the final standards as a result of the feedback received. The final standards are to be approved by the ASPRS Executive Committee during the ASPRS Annual Conference, March 24th-28th.

Comments should be forwarded via email to AccuracyStandard@asprs.org no later than February 1, 2014. The current plan is to review all comments and finalize the document for ASPRS Board approval in March 2014.

Dr. David Maune is the Senior Remote Sensing Project Manager at Dewberry Consultants LLC, headquartered in Fairfax, VA. He is an ASPRS Fellow and a charter member of the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC) which advises the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC).

Training Announcement: Alaska HAZUS Overview

Organization: FEMA
Location: Anchorage, AK
Date(s): January 7-8, 2014

This course is designed to provide an overview of HAZUS tools such as CDMS and the earthquake and flood models. This course will provide each user with necessary requirements to update HAZUS with local data and complete flood and earthquake analysis using ShakeMaps and flood depth grids.

Course Description Document

For more information, please contact Kelly Stone at kelly.stone@fema.dhs.gov or call 425-487-4636.

Deadline to apply is December 16.

Job Posting: GIS Specialist

Organization: Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Location: Palmer, AK
Closing Date: 12/05/2013

Online Job Announcement

Position Description Document

The employee occupying the position of this class is responsible for creating, editing, and maintaining GIS data; producing maps, reports, illustrations, and charts of GIS data; supporting other Borough department staff to properly access, query, and analyze GIS data. The position inventories, archives, and provides documentation for an extensive library of GIS data, topographic and photographic imagery, and mapping products. This is a bargaining unit position.  

Job Posting: GIS Analyst III

Organization: Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Closing Date: November 22, 2013 at 5:00 PM

Online Job Announcement

Position Description Document

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation is recruiting a GIS Analyst to be located in Fairbanks. This position will play a critical role in developing GIS capabilities for Wildlife Conservation staff and projects serving Interior and Northeastern arctic Alaska (Region III).

We are seeking an individual with strong GIS analytical and development skills with a particular interest in wildlife research and management. This position will provide a unique opportunity to participate in development of a GIS program for a scientific organization and to work on diverse wildlife research and management projects associated with a variety of species including black bear, grizzly bear, moose, wolf, caribou, musk ox, wolverine, sheep, various furbearers, small mammals, and game birds.

This position will work in close cooperation with biological, programming and biometric staff to design and develop GIS methodologies, software tools, applications, and databases to directly support wildlife management and research activities. It will serve as the principal GIS technical resource in Region III for consultation on, collecting, processing, and analyzing complex geospatial data.

This position is classified as a GIS Analyst III and is a permanent full time position with the department.

For more information, contact Robert DeLong at 907-459-7262 or via email at rob.delong@alaska.gov.

Job Posting: GIS Analyst

Organization: Kodiak Island Borough
Location: Kodiak, AK
Closing Date: Until filled

Online Job Announcement

Works at an advanced level to maintain the Borough's GIS system, under direct supervision of the IT Supervisor. Coordinates GIS activities with state, federal, and local governments and other entities to ensure adherence to established standards and guidelines. Provides for the development of GIS tools and subsequent training of staff. Work with IT staff in the development and maintenance of GIS databases.  

For more information, contact the Kodiak Job Center at 907-486-3105.

Job Posting: GIS Analyst

Organization: HDR, Inc.
Location: Anchorage, AK
Closing Date: Until filled

HDR Alaska Inc. is seeking an mid career-level GIS Analyst with practical ESRI GIS software and spatial analysis experience. Duties include working in a professional environment with a multi-disciplinary engineering and environmental sciences consulting firm where GIS is used extensively. Work is performed for a wide variety of clients in Alaska including natural resources, environmental science, permitting, planning and engineering. A strong ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds, both technical and non-technical is required. A diverse background in geospatial science, strong analytical skills, and experience supporting GIS activities in large organizations are valued attributes for this position. Knowledge of and experience with Alaska datasets is preferred. Desired skill areas include geographic principles, cartography, geoprocessing and spatial analysis, database management, mobile data collection, CAD integration, cadastral data and ArcGIS for Server technology.

BS or equivalent in Geography, Natural Sciences, Planning, Engineering or related field. 2 years professional GIS experience preferred. Strong cartographic, spatial analysis and ArcGIS for Desktop 10.1 skills required; additional specialized software experience is helpful. Excellent communication skills, adaptability, and ability to work independently and as part of a team are required.

For More Information: http://tinyurl.com/lbu5pxc

Job Posting: GIS Programmer/Analyst

Organization: Resource Data, Inc.
Location: Anchorage, AK
Closing Date: Until filled

Online Job Announcement

RDI is a leader in geospatial solutions for business and industry. If you're interested in a challenging and exciting career implementing GIS solutions, this is the place for you. Candidates should have experience with the ESRI suite of products and some level of knowledge about software development and programming. EOE

Job Posting: Habitat Biologist III

Organization: AK Department of Fish & Game
Location: Anchorage, AK
Closing Date: May 28, 2013

Online Job Announcement

The Habitat Biologist III will be responsible for providing technical and programmatic support to the Department’s involvement in the US Fish and Wildlife Service Landscape Conservation Cooperative Program (LCCs). The position will also coordinate with the fish and wildlife mapping initiative.

In support of these programs, the position will coordinate the application of Department generated data into a GIS framework that supports habitat, fish and wildlife distribution, subsistence and other human uses. A thorough knowledge and understanding of GIS applications, specifically ArcGIS, is needed to facilitate this mapping initiative across multiple sets of spatially variable data.

This position will be programmatically involved with fish and wildlife habitat, species concerns, climate change research and strategies for adaptation and mitigation. The position will be engaged with these issues across the state and through multi-agency involvement.

For more information, contact Sue Rodman at 907-267-2274.

Training Announcement: Esri ArcGIS I, Juneau

Organization: Blue Skies Solutions, LLC
Location: VTRC Computer Lab, Juneau
Date(s): October 15-16, 2013

Esri ArcGIS I: Introduction to GIS (for ArcGIS 10.1, 2-days)

Description
This course teaches what a GIS is and what you can do with it. Working with the ArcGIS system, you will create GIS maps, explore and analyze the data behind the maps, and apply methods to easily share your maps. By the end of the course, you will gain solid understanding of how GIS maps and ArcGIS tools are used to visualize real-world features, discover patterns, obtain information, and communicate that information to others.

Who Should Attend
Individuals who do not have any prior GIS education or workplace experience with GIS.

After completing the course, you will be able to:
• Quickly create and share a GIS map using ArcGIS web-based tools and content. • Find and organize geographic data and other GIS resources for a mapping project. • Accurately display features on a GIS map and efficiently access information about them. • Analyze a GIS map to identify where features that meet specific criteria are located. • Share GIS maps and analysis results so they can be viewed using desktop applications, websites, and mobile devices.


Click here for registration information.

For more information, please contact Michael Knapp at info2@blueskiessolutions.net.

Event Announcement: 2013 Alaska Rural Energy Conference

Organization: Alaska Energy Authority and the Alaska Center for Energy and Power
Location: Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa*
Date(s): April 29 through May 1, 2013.

Visit the event website to view the agenda and/or register to attend


The conference is a three day event developed to create a forum for energy stakeholders to share ideas and information with the goal of promoting economic development, environmental sustainability and energy security for Alaskans.

This year we have a great agenda planned and packed with over 100 speakers.

This conference brings together an average of 500 individuals from over 100 towns and villages throughout Alaska and beyond to hear the most recent project and technical updates and discuss practical energy solutions for our unique state.  It is a great opportunity to connect with community energy decision makers and the industries and agencies that support them.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Max Frey at mefrey@alaska.edu or by phone at (907) 474-1143.

*Special rates are being offered for conference attendees at the Sheraton hotel including accommodation, parking and spa services.

Job Posting: GIS Technician

Organization: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Closing Date: Open until filled

Online Job Announcement

Performs GIS tasks under general supervision using industry accepted standards and procedures. This position will be responsible for providing GIS-related services to the department other UAF departments, and possibly other public entities. Will conduct surveying and mapping duties. Provide analysis and/or spatial data modeling, create maps and verify accuracy and completeness of topographical maps. Provide technical support on the maintenance, development, and operation of a regional GIS. May act as back up for CAD and BIM staff in the drafting and design of construction plans of a variety of engineering and architectural disciplines for bidding purposes, using current CAD software and/or other graphics software. 

Human Resources at UAF can be contacted at 907-474-7700 or via email at uaf-jobs@alaska.edu.

Training Announcement: Esri ArcGIS II, Python, Adv. GIS (ADNR)

Organization: Blue Skies Solutions, LLC
Location: Anchorage, ADNR TIPS Lab, 9th floor, Atwood Bldg., 550 W 7th Ave.
Date(s): March 26-29, 2013

The dates have been adjusted so the first day of the Esri ArcGIS II class does not begin on March 25, a State holiday.

Esri ArcGIS II: Essential Workflows 

(for ArcGIS 10.1, 3-days, Tuesday March 26- Thursday March 28)

Description
In this course, you will acquire fundamental skills needed to author, share, and use geographic information and maps across the ArcGIS system. You will learn how to efficiently find, explore, manage, and analyze geographic data and create informative maps that showcase your work. The course covers a variety of techniques to effectively share GIS maps and resources with decision makers, stakeholders, and the public.

After completing the course, you will be able to:
•  Use ArcGIS software and content to create high-quality maps that combine data from different sources.
•  Organize, create, and edit geographic data so that it is accurate and up to date.
•  Manage, symbolize, and label map layers to support visualization and data exploration.
•  Design an attractive page layout for maps that will be printed.
•  Apply a standard workflow to analyze GIS data and solve spatial problems.
•  Deliver maps and analysis results to multiple platforms so they are accessible to other ArcGIS users and to non-GIS users.

Basics of Python Scripting in ArcGIS (Friday, March 29)

This workshop will provide people unfamiliar with Python and its use in ArcGIS the opportunity to start with the basics and learn how Python can help you increase the efficiency of your GIS tasks. Each participant will have the opportunity to obtain hands-on experience with Python. At the completion of the workshop, participants will have an understanding of what Python is, what is possible to do with it, and how to access Python scripting tools from both outside and within the ArcGIS environment. And perhaps more importantly, you will leave with a new set of skills and larger understanding of what is possible with ArcGIS. And with Esri no longer supporting Visual Basic for Applications after version 10, now is the perfect time to learn about Python so you can begin to migrate your VBA code.


Click here for more information and to register.

Event Announcement: UAA E-Week Student Competition

Organization: UAA School of Engineering
Location: UAA Engineering Building
Date(s): Saturday, February 23, 2013.
Events begin at 10:00 AM. Award ceremony at 3:00 PM.

The intent of the student competitions is to heighten public National Engineer’s Week awareness of the engineering professions and to highlight the individual disciplines and fields represented. Just as importantly, it is used to encourage school age children to participate in the many educational programs and opportunities available to prepare for engineering. The National Engineer's Week Competitions are supported by the UAA School of Engineering and engineers from south central Alaska.

Visit the event website

Download the flyer for students in K-8

Download the flyer for students in high school

Volunteers are needed to help run these events!!!

For more information or to volunteer, please see contact Zach Zaletel, Anchorage E-Week Student Competitions Coordinator, at zzaletel@gmail.com.