Employment Opportunities
The O’Connor Center offers employment opportunities for professional ecologists and undergraduate students seeking experiential learning experiences. Our work environment is collaborative and offers opportunities for early-career scientists to develop professional skills, and contribute to building a healthy, productive and enjoyable work environment.
Terrestrial Employment Opportunities
The University of Montana (UM) O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West (OCRMW) partners with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to implement their Terrestrial Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) strategy in rangeland systems. The goal of the strategy is to monitor data at multiple scales across BLM Districts in the Western U.S.
No positions open at this time.
Lotic Employment Opportunities
The University of Montana (UM) O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West (OCRMW) partners with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to implement their Aquatic Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) strategy in streams and rivers. The goal of the strategy is to monitor data at multiple scales across BLM Districts in the Western U.S.
No positions open at this time.
Riparian and Wetland Employment Opportunities
The University of Montana (UM) O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West (OCRMW) partners with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to implement their Aquatic Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) strategy in riparian and wetland areas. The goal of the strategy is to monitor data at multiple scales across BLM Districts in the Western U.S.
No positions open at this time.
Wetland Mapping Employment Opportunities
The University of Montana (UM) O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West (OCRMW) is partnering with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) to create wetland and riparian mapping across the western U.S. that will be used to inform management decisions and be integrated into the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI).
We are currently recruiting Wetland Photo Interpreters with experience in GIS, geodatabases, and ecology or a related field.
The Wetland Photo Interpreter develops and manages geospatial datasets that document and model wetland and riparian species, habitats, landscapes, and impacts to facilitate effective resource management and conservation. The Wetland Photo Interpreter uses ArcGIS Pro software to digitize wetland and riparian polygons on aerial imagery and classifies the wetland and riparian polygons according to USFWS NWI standards using ArcGIS geodatabases. The Wetland Photo Interpreter will also maintain documentation and implement quality control procedures.
The person in this position is supervised by the Wetland Mapping Project Manager. The position is funded by contracts and grants, will last 4-6 months, and is in-person in Missoula, MT.
Position Details
- Position is part- or full-time, temporary (< 6 months).
- Compensation is $17-19 an hour, based on qualifications and experience.
- Hours are flexible
- All equipment is provided
- Workspace is provided on UM Campus
Qualifications
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 in GIS and data management, and significant training is provided.
Education and Experience
- Coursework in GIS and Ecology or related field
Technical Skills
- Experience digitizing in GIS
- Create and acquire new data
- Develop spatial datasets
- 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 and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, Sharepoint).
Professional Skills
- Make sound decisions based on analysis of information, experience, and judgment.
- 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
Post-Training Position Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Display detailed knowledge of project-specific protocols.
- Knowledge of USFWS National Wetland Inventory standards.
- Proficiency with wetland classification according to Cowardin Classification System
- Display familiarity with hydrologic features of wetlands
Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
- A bachelor’s degree in ecology, natural resources management, geography or related subject
- Experience interpreting aerial imagery
- Experience with ecological fieldwork
About UM and O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West
The University of Montana is a flagship research institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West, a regional studies and public education program. OCRMW staff are engaged in mapping wetlands across the western US and in carrying out inventory and monitoring projects for federal, state and tribal agencies.
To learn more about UM and OCRMW, please visit the links below:
University of Montana OCRMW Home Page Wetland Mapping and GIS Lab
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.
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. Further, based on the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Dept. of State, the University may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship. Particularly the University is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H-1B visa petitions
How to Apply
Email the following documents to melissa.moser@umt.edu:
- Cover Letter: Please ensure it addresses your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position.
- Resume: Please ensure it contains detailed education and work history.
- Transcripts: Unofficial Transcripts are acceptable.
- References: Names and emails of three professional references
Application deadline: 11:59PM MST on June 5, 2026.