The Spatial and GIS Analyst is a member of the Nevada and Utah Science teams, whose purpose is to advance and steward the creation and application of science throughout The Nature Conservancy, ensuring that the organization’s actions are evidence-based. S/he will be responsible for spatial product development by processing rasters and vector-based layers using R and/or Python coding, and GIS software .
The Spatial and GIS Analyst codes in Python and/or R language to process geotiff rasters and other gridded layers or automate development and use GIS for cartography and other tasks where coding is not required that could involve rasters and vector-based shape files. Includes GIS analyses in support of (a) State-and -Transition Simulation Models (STSM), (b) general spatial database downloading and cross-walking for wildlife habitat suitability models, hydrologic analyses, and other spatial projects, (c) chapter cartography and land parcel analysis, and (d) scientific publishing.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Supports program objectives by working with teams or projects
- Participate in chapter functions
- Write advanced Python and/or R code to process rasters, and less frequently vector-based shape files to support science team projects.
- Coordinate raster acquisition and processing with remote sensing contractors for STSM projects.
- Write R code to interface with STSM software St-Sim in Syncrosim platform.
- Write Python or R code to process rasters (occasionally shape files) for other science projects.
- Conduct GIS or Python/R cartography for staff and science and non-science projects of Nevada and Utah Chapters.
- Manage the GIS server's data storage.
- Assist other staff with GIS related tasks functions and coordinating chapter GIS licenses.
- May manage a grant, contract or write a request for proposal, or may write proposals for large-scale spatial projects of conservation significance.
- Interprets guidelines, evaluates information and modifies processes to adapt to changing circumstances for the projects.
- Fosters internal and external collaborations including with TNC business units and universities.
- May provide internal chapter R/Python training to interested science staff.
- Self-motivated training so that skills remain current, especially in advanced coding.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 2 years of experience.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with technical and, especially, non-technical staff.
- Examples of experience processing rasters in R, Python, and ARC GIS (and/or QGIS).
- Experience delivering spatial conservation products for team and natural resources management.
- Experience handling multiple projects over months and years.
- Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- PhD and 1-3 years' experience considered
- Experience delivering conservation planning outcomes into the field
- Ability to structure relational databases for specific projects.
- Experience writing Java or similar script to visualize data from spatial databases
- Ability to write successful grant proposals.
- Attention to detail.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.