The Spatial Data Steward provides technical assistance to Conservancy staff in assembling, repairing, and updating conservation related GIS data for the State of New York, with a focus on quality assurance/quality control. The Spatial Data Steward works alongside members of the New York Data Science Team and may interact with other Conservancy staff throughout the Northeast US and other conservation organizations in New York. This is a part-time (20 hrs/wk) short-term (9 month) position. Work location is The Nature Conservancy’s Albany, NY office.
The Spatial Data Steward supports conservation related data updates for the State of New York by gathering, verifying, cleaning, correcting, and organizing spatial and non-spatial data from various sources. The Spatial Data Steward evaluates and rectifies in-house data, identifies external data sources, and helps Conservancy staff obtain conservation-related data from partner organizations and agencies. This may entail doing web research on organizations, identifying points of contact, establishing connections with them via email and/or phone, requesting data, and conveying timely and professional follow-ups. Working independently, the Spatial Data Steward performs QA/QC checks of the spatial and tabular information, rectifies issues, runs geoprocessing operations, writes metadata, and documents methods to create orderly and up-to-date GIS data. In addition, the Spatial Data Steward may contribute to a plan and workflow for long-term spatial data updates and maintenance, and may also work with Conservancy staff outside of New York through regional data stewardship efforts. The Spatial Data Steward will disseminate data and map products to Conservancy staff and partners in a variety of digital and printed formats.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Create and process spatial data on a server using a variety of GIS and other data processing programs.
- Acquire and manage datasets derived from a wide range of sources and formats.
- Review and rectify issues in spatial and tabular data to achieve quality assurance and quality control.
- Maintain detailed written documentation of data sources and data processing methodologies.
- Write and maintain GIS metadata.
- Ensure integrity of both data collection and management.
- Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including external partners, providing and obtaining needed information.
- Resolve routine issues independently.
- Manage, maintain and populate spatial and/or tabular databases.
- Experience maintaining and populating databases and manual files.
- Experience producing maps and/or other graphic products and reports.
- Experience with Esri GIS software such as ArcGIS Desktop or ArcPro, or open source alternatives.
- Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and web browsers.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 1-2 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Academic and/or volunteer experience is applicable.
- Ability to create and edit GIS spatial and attribute data.
- Familiarity with spatial data topology concepts and correction tools.
- Ability to perform administrative duties emphasizing detail-oriented and numerical tasks including data entry.
- Database and computer spatial or tabular based management skills including managing, maintaining and populating databases.
- Ability to work independently and manage and prioritize tasks from multiple sources.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means.
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.