The Conservation Data Manager (CDM) manages and maintains the evidence base for conservation in the Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. The CDM organizes and updates the Chapter’s data management systems to ensure their integrity, stewardship and accessibility over the long-term. They develop conservation databases and provide technical support in GIS and other relational database technologies to Conservancy staff. The CDM reports to the Chapter Science Program and provides support across Conservation Programs and interdisciplinary strategy teams to meet the Chapter’s top data management needs. This is a full-time position with benefits (including health, dental and vision insurance and paid time off). There is funding in place for 1 year.
The CDM manages one of the Chapter’s single most valuable assets—the data at the heart of our evidence base. They follow best practices to build, maintain, and populate data and record databases and manual files; develop and maintain GIS libraries and/or spatial data; and create protocols for long-term organization and accessibility of Chapter data. The CDM assembles current and historical datasets to streamline and archive key pieces of the Chapter’s data assets, including consolidation of research and monitoring data. The CDM will develop documentation, storage and backup standards. Much of the knowledge of these data sets occurs locally with field staff or with science staff. The CDM will develop a comprehensive data catalogue with links to metadata. The CDM processes spatial and/or relational data sets derived from cartographic and tabular source material. They may perform data analysis and produce reports, provide hardware and software support and train staff.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- May supervise interns and/or volunteers.
- May help develop work plans and project budgets.
- Ensures integrity of both data collection and management relating to conservation projects and project statistics.
- Works under minimal supervision making independent decisions based on experience and judgment.
- May occasionally work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- 2 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience managing, maintaining and populating databases and manual files.
- Experience with producing maps and/or other graphic products and reports and operating GIS software.
- Experience analyzing, building, populating and producing reports from databases.
- Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Acce
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Cross cultural, multi-cultural, and/or multi-lingual skills, background or experiences appreciated.
- Ability to manipulate, analyze and interpret data.
- Managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
- Managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English.
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.