The Conservation Scientist manages and maintains conservation databases and provides technical support in GIS or other relational database technologies to Conservancy staff.
The Conservation Scientist participates in conservation planning at various levels, develops methods for mapping and classifying ecosystems and data management; includes developing and maintaining all documentation for data and data management. S/he performs data analysis; designs and produces advanced complex queries and professional reports, processes spatial and other relational data sets derived from cartographic and tabular source material, and provides hardware/software support. The Conservation Scientist develops and delivers training to staff individually and in groups, produces maps and other graphic products and reports. S/he develops and maintains GIS library and/or database products library and compiles, assembles and maintains land protection, biodiversity and management information from various sources.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- May help develop and manage work plans and large project budgets.
- May negotiate and contract with vendors.
- Ensures integrity of both data collection and management relating to conservation projects and project statistics.
- Under limited supervision acts independently, resolves complex issues within the program area and may act as a resource to others.
- Incorporates cross-disciplinary knowledge to support program objectives.
- Significant opportunity to act independently within broad program goals.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 3 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience managing, maintaining and populating databases and manual files.
- Experience with interpretation of image analysis, complex spatial analysis, data modeling and landscape scenario analysis.
- Experience managing multiple projects.
- Experience operating GIS software, analyzing data and producing data reports and creating maps.
- Experience interpreting results then developing and delivering training to practitioners.
- Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Web Browsers.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3-5 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience in the following areas: interpretation of image analysis, complex spatial analysis, data modeling and landscape scenario analysis.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and geographic region(s).
- Experience collaborating with other parties to obtain different data sources.
- Managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources and meeting deadlines.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Ability to break down and explain technical topics to non-technical users.
- Takes initiative to understand GIS needs of broader project.
- Ability to coordinate and prioritize project information.
- Solid grounding in at least the fundamentals of HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.
- Experience with the Leaflet.js mapping framework.
- Demonstrated knowledge of geospatial data formats and standard Internet protocols for geospatial data (e.g. web map services).
- Understanding of machine-readable data formats such as GeoJSON and how they may be ingested via JavaScript.
- Some exposure to CARTO and/or ArcGIS Online for hosting geospatial and/or tabular data.
- Familiarity with using Git and GitHub for version control (this is a standard skill among nearly all professional web developers).
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.