The Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve Conservation Information Manager oversees GIS and technology projects related to the operations, management, and research at the Preserve. Owned and protected by The Nature Conservancy, the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve was made possible due to the vision and generosity of Jack and Laura Dangermond, who in December 2017 donated $165 million to The Nature Conservancy—the single largest gift in the history of the organization—to purchase this globally significant natural area and protect it forever. The Nature Conservancy envisions a future looking ‘smart preserve’ that leverages technology for ecological management and research. The ideal candidate should be an expert user of the Esri Desktop, mobile, and web GIS suite, has a solid understanding of IoT principles, and have demonstrated ability in aggregating multiple data streams for delivery and use by both TNC staff and the external research community.
- Planning and Coordination: Responsible for system design, articulation, and execution of a technology roadmap that emphasizes data sharing and collaboration in the context of a next generation ecological preserve.
- Technical Implementation: Have the technical skills to execute. For specialty skills outside your expertise, you should be adept at finding and directing work by other TNC staff, external partners, and vendors.
- Relationship Building: This position is located at UC Santa Barbara (location is non-negotiable) and will require regular interface with the academic research community as well as Esri.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The vision of a smart preserve will require an innovation mindset in areas of technology that go beyond GIS. The ability to synthesize and execute on meaningful technologies (e.g. IoT, mobile, remote sensing, AI) will be critical to the success of the Dangermond Preserve and your principal responsibility.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Significant opportunity to act independently within broad program goals.
- In supervisory capacity, plans, organizes and directs assigned project programs.
- May negotiate and contract with vendors.
- Must be willing and able to travel.
- Experience in the use of Geographic Information Systems (e.g. Esri suite) for desktop, mobile and web workflows
- Experience in designing and maintaining enterprise-scale spatial and relational databases to meet organizational needs.
- Experience in creating and maintaining data distribution tools like metadata catalogs / portals, and data licensing
- Experience in creating standardized cartographic map design and spatial data visualization products for static and dynamic (Internet-based) map applications.
- Experience with relevant scripting and programming languages (e.g. Python, Javascript, HTML, R)
- Experience with remote sensing / image analysis
- Supervisory experience, including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives and manage performance.
- Experience training individuals and groups.
- Experience with IoT / sensor network principles
- Experience in developing and managing multiple projects.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS·
- Demonstrated experience in spatial data management, including metadata and documentation.
- Working knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and region(s).
- Knowledge of UAS operations and Part107 Certification a plus
- Well versed in technology best practices, and an ability to adapt them to TNC’s organizational needs and culture.
- Demonstrated experience interpreting and communicating results to conservation practitioners and Senior Managers.
- Demonstrated experience recommending conservation actions based on scientific analysis results.
- Demonstrated experience collaborating with other parties to obtain data sources.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
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.