DESCRIPTION: 

NatureServe seeks a highly collaborative leader with a commitment to conservation to shape and guide NatureServe’s spatial data program and advance the organization’s mission. This is an exciting and unique opportunity for a mid-career scientist with a high level of expertise and demonstrated success in developing, managing, analyzing, and sharing spatial data to support conservation. NatureServe is an established biodiversity conservation science and technology organization with a new strategic plan that prioritizes efficiency and effectiveness in the collection, curation, and delivery of our conservation data. The work of the individual in this role will be critical to the organization’s ability to meet its strategic goals and priorities. Location for this role is flexible, but Arlington, Virginia is preferred.

The Spatial Data Program Manager is responsible for maintaining and improving NatureServe’s biodiversity location data offerings. Supervising a team of spatial analysts, and working closely with NatureServe’s network of data providers, the Spatial Data Program Manager will ensure that NatureServe data is of sufficient quality and breath to address today’s pressing conservation needs. The ideal candidate will have at least 7-10 years’ experience directly working with spatial biodiversity data, directing initiatives, and managing teams.

The Spatial Data Program Manager will lead efforts to diversify NatureServe’s data on the location of at-risk species and ecosystems. They will maintain NatureServe’s spatial methodology, assess data quality, identify and implement data quality improvements, and work with data providers on data pipeline improvements. The position will be expected to convene internal teams and external working groups and work closely with NatureServe staff to develop workflows and spatial data products to inform  conservation needs at multiple scales. Technical proficiency with spatial data, including ArcGIS, relational databases, and computer coding (e.g. SQL and/or Python), is required, with direct experience with natural heritage data preferred. Applicants should also possess strong interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to implement strategic priorities and lead groups through change. The ideal candidate will be a strategic problem solver with deep technical knowledge, who can lead NatureServe and our network in the collection, curation, and communication of biodiversity location data, implement efficient data quality control and analysis workflows, and help connect our geospatial data products with data consumers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Oversee NatureServe’s spatial data methodology for mapping the distribution of at-risk species and ecosystems (30%)

·         Assess data quality and identify priorities for data improvements.

·         Work closely with data providers (e.g., state natural heritage programs) to develop new spatial data standards and implement data quality improvements.

·         Convene working groups and communicate working group outcomes.

·         Oversee the development of training materials for data providers and data consumers

 

Advance the efficient management of NatureServe’s spatial data products (35%)

·         Coordinate with the Geospatial Strategist, Biodiversity Location Data Program Manager, and software development team to streamline GIS workflows and efficiently develop spatial data products for client delivery

·         Identify and implement technical solutions to efficiently assess, assemble, and publish biodiversity data originating from diverse sources 

Supervise 2-4 geospatial scientists / conservation data analysts in the management, analysis, and delivery of biodiversity information (25%)

·         Direct project tasks related to the preparation and analysis of NatureServe spatial data

·         Perform weekly or biweekly staff check ins and quarterly reviews and help develop annual goals aligned with NatureServe’s strategic plan

·         Allocate work to meet project deadlines and strategically advance organizational objectives

 

Contribute to business development and project management for projects with a spatial analysis component (10%)

·         Help scope and review proposals and work plans for projects involving the development and/or analysis of NatureServe core spatial data

·         Communicate about NatureServe data in meetings with partners and clients

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

•             7+ years of experience managing and analyzing spatial data, including 3+ years supervising staff

•             Experience leading change, and in particular, the increased automation of workflows

•             Demonstrated experience applying Esri technology (e.g. ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcPy) for the management and analysis of spatial data

•             Experience with environmental data, including species and ecosystemfication and taxonomy and/or observation data and distribution maps 

•             Knowledge of spatial and non-spatial databases, SQL, and Python

•             Excellent communicator with an ability to clearly convey technical ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences

•             Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and the ability to multi-task

•             Demonstrated flexibility, self-awareness, professional integrity, and cultural competence - including commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.


The following skills are not requirements but would be very beneficial:


•             Knowledge of and experience with NatureServe / Natural Heritage methodology and standards

•             Proficiency with project management and issue tracking software, e.g. Jira, Confluence, and Jira Workflow Management

•             Advanced Python, SQL, or other coding skills


ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:


•             Ability to travel independently and attend conferences and meetings

•             Ability to speak clearly and hear well, to participate effectively in telecommunications with network members and partners

•             Ability to conform to standard office hours

•             Typing and repetitive motions associated with computer keyboarding responsibilities


ABOUT NATURESERVE:  

For nearly 50 years, NatureServe has been the authoritative source for biodiversity data throughout the Western Hemisphere. With an international network of nearly 100 natural heritage programs across North America, NatureServe is the leading source of information on rare and endangered species and threatened ecosystems. To protect threatened biodiversity, NatureServe works with over 1,000 conservation scientists to collect, aggregate, and standardize biodiversity information, providing comprehensive data to the public for strategic conservation efforts.


NatureServe offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • 401K savings and retirement plan with matching contributions
  • Health and dental insurance
  • Short and long-term disability
  • Annual and sick leave
  • Life insurance
  • Telework/Flex work


NATURESERVE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


m/f/vet/disability


An equal opportunity, reasonable accommodations employer, NatureServe complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you need accommodation in the employment process or this document in an alternative format, please contact our office at 703-908-1840 or info@natureserve.org. We stand in support of equality for and advancement of all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin, or disability.

 


 

This position has been filled.