SUMMARY OF JOB 

NatureServe seeks a highly collaborative Biodiversity Location Data Analyst to coordinate aggregation and delivery of biodiversity data to support conservation in North America.  NatureServe is an established biodiversity conservation science and technology organization with a strategic plan that prioritizes efficiency and effectiveness in the collection, curation, and delivery of our conservation data. This role is an exciting opportunity for an early to mid-career GIS professional to contribute to that mission by working with our partners to refine and expand our holdings of ready-to-use, decision quality biodiversity data.  

Using state-of-the art GIS applications, the Biodiversity Location Data Analyst collaborates with scientists from federal resource management agencies, NatureServe member programs, and NatureServe staff to develop standardized species observation data, derive value-added products, facilitate data transfer among parties, and implement sound data governance practices. They assemble and publish biodiversity location data for our partners and clients via web maps, feature services, and via NatureServe’s Explorer Pro platform. Visit our story map to explore some of NatureServe’s conservation data and tools.   


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

  • Manage and analyze NatureServe’s spatial data on at-risk species and ecosystems to support projects, data requests, and other spatial and non-spatial analyses. Work closely with data providers (e.g., NatureServe Network Programs) to obtain and appropriately prepare partner data for external delivery. 
  • Effectively communicate with project managers and/or clients to ensure that analyses and products meet user needs. 
  • Fulfill client data requests for Biodiversity Location Data from NatureServe’s aggregated data holdings sourced from both Network and other sources. 
  • Work with federal and industry clients to identify priority data sets, match their data fields to NatureServe’s Biodiversity Observation Data Standard, and apply Esri GIS tools (e.g., Simple Data Loader, Survey123, ArcGIS Dashboard) to standardize their existing observation data and serve it via ArcGIS Online. 
  • Support NatureServe member programs to apply emerging GIS tools to collect and transform observation data to create Element Occurrences. 
  • Manage client and partner relationships in the data standardization process by coordinating and effectively communicating with federal and industry client technical leads, and Network member program scientists and data managers. 
  • Conduct spatial and statistical analyses related to the status, distribution, and management of species and ecosystems using both NatureServe data and other sources of data. 
  • Streamline delivery of NatureServe biodiversity data products through improvements to tools and methods that support data use approval requirements and data delivery including online data publishing and setting up and supporting geodata portals.  
  • Support enhancements to NatureServe databases and software tools as needed. 


REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Master’s degree in the field of ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, geographic information systems, geography, or related fields and 3 years of experience managing biological data and databases, or bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience. 
  • Intermediate GIS skills including proficiency in ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro (including both vector and raster processing). 
  • In-depth knowledge of geodatabases and database management technologies. Relational database experience and ability to write optimized SQL queries. 
  • Experience with R and/or Python. 
  • Experience developing and managing metadata following federally mandated standards. 
  • Experience designing and conducting data quality control procedures to ensure accurate spatial data products. 
  • Experience working closely with partners to aggregate, manage and distribute spatial observation data. 
  • Keen organizational skills and ability to maintain current and accurate documentation of data inputs and analyses procedures. 
  • Skilled in working alongside project team members and with external partners in a highly collaborative environment. 
  • Ability to deal perceptively and communicate effectively (verbal and written) with a diverse array of people and institutions – including technical and non-technical staff. 
  • Demonstrated flexibility, self-awareness, professional integrity, and cultural competence - including commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
  • Willingness and ability to travel occasionally. 
  • Commitment to the conservation of biodiversity and a genuine desire to make a lasting impact. 


PREFERRED SKILLS: 

  • Experience working with NatureServe Network member programs and knowledge of NatureServe’s Natural Heritage Methodology including NatureServe’s Biotics software (highly preferred). 
  • Familiarity with observation data collection and management standards including NatureServe’s Biodiversity Observation Data Standard and Darwin Core. 
  • Experience working with U.S. federal agencies and/or private industry on conservation assessment or resource management issues. 
  • Experience with data modeling and database design. 


ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Ability to travel independently within the U.S. and internationally to attend meetings and workshops with partners and others. 
  • Ability to maintain a full-time position. 
  • Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus such as: preparing reports and figures; viewing a computer terminal. 
  • Ability to use organizational technology. 


ABOUT US 

NatureServe, a nonprofit conservation science and technology organization, unlocks the power of science to guide biodiversity conservation. With nearly 70 staff and an international network of 60 natural heritage programs across the United States and Canada, we are the leading source of information on terrestrial ecosystems and at-risk species. We provide information and tools to conservation groups, government agencies, corporations, academia, and the public to help them make informed decisions about managing our natural resources. NatureServe holds a unique niche, by providing scientifically sound guidance for major conservation investments across the hemisphere. 



Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.


NatureServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

This position has been filled.