Natural Heritage GIS Analyst/Data Specialist – ITS4

Salary

  $56,136.00 – $73,644.00 Annually

Location

  Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time – Permanent

Department

Dept. of Natural Resources

Job Number

2016-02-5591-01949

Closing

3/11/2016 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Service, Science, Sustainability
 
Under the leadership of the Commissioner of Public Lands, our work at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is done with the public’s interest in mind, which means transparency and public knowledge. Our decisions are guided by sound science as we manage state trust lands, native ecosystems and natural resources. We support the vision of a sustainable future by protecting and managing the natural resources so future generations will have them.
DNR manages over 5 million acres of state-owned land that includes forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands. We generate revenue that supports public schools, state institutions and county services. But managing lands is only half of our story. We also protect other public resources such as fish, wildlife, water, and provide public access to outdoor recreation. Two of our largest and most important state-wide resource protection responsibilities are fire prevention and suppression, and overseeing forest practices.
The DNR has an annual operating budget of approximately $187 million and has over 1200 permanent employees with approximately 300 additional staff hired during the summer fire season.
We have some of the most talented people in the industry. We honor diversity in the workplace and support one another with respect and trust. We invite you to learn more about our culture, our careers, and why some of the top forestry and natural science professionals have joined Washington DNR by visiting our DNR website.
Duties
Natural Heritage GIS Analyst / Data Specialist
Information Technology Specialist 4
Recruitment # 2016- 02 – 5591

SALARY RANGE:

$4,678 – $6,137 per month

TYPE OF POSITION:         

Permanent, Full-time.   This position is represented by the WFSE.
Important Note:   Once appointed to this position the incumbent will be required to pay union dues or other representation fees within the first 30 days of employment.

LOCATION:                         

Olympia, Washington

CLOSES:

11 March 2016
Note: Recruitment may be extended after 11 March depending on the quantity and quality of the application pool.

POSITION PROFILE:

The Natural Heritage GIS Analyst / Data Specialist is the steward of the state’s most comprehensive database on ecosystems and rare plant species; these data are critical to a wide range of conservation efforts in Washington.  Three primary functions of this position are (1) on-going maintenance of the database and the program’s overall information management system, (2) working with the scientists in the program, and with external collaborators, to identify and apply analytical tools to inform conservation planning and decision-making, and (3) making the data/information accessible to others, including federal and state agencies, consulting firms, county planners, environmental organizations, educators, researchers, and the public.

The Natural Heritage GIS Analyst / Data Specialist is responsible for overseeing and coordinating acquisition and incorporation of new data from a variety of internal and external sources, developing new information products, and making those products available to our partners and clients.  Our primary information management system is BIOTICS, a database developed by NatureServe (a network of more than 80 individual natural heritage programs throughout the western hemisphere).  BIOTICS uses a web-based interface for data entry and mapping and is built on ArcGIS and Oracle. The person in this position interacts with information technology specialists with NatureServe and other natural heritage programs to efficiently share data and to identify solutions to shared data management, analysis, and distribution challenges.  We also have access to and use the considerable GIS resources available within the Department of Natural Resources. The Natural Heritage GIS Analyst / Data Specialist also manages the NHP’s web presence and supports other information management needs of the Natural Heritage Program.

This position is a great opportunity for a candidate interested in employing the latest tools and technologies to manage, analyze, and share biodiversity information with an intended outcome of more effective conservation actions. The successful candidate will work as a member of the Natural Heritage team, which consists of a program manager, a botanist, two ecologists, a zoologist, a data management assistant, and the Natural Heritage GIS Analyst / Data Specialist.  The GIS Analyst / Data Specialist will directly supervise the data management assistant and reports directly to the Natural Heritage Program Manager.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in GIS or natural resources sciences combined with strong conceptual knowledge of GIS and database design
  • At least 4 years of work experience using ArcGIS and and Python scripting including database design, data/map automation, quality assurance/quality control, GIS modeling using vector and raster datasets
  • Demonstrated experience designing, developing and managing databases and GIS projects, and providing technical documentation
  • Demonstrated experience in supporting the use of GPS and other field data collecting devices (e.g., phones and tablets)
  • Demonstrated experience supporting, developing and/or managing web-based GIS technologies
  • Demonstrated skills in gathering, documenting and implementing user requirements
  • Demonstrated skills in networking inside and outside of the agency (or organization)

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Advanced degree in GIS or natural resources science
  • Demonstrated work experience applying NatureServe / Natural Heritage methodology
  • Demonstrated proficiency / work experience with the NatureServe Biotics software application, including the Biotics ArcGIS environment and Crytsal Reports
  • Advanced working knowledge of ArcCollector, and map / feature services
  • Working knowledge of remotely sensed data (e.g., aerial photography, LiDAR).

SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings, workshops and conferences.
Supplemental Information
WHO MAY APPLY
This recruitment is open to anyone who meets the required qualifications for this position.

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above)
  • Submit the following:
    • Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile, required and desired position qualifications, and special position requirements.
    • Attach your Resume – do not add it into the text of the application, it must be an attachment.
    • The names of three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
  • Carefully review your application materials before submitting.
  • You may not reapply for this posting for 30 days.

Questions?  Please contact John Gamon at phone number (360) 902-1661 / john.gamon@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

By submitting the application materials you are indicating that all information is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.  You understand that the state may verify information and that untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from applicant pool or dismissal if employed. This announcement is published by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  The DNR is an equal opportunity employer.  Persons with a disability who need assistance during the screening process or those needing this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff (360) 902-1350 or (360) 902-1097.  DNR may be contacted using the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TTY) by dialing 711.