Conservation GIS Analyst

Description

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Conservation GIS Analyst

CLASSIFICATION: Professional 3

SALARY: $70,000 - $78,000

FLSA: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Center for Conservation Innovation

LOCATION: Headquarters, Washington, DC

REPORTS TO: Senior Conservation GIS Analyst

NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 0

LAST REVISED: August 2022

POSITION SUMMARY

The Conservation GIS Analyst provides geospatial support to the Center for Conservation Innovation (CCI) specifically and Defenders of Wildlife more broadly. The incumbent coordinates and supports interdisciplinary teams in need of GIS-related services and guidance to other GIS users. He/she contributes to a variety of projects, including mapping and geospatial analyses across the organization, from field conservation to membership outreach. The position will also work with our team of scientists and help develop new tools and ideas for strategically using data to improve biodiversity conservation policies and practices.

Reporting to the Senior Conservation GIS Analyst, the Conservation GIS Analyst plays a key role in CCI by analyzing complex geospatial datasets related to imperiled species and their habitats; communicating the results through a variety of creative media; developing static and interactive web maps and resources to inform endangered species conservation; supporting intern skill development; and cultivating partnerships internally and with other organizations to advocate for conservation strategies. The analyst will generally apply geospatial data to better understand places that endangered species rely on and the potential landscape patterns and management decisions affecting species. When advising staff, the analyst will often be asked to gather relevant scientific data, distill key points, and weigh alternatives. The analyst will also manage the Google File Stream cloud system for storing Defenders' spatial data and will serve as an administrator of Defenders' ArcGIS Online organization account.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide GIS Support: Create static, dynamic and web-based maps for internal and external consumption and provide training in support of conservation staff
• Carry out basic and intermediate geospatial and remote sensing analyses and assist with advanced analyses. This may include tasks such as calculating spatial statistics, analyzing habitat suitability, or estimating habitat loss using satellite imagery.
• Participate in interdisciplinary program teams to provide guidance and support on the strategic use of spatial information in achieving program goals.
• Provide project guidance and support to GIS interns.
• Curate and maintain the files and folders housing Defenders' GIS program data through Google File Stream.
• Implement and update standard operating procedures for file management.
• Perform administrative duties to manage CCI's accounts on the Google File Stream cloud system.
• Serve as a day-to-day liaison between CCI and other Defenders staff, as well as between Defenders' staff and external conservation partners.
• Interpret data and analytics to inform product design and/or future promotional strategies.
• Test systems and application for errors and troubleshoot issues that arise.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent

Experience: 4 years of relevant experience

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders

https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Professional 3

Administrative

1. Ability to accurately maintain electronic and physical records
2. Anticipate and meet the needs of internal and/or external stakeholders delivering excellent service

Communication

1. Ability to clearly and accurately communicate with internal and external stakeholders
2. Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, accurately and concisely
3. Ability to convey effective messages to broad and diverse constituencies
4. Ability and willingness to effectively represent Defenders' interests in external environments
5. Ability to exert influence and build consensus with internal and external stakeholders

Critical Thinking

1. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion
2. Strong research and data analysis skills, including ability to gather and synthesize information from multiple sources to produce high quality work products in a consistent, efficient, accurate, and timely manner
3. Creative problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with willingness to experiment and innovate new methods.
4. Facilitate and promote the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into Defenders' work
5. Ability to independently exercise appropriate judgment in response to complex and/or fluid environments
6. Strategic thinker with the ability to take high-level strategy and translate into relatable points and action steps.

Project Management

1. Ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines while balancing competing assignments
2. Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities while remaining responsive to urgent requests
3. Ability to take ownership of a project or process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues
4. Ability to manage deadlines on multiple cross-functional projects in a dynamic environment
5. Demonstrated ability in managing competing interests on complex issues
6. Ability to independently initiate project and initiative ideas; managing projects and initiatives through to completion

Coalition and Community Engagement

1. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to form effective working relationships with diverse constituencies including federal/state agencies; elected officials and their staff; Defenders' members and donors; private landowners; hunters and anglers; community leaders; religious, scientific, and academic communities; and /or the general public.
2. Ability to lead diverse stakeholders in collaborative activities, to anticipate policy issues impacting wildlife and make recommendations within Defenders, other organizations, and coalitions.
3. Networking skills to engage with leaders in the conservation community, federal and state agencies, NGOs, and other organizations.

Conservation Knowledge

1. Expert-level knowledge of Defenders' legal, scientific, and/or political issues
2. Expert-level knowledge of national and regional social, political, and ecological landscapes

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Conservation GIS Analyst

1. Ability and strong desire to apply geospatial science and tools to advance wildlife conservation, as evidenced by a background in biodiversity conservation issues, including landscape ecology, federal environmental policies, restoration, endangered species, and/or climate change.
2. Advanced knowledge of and experience with GIS and mapping tools and technologies.
3. Experience applying GIS to concepts of landscape ecology, conservation biology, and cartography.
4. Ability to stay up-to-date on new and innovative concepts in GIS and wildlife conservation.
5. Experience/ability to follow organizational protocols and systems for the acquisition, use, and sharing of geospatial data.
6. Knowledge of and experience using the Microsoft, Google, and Esri suites of tools.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Activities

Check all that apply

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

N

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

N

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

C

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

N

Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.

O

Communicating with others to exchange information.

C

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

C

Operating machinery and/or power tools.

N

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

N

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

C

Environmental Conditions

Check all that apply

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Low temperatures.

High temperatures.

Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

Noisy environments.

Hazardous conditions.

Poor ventilation.

Small and/or enclosed spaces.

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

C

Physical Demands

Check only one

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

X

Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.

Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Defenders of Wildlife requires employees who engage in in-person work activities, including business travel or onsite work, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. An applicant (i) who is disabled or pregnant or who has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination or (ii) who objects to being vaccinated on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice may request an exemption from this vaccination policy. This determination will be made on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with applicable law. Any medical information concerning an applicant's disability will be treated as a confidential medical record in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, sex national origin, ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family/parental status, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic in all personnel actions.

Please be advised this position is union-eligible.