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Data Manager and GIS Specialist

Employer
Salonga Conservation Initiative, Inc.
Location
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Salary
negotiable depending on experience
Closing date
Dec 28, 2022

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Sector
Nonprofit
Field
Conservation science, Informatics / GIS
Discipline
Ecology, GIS, Wildlife Biology, Biological Surveys
Job Level
Mid level
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Permanent

Job Details

INTRODUCTION

The Salonga Conservation Initiative (SCI) is a US-based non-profit organization with a mission to support holistic conservation projects and biodiversity initiatives related to the Salonga National Park (SNP), Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  SCI’s field project, the Bonobo and Congo Biodiversity Initiative (BCBI), surveys wildlife including bonobos and forest elephants in order to monitor their status and welfare and to determine risks to their survival. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Data Manager is dedicated to safeguarding and preserving field data generated from biomonitoring activities supported by SCI, in particular data generated by the BCBI program.  The full-time position assists SCI to achieve the technical aspects of the BCBI program with an emphasis on maintaining research and other field data, assuring data quality control, performing basic GIS analyses and mapping, preparing data for specific analyses or data sharing, running basic statistics and summary tables, and providing feedback to the field team.  The position’s work serves as the backbone for SCI’s role in biomonitoring objectives in the Salonga National Park and will concomitantly help support SCI’s fund-raising and reporting.  The full-time position is based in or near Milwaukee, WI, working in a hybrid office/remote setting.  The manager would work with various research/field staff based in the US, in DRC or living internationally.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Serve as SCI’s data specialist by organizing, processing, cleaning and verifying large amounts of data in various forms and formats (including photographic data) and preparing data for analysis.
  • Help ensure data quality and provide feedback to SCI researchers and field teams responsible for data collection.
  • Prepare data and conduct analyses independently or conjointly with research team members as directed.
  • Create and modify GIS datasets, manage and maintain legacy GIS datasets, perform basic GIS functions and mapping, develop and implement GIS-based analyses supporting biomonitoring research.
  • Support and help prepare project reports, funding applications, and scientific publications.
  • Contribute to SCI project planning and biomonitoring objectives by critically assessing project design and advising on data models.
  • Provide support for technical reports to park authorities, funding agencies and collaborators.
  • Provide technical support to field missions including equipment procurement/trouble-shooting, testing, and annual cargo preparation and coordination. 
  • Provide technical backup to team to solve computer/equipment/GIS issues.
  • Organize and maintain field mission photos and videos.  Help update and provide program content/photos for articles, press releases, social media, and the website.
  • Participate in SCI program promotion – talks, interviews, etc. – as needed.
  • Conduct necessary bibliographic searches and maintain project bibliography.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Candidates shall possess at least three years of experience in data management/analysis and three years in basic GIS with hands-on knowledge of Esri ArcGIS desktop software, including ArcMap. 
  • Experienced with GPS data collection and data management; ability to use and edit shapefiles and geodatabases
  • She/he should display competency in managing large amounts of scientific data (with attention to detail), have sound knowledge of analytical methods, basic statistics, and have experience with standard statistical software. 
  • Preferred candidate should have practical experience in wildlife/botanical surveys, Distance analyses (or similar analytical models). 
  • She/he must have excellent writing and verbal skills and be able to write/edit reports for publications. 
  • The candidate should be adept at learning new software and troubleshooting technical issues. 
  • Candidate must be able to take directions yet work independently, manage multiple assignments, determine and set job task priorities, communicate effectively to help solve problems with field team members (often advising/assisting remotely), and adapt to changing conditions/schedules as field projects demand. 
  • As a team member, the candidate must be highly motivated, committed to realizing SCI’s goals.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • Master’s degree preferred, or three years of comparable work experience, that incorporates management of georeferenced datasets, data manipulation and analyses, and related GIS functions.
  • She/he must possess demonstrable skills in GIS, managing data, research and basic statistical analyses. Competency in R language helpful.  GIS certification is preferred. 
  • French language proficiency is an advantage.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and advanced use of Excel is a must. 

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and to handle office equipment.
  • The ability to maintain good attendance is a condition of employment and a function of this position.    

APPLICATION

Prospective applicants should email a cover letter, CV/resume, and the names, email addresses and telephone numbers of three professional references to Dr. Gay Edwards Reinartz at office@salongaconservation.org.  Your letter should describe your interest in the position and how your experience/qualifications match the position description.

Deadline for submitting applications is Friday, January 6, 2023.

Company

The Salonga Conservation Initiative (SCI) is a US-based non-profit organization with a mission to support holistic conservation projects and biodiversity initiatives related to the Salonga National Park (SNP), Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  SCI’s field project, the Bonobo and Congo Biodiversity Initiative (BCBI), surveys wildlife including bonobos and forest elephants in order to monitor their status and welfare and to determine risks to their survival. 

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