JOB TITLE:  Conservation GIS Specialist

LOCATION:  Remote position. Candidates must have a home office location suitable for work purposes, with good internet access, and must be located in a city or state location approved by Xerces as their permanent work location.

COMPENSATION: $65,540/ year

STATUS & SCHEDULE: Full-Time, salaried, exempt position, scheduled to work ~ 40 hours/week. 

JOB START DATE:  August 2024

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 11,2024

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 

All applications must be submitted via our application website at: http://bit.ly/xerces-jobs

We are committed to creating a more diverse workforce that is welcoming to all employees and the communities we serve. As part of the application process, please be prepared to answer a brief essay question (1,000 characters or less) in which you describe some ways you might help Xerces collaborate with diverse audiences or historically excluded communities in this role.

Xerces provides accommodations for the job application process if needed. If you need an accommodation to complete the job application process, please email reasonable.accomodation@xerces.org with your specific request.

JOIN US!

Come join a growing team of conservation professionals at the Xerces Society who are dedicated to protecting some of the world’s most important animals. We are seeking a skilled GIS Technician with expertise in communication and a passion for helping others to support staff conservation work.

At Xerces, we harness the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of the public to implement conservation programs. We take action by helping farms and public agencies develop conservation plans for pollinators and beneficial insects, producing ground-breaking publications on insect conservation, training thousands of farmers and land managers to protect and manage habitat for beneficial insects, protecting endangered species and their habitat, and engaging the public to raise awareness about invertebrates found on farms, forests, prairies, deserts, streams, wetlands, towns and cities. Our methods focus on habitat conservation planning, education, scientific analysis, advocacy, and applied research to conserve invertebrates, such as bees, butterflies, mollusks, and fireflies. 

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING: 

Under the supervision of the Conservation and GIS Data Analyst, the GIS Technician supports internal staff with GIS and data management work across conservation programs. This includes responding to staff technical requests, creating internal and public-facing data and GIS products, and assisting with the administration of GIS and internal reporting systems. The GIS Technician is also responsible for designing and leading staff instruction on GIS and data management skills, tools, and best practices in the form of training, workshops, and written documentation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Provides technical support for staff including advice, instruction, and troubleshooting related to data management and GIS
• Designs and creates GIS products requested by staff such as datasets, maps, web apps, and analyses
• Works with staff to identify product intended audience, functional requirements, lifetime, completion deadline, and estimated hours to complete
• Incorporates feedback from supervisor and staff on draft products, creates product metadata, and documents product maintenance steps if relevant
• Proactively suggests ways that GIS and data management could be used to improve staff work
• Train staff on GIS and data management skills, tools, and best practices
• Design and lead staff instruction in the form of periodic trainings, workshops and written guides
• Create a GIS and Data management help portal to facilitate staff self-service access to trainings and guides
• Create and moderate an internal staff discussion group for GIS questions and solutions
• Instruct staff on use of existing systems and tools, including internal metric reporting systems
• Assist in GIS and internal reporting system administration
• Review external facing content created by staff for adherence to data standards, including data sensitivity
• Build out documentation for long-lifespan products so that these can be more easily maintained
• Other responsibilities assisting in administrative duties when necessary

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:  

REQUIRED

• Experience using ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online to create and manipulate vector and raster data, digitize print maps, and manage large relational datasets
• Familiarity with ArcGIS Apps such as Survey123, Field Maps, Dashboards and StoryMaps
• Demonstrated ability to create high quality maps, apps, and other data visualization products
• Demonstrated proficiency with Google Sheets, Excel and other Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications
• Experience teaching technical topics to groups with varying skill levels 
• Strong communication, writing and organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to manage time and diverse activities under tight deadlines while delivering high quality results
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in identifying problems and designing novel solutions
• Curiosity and passion for conservation, ecology, or wildlife biology

PREFERRED

• Conservation biology background and/or understanding of conservation biology issues
• Understanding of quantitative and computational methods to analyze data, including the use of spatial statistics, data modeling, and analysis to identify patterns
• Experience using data gathering tools in field settings: tablets, GPS, cellular mobile devices
• Experience training new GIS users and developing clear, user-friendly guides and procedures
• Experience with data automation such as using Model Builder and python scripting
• Preference for experience with ArcGIS Hub Premium
• Experience troubleshooting GIS software

QUALIFICATIONS: 

REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree in GIS / Geospatial Science, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology or related field, OR an associate’s degree and successful completion of an accredited GIS training and certificate program
• Two years of directly related professional work experience demonstrating GIS knowledge and skills, such as working with database and GIS in data management, visualization, and analysis
• Must have current authorization to work in the United States with any employer, visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Be able to perform the following with reasonable breaks and/or reasonable accommodations:

• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a telephone, copy machine, and computer printer for periods of 1-8 hours

BENEFITS: This position includes a generous benefits package including; thirteen paid holidays, paid time off accrued starting at a rate of 1.73 hours for every 30 hours of pay (15 days per year for a 40 hour/week schedule), medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage, the option to participate in a pre-tax flexible spending account for medical and dependent care expenses, short-term disability insurance where not provided under state law, long-term disability insurance, participation in a 401k retirement program with employer contribution match upon meeting eligibility requirements, and a flexible work environment.

MORE INFORMATION:  For more information on the Xerces Society and our programs, please see our website: www.xerces.org 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 

All applications must be submitted via our application website at: http://bit.ly/xerces-jobs

TERMS: The Xerces Society is an at-will employer. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

MUTUAL ARBITRATION: Xerces policies require that employees accept a binding mutual arbitration agreement and process for dispute resolution as an alternative to a jury/trial process. Acceptance of the agreement is a condition of employment, and candidates are offered a position with a minimum of 72 hours to 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Xerces Society is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer including disability and veterans.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. 

PRIORITY REFERRAL OF PROTECTED VETERANS

We request priority referral of protected veterans for all openings with our organization. In order to be considered for employment, all applicants for employment with Xerces Society, apply through our Job Board. When referring or being referred as a candidate, including protected veterans, please refer them to this applicant site; http://bit.ly/xerces-jobs.