Natural Heritage Database Manager/Developer & GIS Analyst

• Organization: Department of Natural Resources WA State
• Location: Olympia, WA, United States
• Salary: $6,462.00 – $8,691.00 Monthly | $77,544.00 – $104,292.00 Annually
• Closing Date and Time: 10/24/2021 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada); Tijuana

Position Description (GIS Analyst):

Natural Heritage Database Manager/Developer & GIS Analyst
Recruitment #2021-09-5591
This is a Full-time, Permanent, Represented position.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Conservation, Recreation, & Transactions Division. Join the DNR’s, Natural Heritage Program as a Database Manager/Developer & GIS Analyst and you will have the opportunity to apply senior level expertise in data application development, managing complex data systems, and conducting GIS analyses to expand the utility of Program data to support efforts to protect Washington’s rare species and ecosystems. The Natural Heritage Program catalogs the plants, animals, and ecosystems of Washington and prioritizes their conservation needs, helping guide conservation funding in the state, providing the framework for the statewide system of natural areas, and informing policy and management decisions by external stakeholders. The Database Manager/Developer, & GIS Analyst plays a critical role in ensuring our conservation partners have the information they need to make effective conservation decisions.

 Under the supervision and guidance of the Natural Heritage Program Manager, and alongside a group of Natural Heritage scientists, you will maintain and develop innovative systems for managing, analyzing, and distributing complex data to inform conservation planning.  Specifically, you will maintain and develop data management systems and applications that are critical and specific for business functions of the Natural Heritage Program. The position designs, develops, customizes, and manages database schemas and applications and conducts GIS analyses that extend utility of biodiversity data for critical decisions relating to protection of rare species and ecosystems by DNR and other agencies.  Products derived from the data systems under the incumbent’s responsibility are used to determine conservation actions and policy throughout the state by DNR, federal and other state agencies, cities and counties, and private organizations.

Duties

Responsibilities:
In summary, you will provide customization, design and development of relational database structures using Oracle, SQL-lite, and ESRI File Geodatabases that requires independent, creative decisions related to complex spatial and tabular data structures, and applications that hinge on these data systems.  To accomplish this you will:

• Develop data management applications that improve accessibility and increase distribution to program, agency, and external science staff and decision makers. This includes developing custom code and scripts for increasing access and distribution of core business data systems.
• Integrate and move data from multiple sources into business data management systems ensuring program data systems are accurate and reflect best available science. This entails designing, developing, and implementing database schema for ingesting data from program staff and external partners. Customization of data systems using Python, SQL, and JavaScript for interfacing with internal and external partner data systems.
• Develop and maintain tools to extend utility and efficient distribution of core business data systems.  This includes developing schemas for SQL views that consolidate data from many database tables into an output ready for consumption by web applications. Designs and creates web-based query and reporting tools. Developing complex web applications to provide biodiversity data to DNR, federal, and other state agencies, scientists, and the public.
• In collaboration with Natural Heritage scientists, design and create software modules that are used in collection of botanical, zoological, and ecosystem data which are the core of Natural Heritage Program business functions. Develop and maintain a custom system for mobile data consumption resulting in a highly efficient and scalable automated system to ingest data collected from the mobile data collection system, process the data, and store it in databases. Customized application are developed using Python, Eclipse IDE for Python, and R Studio IDE for R.
• Provides independent, creative, technical data solutions, recommendations, and analyses to address unforeseen challenges and issues with the Program business data management and distribution systems.
• Design and development of automated data quality procedures.
• The creation of mission-critical data products requires independent judgement of source data quality, output formats, and output accuracy that integrate with existing and new technologies.
• Independently communicate and interact with the public.
• Supervise the Natural Heritage Data Specialist position.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor’s degree in information technology or equivalent and at least two years of experience working with databases.
• At least 3 years of experience and demonstrated proficiency in designing, developing, and managing relational databases, particularly SQL and Oracle databases, as well as experience customizing and extending utility of databases (Oracle, MySQL, PostGres).
• At least 2 years of experience and demonstrated proficiency with geospatial data, modeling, analysis, design, programming, technical support, and documentation.
• At least 1 year of experience and demonstrated proficiency in developing applications for effective extraction, distribution and use of core business data (e.g., JavaScript and Python programming languages or other languages).
• At least 1 year of experience and demonstrated skills in gathering, documenting and implementing user requirements as part of application development.
• The position will work approximately 90% in an office setting in DNR headquarters in Olympia, Washington. DNR offices are in the Natural Resources Building (NRB) on the state capital campus, walking distance from downtown Olympia. Teleworking is possible for this position. The position is overtime-exempt and the incumbent is expected to maintain core business hours (9 am to 3 pm) during a typical 40-hour work week. There will be occasional times when projects, deadlines, and meetings require variations of this schedule. The postion may require travel, including out-of-state, about 5-10% of the time, to attend field tours, meetings, and conferences. Olympia is well-positioned for outdoor enthusiasts, sitting at the southern terminous of Puget Sound, equidistant from the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, and with easy access to the Pacific Coast.
• DNR Core Competencies: 
  • Personal Accountability 
  • Value Others 
  • Compassionate Communication 
  • Inspire Others 
  • Commitment to Excellence
• IMPORTANT NOTE: The Commissioner of Public Lands has instituted a requirement that all employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 18, 2021, as a condition of employment.   Vaccination status will be verified at the time an offer of employment is made.  An accommodation may be available for individuals who have a sincerely held religious belief or a medical reason for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.  

Our ideal candidate will also have the qualifications listed below:

• Demonstrated experience applying NatureServe/Natural Heritage methodology. 
• Demonstrated proficiency and experience with the NatureServe Biotics software application, including Crystal Reports.
• Advanced working knowledge of mobile data collection applications (e.g., Collector, Survey 123, Fulcrum, etc.), and map/feature services.
• Working knowledge of remotely sensed data (e.g., aerial photography, LiDAR, PhoDAR).
• Expertise conducting spatial analyses and geoprocessing using ArcGIS 
• Interest in, and knowledge of, biodiversity conservation issues.

Supplemental Information

Location: 
One of the world’s most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. Your office will be located in Olympia. For more information on this area visit, http://olympiawa.gov.
 
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected for most office activities. When approved to return, staff are expected to report to their assigned duty station for work activities or may be approved for telework based on DNR’s telework policy.
 
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 
Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs economically and socially for current and future generations. At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity and inclusion. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.
 
DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more 
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

How to Apply: 
To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.

Application Requirements:

• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements. 
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Complete all supplemental questions. 

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22 or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.  We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at [email protected].  Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

DNR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.

Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress

Questions?  Please contact Joe Rocchio at 360-491-1041, [email protected], email or e-mail us at [email protected]

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email [email protected].

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