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Form of workThe Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game works to preserve the state's natural resources and people's right to conservation of those resources, as protected by Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution. To carry out this mission, the Department exercises responsibility over the Commonwealth's marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife species, plants, and natural communities, as well as the habitats that support them.
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is responsible for the conservation - including restoration, protection, and management - of fish and wildlife resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.
The Department of Fish and Game is accepting resumes and applications for the position of Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program Information Manager (Conservation Biologist IV) assigned to the Field Headquarters in Westborough, MA.
A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition.
MassWildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) Information Manager (Conservation Biologist IV) coordinates and oversees the processing and storage of rare species and other biodiversity data into NHESP central databases and GIS systems. The Information Manager reports to and assists the Chief of Conservation Science to set and maintain data standards; works to improve biological databases and data workflows to ensure efficient collection, storage, organization, and processing of data; and helps to analyze and utilize data in support of MassWildlife's conservation programs. The Information Manager maintains NHESP's Biotics database with over 40,000 site-specific rare species, natural community, and certified vernal pool observation records; and ensures that data are processed according to NHESP methodologies. The Information Manager also plays an important role in developing, maintaining, and training others to use NHESP's online data reporting tool, Heritage Hub. The Information Manager facilitates staff usage of Biotics, Heritage Hub and other databases, ensures the integrity and protection of databases, and manages data extraction and packaging to address requests for information from NHESP databases. The Information Manager works with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and other partners and managers to develop new and improved information management systems and maintains currency with improvements in information management technology and data management best practices of other Natural Heritage Programs. The Information Manager supervises and works with the GIS Manager to ensure that NHESP has quality GIS tools and that staff have access to biodiversity data. The Information Manager also supervises three Conservation Data Specialists as well as short-term interns and volunteers.
DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Coordinate and oversee the processing and storage of rare species and other biodiversity data into the NHESP central databases and GIS systems, and ensure efficient, user-focused organization of data.
- Assist the Chief of Conservation Science in establishing data management policies and procedures as well as implementing priorities, including facilitating and streamlining processing and analysis of biodiversity data.
- Assist the Chief of Conservation Science to set and maintain data standards, and to improve biological databases and data workflows to ensure efficient collection, storage, organization and processing of data in collaboration with conservation science, regulatory review and other staff.
- Supervise and train Conservation Data staff to ensure accurate and efficient data processing and analysis and perform quality control on rare species and other biodiversity records.
- Supervise and work with GIS Manager and work to ensure quality, up-to-date GIS services and that staff have access to biodiversity data.
- Maintain NHESP's Biotics database and Heritage Hub; troubleshoot database errors and periodically upgrade database software; write custom scripts to produce database reports and otherwise help process and analyze biodiversity data.
- Oversee Data Release Agreements and the extraction and packaging of data to address requests for information from NHESP databases.
- Train and support staff in the use of NHESP databases and its online data reporting tool, Heritage Hub.
- Work with EEA, other partners and managers to develop new and improved information management systems; maintain currency with improvements in information management technology and data management best practices of other Natural Heritage Programs.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE (List knowledge's, skills, abilities)
1. Demonstrated experience designing, creating, maintaining and analyzing data from relational databases; preferably as applied to the management of biological data.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office software (or its equivalent).
3. Oracle experience, basic SQL, and PowerBI knowledge preferred.
4. Experience with NatureServe methodology preferred.
5. Experience with GIS software and methodology; ability to manage and manipulate shapefiles; experience with ESRI GIS products preferred.
6. Experience maintaining and performing data quality control; experience with biological and species data strongly preferred.
7. Ability to troubleshoot software problems and maintain software through upgrades.
8. Strong organizational skills, proficient at multi-tasking and excellent accuracy and attention to detail.
9. Ability to interact well with and lead others in a team setting and ability to work independently.
10. Supervisory and project management experience preferred.
11. Bachelor's degree with a major in biology, zoology, ecology, or related field preferred.
QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB (List knowledge's, skills, abilities)
1. Knowledge of Natural Heritage spatial databases
2. Knowledge of NatureServe/Natural Heritage methodology.
LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License, or equivalent, and an acceptable driving record.
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, paraprofessional or technical experience in work involving the protection, resource protection, regulatory procedures preservation and/or management of endangered and protected species, of which (B) at least three years must have been in a professional capacity and of which (C) at least two years must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Bachelors degree with a major in zoology, botany, ornithology or herpetology, may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.* II. A Graduate degree with a major in zoology, botany, ornithology, or herpetology, may be substituted for one year of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.* *Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
