Grand Canyon Trust job opening: GIS Program Manager

Job Title: GIS Program Manager
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Position: 40 hours per week
Supervisor: Director of Conservation Programs
Date: November 1, 2011

General Description

This position provides GIS, Information Technology (IT) and data management support for the Trust’s conservation and environmental advocacy programs, with an emphasis on developing a conservation GIS program, increasing organizational GIS capacity, and applying a vision of how GIS tools can advance conservation on the Colorado Plateau. The position produces high-quality cartographic products, conducts spatial analyses, acquires spatial data, maintains and upgrades hardware and software, maintains spatial and non-spatial databases for the organization, manages the program’s budget, develops relationships in the greater GIS community, supervises interns and volunteers, and assists in fundraising.

Program Goals

Engage with colleagues both internally and externally to increase the use of GIS and IT aseffective conservation, land management, and ecological restoration tools. Optimize theorganization’s mapping and 3D visualization capabilities to most effectively communicate conservation messages and information. Use GIS analytical capabilities responsibly and appropriately in a scientifically defensible manner to bring science into land management decisions. Provide IT assistance and training in-house to promote efficiency and productivity; and provide data management support for the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Visualize, develop, and maintain a Conservation GIS program to support GCT programs and organizational goals.

2. Design and manage spatial and non-spatial databases, edit and develop spatial data layers and associated metadata, conduct geoprocessing tasks and spatial analyses as needed, and maintain data quality control.

3. Produce high-quality and attractive two and three-dimensional and interactive cartographic products, charts, tables, and graphics.

4. Construct, maintain, and administer logical and intuitive institutional GIS protocols involving geodatabase design, naming conventions, metadata, supporting documentation, system archives, backups and contacts databases.

5. Research, evaluate, recommend and implement new GIS and IT tools and datasets for use in Trust conservation programs and manage the GIS program budget and software licenses efficiently and effectively.

6. Develop and manage non-spatial databases for the organization and for specific programs, as needed.

7. Provide in-house technical support for GIS users and assist IT consultant with evaluating, maintaining, and upgrading software and hardware for non-GIS systems, as needed.

8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships, strategic partnerships and/orcollaborations with GIS professionals at other organizations and represent the Trust at program-related meetings, workshops, and conferences.

9. Provide training and end-user support for GPS-related field work, assist program staff with design and implementation of field data collection and mapping systems.

Job requirements:

1. Master’s degree in Geography, Biology, Ecology, natural resource science, or Information Technologies plus 2 years’ experience OR Bachelor’s degree and minimum of five years experience in GIS program management using ESRI ArcGIS software and extensions.

2. Advanced knowledge of cartographic principles and design and demonstrated ability to create visually interesting and compelling map products.

3. Demonstrated skills in spatial data management, data editing, geoprocessing, geodatabase design and management, metadata development, and quality assurance/quality control. Advanced knowledge of spatial analysis and/or remote sensing techniques and applications a plus.

4. Demonstrated working knowledge of GPS and mobile GIS technologies, applications, and associated software.

5. Knowledge of and experience with development of interactive web mapping applications.

6. Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in the fields of GIS and relational databases, and the desire and initiative to stay abreast of these trends and to research, evaluate, and acquire complex spatial data sets.

7. Highly proficient with database management software such as MS Access. Working knowledge of programming languages such as SQL or Python is preferred.

8. Interest in and ability to provide in-house IT support and training such as diagnosing hardware and software problems, installing, upgrading, and/or configuring software programs, and by researching and evaluating new software updates and programs.

9. Excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a variety of partners.

10. Excellent organizational, time management and project management skills.

11. Personal commitment to serving the fields of Conservation Biology, Environmental Science and Policy and knowledge of current conservation and ecosystem management issues and trends.

Base Salary: $40,000 – 50,000, depending on skills and experience. In addition to the base salary, the Trust provides health insurance, 401(k), and other benefits.

Send résumé and cover letter by November 18, 2011, to Darcy Allen or mail to:

Darcy Allen
Grand Canyon Trust
2601 N. Fort Valley Rd.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001

No phone calls, please.

The Grand Canyon Trust is an equal opportunity employer