Conservation Support GIS/Geovisualization Specialist w/ Cornell University Lab of Ornithology (NY)

Conservation Support GIS/Geovisualization Specialist
​Application Programmer II - Band E
Lab of Ornithology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Cornell University

https://cornell.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/CornellCareerPage/job/Ithaca-Tompkins-County/Conservation-Support-GIS-Geovisualization-Specialist_WDR-00008443-2 

The Conservation Science Program at the Lab of Ornithology is currently seeking a Conservation Support GIS/Geovisualization Specialist.  Specific duties include:

• Use cartographic principles, GIS systems, modern map editing, processing, and creation technology to develop maps, generate datasets, create data visualizations, and produce other materials for the Conservation Science program staff to share with partner organizations, institutions, and agencies in support of decision-making related to conservation, natural resource management, and sustainable development.
• Typical products include estimates of seasonal distributions and relative abundances of focal bird species, sometimes along with other relevant environmental data, that are provided to partners as GIS data layers and accompanied by spatially-explicit information about the robustness of these estimates.  These layers are frequently requested by partners to identify areas of seasonal importance for focal species, which support prioritization and planning processes as well as guide management decisions.
• Work closely with others in the Conservation Science program to best support priority projects and partners.

Annual appointment with possibility of renewal based upon performance and available funding.


Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in discipline related to Geography or Ecology with at least 1 year experience in applying GIS principles in avian ecology, avian conservation, citizen science or similar field.
• An understanding of the principles of web mapping and map server frameworks and be comfortable with data management, manipulation, design, programming, and deployment of map services for use in decision support tools, often using JavaScript and/or other web framework languages.
• Experience with scientific, visualization, and GIS programming languages, such as R, Python, Oracle Spatial, postGIS, GDAL and QGIS.
• Candidate must show strong problem solving, critical thinking, and writing skills, work effectively on a team, learn technical material quickly, establish realistic goals, and deliver quality work on schedule with minimal supervision.
• The ability to prioritize activities and multitask is essential.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree and extensive experience working with large datasets and statistical modeling outputs in a GIS environment, including data management, analysis, and visualization.
• Experience communicating scientific concepts to public audiences via both spoken and written forms, as well as through visualizations, maps, and decision support tools.
• Experience in integrating knowledge in avian biology, conservation, biogeography, taxonomy, and citizen science with GIS practices, principles, and relevant technical skills.
• Familiarity with or previous training in avian ecology, conservation, or natural resource management is highly desired.