Database/GIS Specialist - Laurel, MD

The USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, MD, is seeking a contract database specialist to design a data management system for marine bird survey data being collected in the Gulf of Mexico. The position entails developing and maintaining a Relational Database, writing data processing code in the R language for QA/QC and data
summary, and supporting the project website. All work must be fully documented and version controlled.  Experience with GIS systems is desirable.

Qualifications: A BS or MS in biology, informatics, data science, statistics, or a related field with 1+ yrs experience working on data systems or monitoring data. Candidate should be well versed in the R statistical language, SQL, and MS-SQL Server or PostGres/PostGIS.
Experience with Python, Git version control systems, and ArcGIS or another GIS software system preferred. Some statistical background is desirable.

Tasks: Create data processing code and associated documentation for aerial survey data (QA/QC, formatting, data summarization). Build and maintain an SQL server RDBMS for data storage and retrieval. Assist with GIS support of survey planning, execution, and summary.

• Database skills/knowledge of SQL to build SQL server or PostGRES RDBMS, develop views (database structure is mostly completed), prepare metadata
• Programming skills (R and Python) for data processing, QA/QC, and data summary (initial code set exists)
• GIS skills for (1) survey support (spatial products for sample selection, navigation files for pilots, etc.) and (2) presenting results (mapping and data summaries)
• Other: organize, oversee, and maintain the project's Confluence site, which includes survey SOPs, the Project Record, data upload, and meeting notes

This position is located in Laurel, MD. If interested, please send a cover letter detailing your relevant experience, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to Dr. Jim Lyons, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708 ([email protected]) and Dr. Emily Silverman, USFWS Migratory Bird Management, 11510 American Holly Drive, Laurel, MD 20708 ([email protected]).

​Closing date: 14 August 2017