Job Description

Group Definition: Data Management Specialists (Natural Sciences) use a background in the natural sciences as they assist in the population, maintenance, enhancement and distribution of databases.  They locate, obtain, standardize, enter, verify, and correct various data sets related to project goals and work plans.

Essential Functions:  (The functions listed below are characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this group and pay band.  They are not all-inclusive. Individual positions may perform some or all, as well as other similar work.)

At the lower end of the range, employees:

• Compile natural resources data from pre-existing data sources.
• Assist biologists with simple analysis and interpretation of data.
• Keep records on methods and parameters of data collection.
• Present information in common graphical formats.
• Write narrative descriptions of communities according to standardized format. Assure data is handled consistently across different communities.

At the upper end of the range, employees:

• Compile project data into standardized electronic data formats. This includes accessing filed information and verifying its accuracy and completeness, performing data entry, electronic data transfer, editing, and error checking.
• Extract relevant data and present it in a variety of text and numeric formats, reports, tables, graphics, or figures.
• Maintain local versions of datasets in accordance with established regional database exchange formats and standards.
• Maintain a local archive of current and historical reports and documents. Coordinate the regular transfer of reference materials to archives and libraries.
• Create queries, summaries, and/or maps for recurring reports.
• Assist biologists with simple analysis and interpretation of data.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

The employee must have knowledge of:

• natural sciences
• personal computers and software packages and applications for databases, spreadsheets, and word processing
• data management concepts, principles, and methods
• quality assurance principles
• common query languages

sufficient to:  input data; structure information retrievals; edit, combine and manipulate data; and/or provide reports for users.  This knowledge allows the employee to assess or interpret the significance of the results and relate that to the overall objective of the assignment.

Additional Mandatory/Desirable Knowledge and Skills: (A pick list.  Supervisor makes selection and indicates whether M or D for candidate to possess at time of hire.)

• MS Publisher                                      
• MS FrontPage                        
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe PageMaker                             
• Adobe Illustrator                    
• Adobe FrameMaker
• MS SQL                                              
• MS Access                              
• Oracle
• MS Excel                                            
• MS Word
• oral communication skills
• writing technical documentation

Supervisory Controls: 

At the lower end of the range, the employee is learning to carry out recurring assignments.  Unusual issues are referred to the supervisor or higher graded employee.  The work is reviewed on a weekly basis.

At the upper end of the range, recurring work is assigned in terms of project goals, objectives, priorities, and, at times, specific tasks. The employee plans and carries out assignments, guided by experience and knowledge to complete the objective.  The supervisor or higher graded employee is called upon for advice and consultation only as necessary.

Guidelines:

Guidelines include PSMFC standards and policies; project work plans; data submission protocol documents; established database structures, data definitions, and data standards; and various hardware and software manuals.

Complexity:

At the lower end of the range, the employee decides what to do and selects the appropriate routine to set up and format each job.

At the higher end of the range, data will be in any number of formats, some computerized and some not.  Computerized data may not be in a form that matches user needs exactly and therefore requires translation into a common format.  Data may be missing or in a format that requires conversion to defined standards.

Scope and Effect:

A high quality, consistent set of biological and geographical data is necessary for effective policy setting, planning, management and research.  Data must be provided in an efficient and timely manner, and in a format that meets the needs of users.

Personal Contacts: 

Contacts are with employees in PSMFC; federal, state, or tribal agencies; university researchers, private/non-profit organizations, and the general public.

Purpose of Contacts: 

The purpose of the contacts is to exchange and transfer ideas and information.  Coordination, planning, and mutual support are important aspects of the contacts.

Physical Demands:

The work is generally sedentary, although there may be some nominal walking or standing for short periods of time, or carrying of light loads of papers, books, reports, etc., that require only moderate physical ability and physical stress.  Significant amounts of time may be spent on the phone.

Work Environment:

The works area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.  The work involves the common risks or discomforts typical of office, meeting rooms, libraries, and the like.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

A range of experience and education may be presented.  At the lower end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** OR four years of successfully completed education above high school leading to a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences (biology, fishery biology, environmental science, aquatic science, geology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics), or any other field that provides the same knowledge.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

At the upper end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** OR one year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

**Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled.  To be creditable, Specialized Experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 40,000 - 60,000.

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