Job Description

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.

Position/Project Specifics:

This is a full-time position with the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC). The Data Management Specialist (Specialist) will work in coordination with PSMFC program staff and external partners on regional data programs including, but not limited to, StreamNet Program (https://www.streamnet.org/) and RMPC Program (https://www.rmpc.org/). These programs rely on collaborative processes engaging with tribal, federal, state, and consortia to effectively exchange standardized data to inform regional assessments and reporting needs. PSMFC staff support these programs by leading collaborative processes, developing draft products, data documentation, data entry, and assisting with data access. These programs are currently focused on strengthening data sharing capacity, data quality and quantity, enhancing data discovery and accessibility, and facilitating data interoperability.

Essential Functions:   

The Specialist will work closely within a team environment on a diversity of tasks that range from compiling data from multiple sources, entering data per the required data exchange standards, updating program websites, developing draft products (e.g., documents, presentations, spreadsheets) for use in existing processes, informing development of data tools (queries, ESRI dashboards), and supporting a diversity of collaborative processes. A portion of the tasks will be guided by the needs identified by the Coordinated Assessments Partnership (CAP) during the 2023 workshop (https://www.pnamp.org/project/coordinated-assessments-for-salmon-and-steelhead) which will involve developing draft material, and actively contributing to Fish Monitoring Work Group Task Teams (https://www.pnamp.org/project/fish-monitoring-work-group) and other groups and processes assigned to a CAP task. The Specialist will also assist with organization and supporting the implementation of program committee and team meetings, and regional meetings such as the Emerging Technologies Information Sessions. The selected individual will plan and carry out assignments independently under general guidance of senior team members and the Senior Program Manager.

The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge of data management and data entry/query tools (e.g., google sheets, google forms, access and SQL databases) and be proficient with Microsoft Office. The Candidate should also demonstrate knowledge of, or ability to self-learn, to use other tools, such as GIThub for documentation and versioning, ArcGIS online tools such as ESRI dashboards for data display, and maintaining content on WordPress websites. The candidate must be comfortable working on multiple tasks, able to re-prioritize their work, be a proven team player, and understand the criteria for respectful collaboration.

The position requires developing and maintaining working relationship with a wide-range of colleagues and partners that have a diversity of expertise related to natural resources, data systems, and facilitation. Applicants should be able to think and work independently, self-learn, and be self-motivated to complete tasks with little direct supervision.

Duties include but aren’t limited to:

Acquire data and other information from multiple sources and compile into standardized data formats. This includes locating information and verifying accuracy and completeness, editing, and error checking.

Integrate compiled data into a shared file or database, performing data entry, review and document processes, capture metadata, and other content. Work with the Columba Basin Fish and Wildlife Librarian, Pacific Northwest Aquatic Monitoring Partnership, and other external partners to secure access to supporting documentation.

Contribute as a team member in identifying options for addressing needs related to data accessibility and quality, and assist with development of material to implement solutions.

Participate in organization and implementation of meetings, workshops, and occasional symposia. Supporting as needed a variety of tasks to ensure a successful process and outcome. Extract data and provide options for displaying on slides, reports, and web-based tools (map and tabular). Verbally present information related to completed and ongoing tasks in these forums.

Communicate with other PSMFC staff, as needed, for information sharing and problem resolution on issues. 

Collaboratively work on teams with PSMFC staff and external partners, including state, tribal and federal fish and wildlife management agencies that provide data and engage in these collaborative forums.

Respectfully interact with fish management and research staff, and database designers and programmers.

Effectively communicate (written and verbal) with a variety of partners (data consumers, data providers, biologists, fisheries managers and data stewards) about data needs

• Compile project data into standardized electronic data formats. This includes accessing filed information and verifying its accuracy and completeness, performing data entry, editing, and error checking.
• Extract relevant data which may be presented in many different text and numeric formats, reports, tables, graphics, or figures.
• Maintain local versions of datasets in accordance with established regional database exchange formats and standards.
• Coordinate the regular transfer of reference materials to archives and libraries.
• Create queries, summaries, and/or maps in response to requests for customized data.
• Prepare and manipulate various data and graphic outputs for use in reports, presentations and internet applications 
• Produce written reports (including graphs, tables, maps, and text), data sets, and data summaries using a variety of analytical techniques and software tools. 
• Document data handling and reporting to ensure consistency and validity of data between and within sites. Files may come from sources that use different computer hardware, software systems/protocols, and different communication packages.
• Maintain and update data catalogs, data catalog directories, and metadata.
• Perform Help Desk functions, responding to on-line user inquiries about access to the database and data retrievals, the execution of query scripts, and standard report programs.

Supervisory Controls: 

Work is assigned in terms of project goals, objectives, priorities, and, at times, specific tasks.  At the lower end of the range, the employee will exercise initiative in solving common technical and procedural problems.  Unusual issues are referred to the supervisor or higher-graded employee for consultation or review. 

At the upper end of the range, the employee plans and carries out assignments with independence, guided by experience and knowledge to complete the objective.  He/she seeks assistance only on the most unusual issues. Sufficiency of planning and execution, and accuracy of the data produced are normally accepted without detailed review, even for customized assignments.

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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

A range of experience and education may be presented.  Candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** AND four years of successfully completed education above high school in the natural sciences (biology, fishery biology, environmental science, aquatic science, geology, chemistry, physics, mathematics).  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. 

Knowledge Required by the Position:

Experience working with computers and software packages and applications for databases, spreadsheets, and word processing. Knowledge of data management concepts, principles, and methods, and quality assurance principles

Two years of experience is preferred, but not required, in working with natural resources datasets. Experience with Microsoft Excel, Google Sheet, Word, and PowerPoint. Experience using Structured Query Language (SQL) to input and retrieve data from MySQL, MS SQL Server, or similar data management systems is a plus.

Experience in environmental science, environmental management, natural sciences, fish and wildlife biology, fisheries management, or another related field is desirable.

Knowledge, or ability to learn, how to maintain content on websites, such as WordPress, web-based data display tools such as ESRI Dashboards, accessing and documenting content in GIThub, working with project management tools such as JIRA and Trello.

Experience working with tribes, federal, state natural resources agencies, interstate compacts, and a broader diversity of stakeholders is a plus.

The Data Management Specialist must be detail oriented and work independently to identify and resolve challenges to address specific tasks and data problems.

Mandatory Knowledge and Skills: 

• MS Excel                                            
• MS Word                                
• MS Excel
• oral communication skills
• writing technical documentation

Additional Desirable Knowledge and Skills: 

• Arc GIS Online Dashboard or equivalent
• WordPress or equivalent
• Elementor or equivalent
• GitHub or equivalent
• Trello, Jira or equivalent
• MS SQL or equivalent

PSMFC is an EEO/AAP Employer. We maintain a drug free workplace.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 60,000 - 80,000.

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