What are the responsibilities and job description for the Natural Areas GIS Specialist position at Dept Conservation & Recreation?
Title: Natural Areas GIS Specialist
State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I
Hiring Range: $54,000-$60,000
Pay Band: 4
Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation
Location: Office
Agency Website: www.dcr.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
As a member of the Stewardship Section of the Division of Natural Heritage, this position will work closely with Stewardship staff to develop, maintain, enhance, and manage Natural Area Preserve resource data to increase understanding and promote conservation of Virginia’s natural area preserves. The Natural Areas GIS Specialist is responsible for collecting, receiving, processing, analyzing, and managing geospatial data regarding Virginia Natural Area Preserve resources. This requires daily collaboration with other Natural Heritage staff as well as partners from across the Commonwealth to assure high quality and accurate data processing. The Natural Areas GIS Specialist works to streamline team workflows through development, support, and management of ArcGIS Online use and mobile applications for data collection and integration into shared databases. This position is responsible for fulfilling various database, mapping and GIS analysis requests for field level staff and data sharing partners, as assigned. Specific examples include map making and data management associated with prescribed burning, invasive species control, and scientific research occurring on the natural area preserves.
The Natural Areas GIS Specialist position is based out of Richmond, Virginia, but the position has statewide responsibilities, including occasional daytrip and overnight travel for field work across the state and a valid driver’s license will be required. This position is supervised by the Chief of Natural Areas Stewardship.
Minimum Qualifications
- Knowledge of general principles of conservation biology, land management, and passive outdoor recreation.
- Proficiency with personal computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.
- Demonstrated skills in oral and written communication, organization, and problem solving.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and graphically represent spatial data and to create clear, informative maps for reporting and presentations.
- Skilled at aerial photography and map interpretation, Geographical Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) applications, and interpretations of environmental data.
- Demonstrated proficiency in use of geospatial field applications and supporting field use of georeferenced maps in mobile applications.
- Experience with independently planning and conducting field work to accomplish data collection goals.
Additional Considerations
- Demonstrated proficiency in use of ArcGIS Online and/or ArcGIS Pro with minimum two-years of experience working within GIS framework.
- Experience with ESRI Field Maps.
- Experience with creating and maintaining data dashboards, web mapping applications, and StoryMaps.
- Familiarity with environmental modeling and/or geospatial analysis tools (e.g., watershed modeling, habitat suitability modeling, statistical analyses with raster datasets).
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
A valid Virginia Driver's License is required in the performance of duties.
DCR employees are encouraged to visit Virginia State Parks! Check out our employee discounts.
- Free parking or admission to all Virginia State Parks.
- DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service) are entitled to overnight facility discounts such as:
o Free camping Sunday night through Thursday night (excluding the night prior to a holiday) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
o Fifty percent discount on cabins (up to 3 bedrooms) outside of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, for a maximum of 14 nights. All reservations require a two-night minimum. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one night yurt stays only receive a 25% discount.
DCR is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the highest ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that our greatest strength lies in the individual differences, experiences, and skill sets that our employees bring to the table. Because of this, we strongly encourage applications from all walks of life, and we welcome all contributions in terms of age, beliefs, color, culture, disability, education, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, language, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran’s status.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer.
Contact Information
Name: Laura Nelson
Phone: n/a
Email: n/a
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary : $54,000 - $60,000
