Data Management Specialist 2 (Natural Sciences)-Klamath Data Support

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.

Position/Project Specifics:

The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) is seeking a self-motivated and high performing Data Management Specialist 2 (Natural Sciences) - Data Management and Access Support focused. The Specialist will be assisting primarily with the collaborative Klamath Basin Monitoring Plan project and the Klamath Basin Fisheries Collaborative (https://www.kbfishc.org/). This position is anticipated to last 2-years, with the potential to be extended depending on funding.

The position requires working at the PSMFC office in Portland, Oregon. The individual will work within a PSMFC team and will engage with tribal, federal, state agency partners, watershed councils, and others that are involved with these projects by supporting collaborative meetings and other tasks. These programs rely on collaborative processes engaging with tribal, federal, state, and consortia to effectively share standardized data to inform basin-wide assessments. 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

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), GIS maps, and supporting a diversity of collaborative processes.

The main duties of this position include:

1. Providing technical support to KBFC members (1) submitting data in and/or accessing data from the KBFC data system; (2) with converting legacy data to KBFC data specification; (3) with the KBFC ESRI Survey 123 form used for field data collection.
2. Developing ESRI online maps to depict monitoring locations and similar information.
3. Assisting with content management and updates to the WordPress project websites and related tools.
4. Participate in organization and implementation of collaborative meetings by taking meeting notes, assisting with preparation of meeting material and presentations. Including assisting with the planning and implementation of the annual KBFC meeting.
5. 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
6. Communicate with other PSMFC staff, as needed, for information sharing and problem resolution on issues.
7. 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.
8. Respectfully interact with fish management and research staff, and database designers and programmers.
9. Effectively communicate (written and verbal) with a variety of partners (data consumers, data providers, biologists, fisheries managers and data stewards) about data needs
10. Supporting other PSMFC collaborative data projects with similar tasks.

The selected individual will plan and carry out assignments independently under the 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., ESRI products such as ArcMap, ESRI Survey 123, Google Sheets, Google Forms, MS 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 tools for mapping and for data collection /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 relationships 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.

Background Project Information:
The Klamath Basin Fisheries Collaborative (KBFC) project is a Klamath Basin wide effort, integrating work across what historically has been termed the “lower” and “upper” basin regions. This Project purpose supports a collaborative effort to monitor and evaluate using fish tracking infrastructure (e.g. PIT tags) and associated fisheries historic river restoration opportunities and effects on imperiled fish species including Lost River suckers (Chasmistes brevirostris), shortnose suckers (Deltistes luxatus), coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), and other native fish. The KBFC's work is strongly dedicated to improving the quality and quantity of data that are needed to inform decisions and to assess progress towards the Klamath Basin Integrated Fisheries Restoration and Monitoring Plan's (IFRMP)'s Fish Core Performance Indicators. The KBFC members are continuing to improve existing fish monitoring efforts by documenting and coordinating monitoring activities, investing in tagging and tag detection supplies, and advancing data exchange by refining the data system and providing technical support to data providers.

The Klamath Basin Monitoring Plan project focuses on developing a post-dams Klamath Basin Monitoring Basin with Klamath Basin stakeholders and existing collaborative groups such as Klamath MOU Signatory parties, Klamath Basin Monitoring Program (KBMP), Klamath Basin Fisheries Collaborative (KBFC), and watershed initiative groups throughout the Klamath Basin. This project will support open meetings to engage monitoring practitioners and other experts and stakeholders and assist with the development of a post-dam removal monitoring strategy, including funding strategies to ensure monitoring is prioritized and funded. The project will maintain and improve the existing IFRMP.org website, and add new webpages to provide access to the Collaborative Process as well as the 2026-2027 Klamath Basin Post-Dam Removal Science Summit.

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, Data Management Specialists (Natural Sciences):

• 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 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.
• Maintain a local archive of current and historical reports and documents. Coordinate the regular transfer of reference materials to archives and libraries.
• Perform a variety of tasks related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that may include map preparation, geo-referencing biological and habitat data, maintaining location information tables, editing and updating hydrography GIS coverages, and maintaining metadata for data sets and GIS coverages.
• Train technical and general users in the use of database applications through individual instruction and/or group presentations.
• 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 using standardized retrieval scripts.

At the upper end of the range, employees:

• Develop and implement databases and libraries. Includes acquiring new data as well as taking previously created or historical databases or spreadsheets and integrating them. Data sources vary in format including database, spreadsheet, and survey data sets. Custom interfaces may be required.
• Produce written research and statistical reports (including graphs, tables, maps, and text), data sets, and data summaries using a variety of analytical techniques and software tools. This involves the master-level use of database retrieval scripts.
• 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 system maintenance and backups. This includes routine database checkpoints, checkpoint verification, tuning, data-process merges, and user account management. Restore files when required.
• 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.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

The employee must have knowledge of:

• natural sciences
• computers and software packages and applications for databases, spreadsheets, and word processing
• data management concepts, principles, and methods
• quality assurance principles
• technical documentation methods and procedures
• analytical methods and common query languages
• the organization's data sets

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 the results and relate that to the overall objective of the assignment.

Additional Mandatory Knowledge and Skills:

• MS Excel
• MS Word
• MS SQL or equivalent
• Python
• MS PowerPoint
• ARC GIS or ESRI online
• ESRI Survey 123
• Microsoft SharePoint or equivalent

Additional Desirable Knowledge and Skills:

• ArcInfo
• ArcView
• WordPress or equivalent
• Elementor or equivalent
• GitHub or equivalent
• Trello, Jira or equivalent

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.

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.

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

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.