CHNEP Research & GIS Coordinator

Are you passionate about protecting the environment and making a tangible impact on water quality, wildlife, and habitat restoration?

This position is an interdisciplinary member of the Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP) team, which is tasked with implementing the CHNEP Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) and annual Work Plan.  The primary duties involve research and GIS work to improve water quality, restore hydrology, and protect fish, wildlife, and their habitat. 

The Research & GIS Coordinator acts as lead daily project manager of CHNEP Water Atlas, as well as for the National Estuary Program Online Reporting Tool (NEPORT).  Performs responsible professional work coordinating CHNEP GIS workflows and policies to ensure standardization of GIS data, tasks and workflows.  Also performs technical work of a complex nature involving the management, analysis, and sharing of GIS data.  Serves as GIS lead responsible for discovering patterns and trends through spatial mapping, developing mapping applications and tools, and managing a digital library of geographic maps in various file types.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Leading CHNEP Water Atlas and NEPORT entries as well as well as assisting on other research initiatives and projects under direction of the CHNEP Director of Research & Restoration.
• Conducting scientific research and analysis independently to support CHNEP CCMP activities.
• Reviewing technical deliverables and preparing technical comments.
• Providing monthly update content on progress of research projects and meetings attended.
• Drafting technical content for research and restoration grant proposals and reports.
• Attending technical meetings and conferences on CHNEP’s behalf to present – preparing presentations and notes of highlights to share with other team members.
• Developing science communications for CHNEP’s outreach program, publications, newsletter articles, videos, social media and events.
• Organizing and maintaining GIS (Geographic Information Systems) data in CHNEP network.
• Preparing GIS maps and conducting GIS spatial analysis.
• Assisting in coordinating and executing other research projects as needed
• Assisting in the planning and implementation of CHNEP Technical Advisory Committee meetings, as well as other CHNEP committee meetings as needed.
• Consistently demonstrating a positive and welcoming demeanor in interactions with guests, participants, staff, interns and volunteers.  Traveling occasionally as needed, including on weekends on rare occasions. [Note: work outside of standard work hours to work evenings and/or weekends is occasionally expected with this position.]

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree
  • Degree Areas:
    • Biology
    • Ecology
    • Environmental Sciences/Studies 
• Five (5) years of applicable work experience including environmental research, as well as GIS analysis and implementation of GIS applications and databases.

Licenses and/or Certifications:  

• Proficient and experienced in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related programs and applications, including using ArcGIS Desktop/Arc GIS Pro (or equivalent) as an analytic, data visualization, and map production tool for all Geodata storage, organization, and management. 
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. 
• Project management experience in leading in planning and implementation of related tasks to manage project(s) independently
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of communicating scientific and technical concepts and ideas to audiences of mixed knowledge and expertise
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher, etc.
• Proficient in planning, organization, and decision making
• Proficient at scientific research and data analysis
• Strong analytical and project management skills; ability to maintain accurate records and reports. 
• Ability to deal with a variety of projects at the same time and to work long hours on highly technical projects. 
• Ability to make recommendations and to use resourcefulness and tact in solving new problems. 
• Strong negotiating, analytical and research skills; ability to ascertain priorities and meet deadlines and objectives. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to develop effective proposals. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Skillful in public speaking and public relations, as well as written communication
• Ability to perform complex work assignments within established policies, procedures, and practices with guidance
• Ability to work cooperatively with other employees and the public
• Able to produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar
• Ability to review or check the work product of others to ensure conformance to standards
• Ability to work outside standard business hours and travel occasionally as necessary
• Knowledge of Florida flora, fauna, and ecology preferred

Salary : $25