The Natural Heritage GIS Manager (Conservation Biologist III) supports the spatial data development, management, and analysis needs of the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP).  The GIS Manager is responsible for providing support to the Natural Heritage staff for species habitat and range mapping, creation of electronic and hard copy maps, and assistance in the transition into more advanced GIS software.  The GIS Manager maintains the Natural Heritage Program’s spatial data layers and coordinates with data staff to integrate data from the NHESP database into the GIS systems used by NHESP staff.  This includes performing periodic software upgrades and helping to customize spatial data for new uses.  The GIS Manager facilitates Natural Heritage staff usage of spatial data and GIS systems. 

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee day-to-day Natural Heritage spatial data utilization. Coordinate the integration of data from the Program’s databases into the Program’s GIS systems.
• Develop protocols, tools, and automated routines for the analysis, storage, cleaning and maintenance of rare species habitat and regulatory polygons in GIS. 
• Analyzes geo-data in Desktop GIS. Perform on-screen digitizing of endangered species habitats and other features.
• Train and support Natural Heritage staff in the use of the Program’s GIS systems including assisting in the transition into more advanced systems, troubleshooting, and assistance in developing tailored GIS tools for environmental review and other staff projects. 
• Train and support desktop and online GIS mapping by Heritage staff, including contractors and interns, especially in mapping rare species locations and habitat features.
• Work with staff in extraction and creation of spatial data products to assist in environmental review and data requests for rare species, natural community, and certified vernal pool data.
• Create and curate NHESP GIS data into AGOL for staff and public consumption.
• Create support documentation for end-users and provide technical assistance to staff and public.
• Prepare datasets and develop guidelines for species and habitat GIS modeling.
• Collaborate with MassWildlife staff on Agency-level GIS initiatives.
• Oversee the creation and printing of hard-copy GIS maps at various scales and other GIS products as needed. 
• Coordinate and support desktop GPS usage and data downloading.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE (List knowledge’s, skills, abilities)

• Expertise with GIS software (including ESRI ArcGIS 10.8 or higher, ArcPro, AGOL, Fieldmaps, Survey123, etc.) and methodology required. Ability to create, manage, and manipulate shapefiles and geodatabases.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques creating and editing Geodatabases.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques using AGOL apps in the field.
• Experience with Python and GIS modeling.
• Experience reading topographic and aerial imagery.
• Ability to troubleshoot software problems and maintain software through upgrades.
• Knowledge of relational database structure and familiarity with structured query language.
• Strong organizational skills, proficiency at multi-tasking, and excellent accuracy and attention to detail.
• Interest in and knowledge of biodiversity conservation.
• Graduate degree in GIS or Conservation biology, Wildlife Management, or a related field with four years of GIS management experience or Bachelor’s degree in GIS or
• Conservation biology, Wildlife Management, or a related field with five years of GIS management experience. 

QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB (List knowledge’s, skills, abilities)

• Knowledge of Natural Heritage spatial databases
• Knowledge of NatureServe/Natural Heritage methodology.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents are required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment and have an acceptable driving record.

Qualifications
 
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
 
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
 
Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, paraprofessional or technical experience in work involving the protection, preservation and/or management of endangered and protected species, of which (B) at least two years must have been in a professional capacity and of which (C) at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
 
Substitutions:
 
I. A Bachelors degree with a major in zoology, botany, ornithology or herpetology, may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.*
 
II. A Graduate degree with a major in zoology, botany, ornithology, or herpetology, may be substituted for one year of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.*
 
*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
 
NOTE:  Substitutions will not be permitted for the required (C) experience.
 
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
 
Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required.