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GIS/Aquatic Organism Passage Coordinator

Indiana, PA, USA
Geographic Information Systems/Aquatic Organism Passage Coordinator (GIS/AOP Coordinator)
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has been dedicated to protecting and restoring the region’s exceptional natural places since 1932. As a member-based nonprofit organization, we work in cities and towns across Western Pennsylvania and rely on the help of thousands of members, partners and volunteers. We are making a difference in our region’s water, land and life. We do this work for the benefit of wildlife and people who call Western Pennsylvania home, and for future generations.

We are seeking an individual to fill the position Geographic Information Systems/Aquatic Organism Passage Coordinator. This position involves data collection, GIS database development, spatial analysis and map production focused on aquatic organism passage (AOP) assessment and restoration in Pennsylvania. The Geographic Information Systems/Aquatic Organism Passage Coordinator (Coordinator) will assist with North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative (NAACC) protocol trainings, coordinate NAACC assessment efforts and accumulate collected data for centralization and analysis. This position is funded through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the work will be focused in NFWF’s Central Appalachian focal geographies. This position reports directly to the Watershed Manager, West Branch Susquehanna Region.

Job Duties
Develop, maintain and utilize multiple databases and geographic information systems (GIS). Assist with aquatic organism passage (AOP) projects, leading NAACC trainings, coordinating assessment efforts and collecting data for centralization and analysis. Assist project partners with determining where they should assess crossings to avoid duplication of efforts and steer assessments where they could have the most ecological significance.
Interface directly with both the Penn State University’s Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies (Center) to enhance that program’s efforts working with Pennsylvania municipalities and with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) staff to develop tracking systems for AOP.
Collaborate with the Pennsylvania Aquatic Connectivity Team leaders to plan annual meetings, develop the agenda, co-host the meeting and gather feedback from participants.
Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis, database management, map production and online mapping. Regularly download and update NAACC data on WPC’s GIS Server.
Work with PFBC to define criteria and metrics that will be used for AOP priority assessment and replacement prioritization in the project tracking database.
Work with the PFBC to develop an AOP tracking system to track completed AOP projects and reassessed (NAACC) crossings after completed AOP restoration projects.
Incorporate information from existing databases (American Rivers) into new PA tracking tool.
Work with the Center to provide data and analysis which will target efforts towards priority locations for AOP replacement within eastern brook trout priority patches in the Central Appalachia geographies.
Integrate the Center’s annual crossing replacement information into tracking database and disseminate that information to counties in the Central Apps geographies.
Use the Center’s feedback and technical assistance to produce bulletins and other educational documents that can be used in their existing Stream Crossing trainings and can be posted to the internet.
Perform NAACC surveys for assessing fish passage at road-stream intersections. Train and provide guidance to aspiring NAACC surveyors.
Utilize electronic technology including field tablet, personal computer, telephone, cell phone, email etc.
Proficiently use computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, ESRI ArcMap and ArcGIS Pro.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with both staff and external agency partners.
Support the Conservancy’s cost containment and fundraising efforts and needs.
Reflect organizational spirit, culture and objectives in activities performed on WPC’s behalf. Act in WPC’s best-interest at all times.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Physical Requirements
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Utilizing keyboarding and fine motor skills
Driving a motor vehicle for four hours or more
Swimming and wading in flowing water
Sitting/standing/walking for periods in excess of 8 hours
Possesses sufficient physical stamina to conduct field investigations in rough terrain and adverse weather conditions.
Speaking and hearing in-person, telephone and other remote speech
Seeing with near, far and peripheral visual acuity
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Systems, Watershed Planning, Environmental Studies or a related field is required and at least one to three years professional experience is preferred.
Preferred to have Certification as a Lead Observer for NAACC to assess aquatic organism passage is required, which is critical for fish passage assessments, training and data management. Upon hire, candidate must complete Lead Observer, Level 1 (L1) and Level 2 (L2) Coordinator certification for NAACC.
Advanced knowledge and experience using ESRI ArcMap and ArcGIS Pro is required.
Ability to gather needs, design and implement geodatabase for multiple users.
Understanding of GIS concepts such as projections, data sources, metadata and ability to create both digital and printed maps.
Strong communication skills, including email communication, partner outreach and public presentation.
Proficiency in computer skills including past experience using GIS, electronic media and the internet to implement successful water quality projects.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Proven commitment to conservation of natural resources.
Ability to problem solve in a group environment. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work successfully with people at all levels. Public presentation skills required.
Available to travel throughout the Commonwealth, including overnight stays, as necessary, to fulfill job responsibilities.
Ability to take direction from multiple leaders and prioritize delivery of work products.
Ability to speak effectively before diverse groups and represent WPC at various meetings.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely in oral, written, and graphic form.
Ability to maintain a courteous and professional demeanor.
To be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Position Duration
This is a full-time position with benefits.

Additional Details
The job location is a field-based position with travel throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Work will be focused in the Central Appalachian focal geographies.

Pay
Pay range is $37,000-$45,000. Please include salary requirements, as salary will commensurate with experience.

Application Process
Please send a letter, resume and salary requirements to wpcjobs@paconserve.org and list GIS/AOP Coordinator in the subject line.

Application Deadline
Until filled

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer – Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation / Age.

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is fully committed to diversity and inclusion. We seek contributors from all backgrounds to join our team.

Apply online here or via email to wpcjobs@paconserve.org

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
800 Waterfront Drive
Pittsburgh, PA, 15222 USA