Data Management Specialist 2 - Natural Science

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., Work is assigned in terms of project goals, objectives, priorities, and, at times, specific tasks. At the lower end of the range, the employee will exercise initiative in solving common technical and procedural problems. Unusual issues are referred to the supervisor or higher-graded employee for consultation or review.

At the upper end of the range, the employee plans and carries out assignments with independence, guided by experience and knowledge to complete the objective. He/she seeks assistance only on the most unusual issues. Sufficiency of planning and execution, and accuracy of the data produced are normally accepted without detailed review, even for customized assignments.

Guidelines:

Guidelines include PSMFC standards and policies; project work plans; data submission protocol documents; established database structures, data definitions, and data standards; and various hardware and software manuals.

At the lower end of the range, the guidelines are clear and provide little room for deviation, except as provided in documented precedents or suggestions for alternative data entry and retrieval strategies. New or revised job requirements or requests for data that cannot be processed within the existing guidelines are discussed with the supervisor or higher level employee.

At the higher end of the range, the employee reviews each work request and selects and interprets guidelines to achieve the desired end product.

Complexity:

At the lower end of the range, the employee decides what to do by identifying the data content and information structure needed for each processing request and selecting the appropriate routine to set up and format each job.

At the higher end of the range, data will be in any number of formats. Computerized data may not be in a form that matches user needs exactly and therefore requires translation into a common format. Data may be missing or in a format that requires conversion to defined standards.

Scope and Effect:

A high quality, consistent set of biological and geographical data is necessary for effective policy setting, planning, management and research. Data must be provided in an efficient and timely manner, and in a format that meets the needs of users.

Personal Contacts:

Contacts are with employees in PSMFC; federal, state, or tribal agencies; university researchers, private/non-profit organizations, and the general public.

The purpose of the contacts is to exchange information and insure that project goals are being met through coordination, planning, and mutual support. Communication between contacts resolves problems with data; affords the exchange of information, ideas, and concepts; and allows for the acquisition of products and information.

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.

• 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/Desirable Knowledge and Skills

• specific databases
• MS Access
• Oracle
• MS Publisher
• MS FrontPage
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe PageMaker
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe FrameMaker
• Splus4
• Stat Graph
• Sigma Plot
• MS Excel
• MS Word
• MS SQL
• Ingres
• Sybase
• ArcSDE
• ArcInf
• ArcMacroLanguage
• ArcIMS
• ArcView
• ArcInfo
• ArcEdit
• Visual Basic
• HTML
• XML
• Java
• Visual FoxPro
• JavaScript
• Visual Interdev
• Perl
• C
• C++
• GIS
• Visual J++
• oral communication skills
• writing technical documentation, 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.