Assistant Data Scientist

The Institute of Wildlife Studies (IWS) is seeking a data professional to work collaboratively with theNational Park Service (NPS) staff at the San Francisco Bay Area Network (SFAN), Pacific Islands Network (PACN), and Upper Columbia Basin Network (UCBN) within the Inventory and Monitoring Program (IMD) to perform Data Management and Data Science support of Ecological Inventory and Monitoring activities.

Duties will be focused on providing data support for annual science information lifecycles. Including support for field data acquisition (e.g., digital data collection, GIS and GPS), post data collection, processing into NPS data systems (e.g., data entry, ETL), post processing quality control, analysis, reporting, and data dissemination.

The recipient will work closely with the NPS network data scientist/manager and natural resource staff for direction and guidance on the above data support tasks. Examples of what the employee will do include: 1) Collaborate with NPS staff to develop and implement tools for metadata extraction and creation, 2) Develop and implement scripts that produce data-release reports (DRR) accompanying data packages, 3) Database maintenance, development and migration (e.g., to enterprise systems/cloud), 4) Perform geospatial analysis, as needed, to support field data collection and vital sign monitoring synthesis and analysis requests5) Develop and implement data-visualization applications and dashboards, and 6) Develop digital data-collection applications (e.g. ESRI/ArcGIS Survey 123, Field Maps) to promote efficient and high-quality data collection.

Qualifications: We are seeking an enthusiastic biologist/data professional with a B.A. or higher degree, a strong background in data management and a well-developed conceptual competency with programming languages. Other qualifications/duties include:

• A thorough understanding of data management theory and standards and can apply them across different platforms. Able to incorporate QA/QC measures effectively at all stages of data lifecycle. Maintains data sustainability and longevity through effective metadata and documentation. Keeps up to date on best practices.
• Creates data systems (e.g., Access, SQL Server) with the underlying principles of FAIR data and open science which ensures network data can have the biggest impact. Make sure data is accessible in open-source formats and shared with public online repositories where appropriate.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly with regard to data quality.
• Proficient in multiple data platforms (e.g., Power BI, ArcGIS, AGOL, Survey 123, Field Maps), and programing languages (e.g., R, Python, VBA, SQL)..
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills
• Natural resource management and ecological sciences experience and knowledge would be beneficial.

Work Schedule and Compensation: The start date is flexible, projected start date in October or November 2026. The work schedule is a standard 5-day, 40-hour work week. Compensation is commensurate with experience ($37- $45/hour) with overtime paid at 1.5X hourly rate. Benefits include employer-paid health insurance, sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays, and an optional dental plan and 403(b) retirement plan., * 401(k)

• Health insurance
• Paid time off