From WILSMANL@state.mi.us Thu Oct 9 20:14:52 1997 Received: from mx2.u.washington.edu (mx2.u.washington.edu [140.142.32.7]) by lists.u.washington.edu (8.8.4+UW97.07/8.8.4+UW97.05) with ESMTP id UAA05264 for ; Thu, 9 Oct 1997 20:14:51 -0700 Received: from dns.state.mi.us (dns.state.mi.us [167.240.253.3]) by mx2.u.washington.edu (8.8.4+UW97.07/8.8.4+UW97.09) with SMTP id UAA18681 for ; Thu, 9 Oct 1997 20:14:49 -0700 Received: from state.mi.us (somngw5.state.mi.us [167.240.253.10]) by dns.state.mi.us (8.6.12/8.6.12) with SMTP id XAA19489 for ; Thu, 9 Oct 1997 23:01:44 -0400 Received: from SOM-Message_Server by state.mi.us with Novell_GroupWise; Thu, 09 Oct 1997 23:14:22 -0400 Message-Id: X-Mailer: Novell GroupWise 4.1 Date: Thu, 09 Oct 1997 23:13:12 -0400 From: Leni Wilsmann To: jobs@gis.umn.edu, consbio@u.washington.edu, ECOLOG-L@umdd.umd.edu Cc: ridges@state.mi.us, wilsmanl@state.mi.us Subject: GIS Manager, Lansing, MI, close 10.31.97 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Disposition: inline GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM MANAGER (Revised 9.29.97) LOCATION: Michigan Natural Features Inventory Lansing, Michigan START DATE: 2 January 1998 SUMMARY OF POSITION The Nature Conservancy and its state, federal, and private partners rely upon the network of Natural Heritage Programs to identify priority species, communities, landscapes and sites for biological conservation. The Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI), Michigan's natural heritage program, is a cooperative program of The Nature Conservancy and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. MNFI maintains a statewide manual and computerized database system on the occurrences and status of rare species and exemplary natural communities. These data are used by federal, state, and local agencies and private organizations to guide land management, development, and conservation decisions. GIS technologies are used by MNFI to analyze spatially referenced ecological and geophysical data to answer large-scale questions about ecological patterns and processes, to develop strategies for conservation, and to guide land management decisions. The GIS Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of MNFI's GIS activities; serving as a resource to and collaborating with other staff to develop and conduct innovative GIS analyses; raising funds for equipment, database development, information dissemination, and analyses; maintaining a catalog of data available for incorporation into analyses; and maintaining contact with other professionals in the field. This position requires technical expertise in GIS and computerized database management and a strong background in ecology or a related field with demonstrated experience in applying GIS tools to answer ecological questions. The GIS Manager is supervised by the MNFI Director and supervises other GIS staff. MNFI's GIS activities are conducted in a GIS lab shared with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division. This is a position with The Nature Conservancy. DUTIES 1. Maintain and further develop MNFI's geographic information system (hardware, software, and databases) to ensure its usefulness as an effective and timely tool for ecological analysis and conservation planning. Secure funding from public and private sources for analyses, database acquisition and development, and facilities development. 2. Collaborate with other staff on project design and implementation to include an effective spatial analysis component, as necessary. Oversee and participate in multiple concurrent MNFI spatial analysis projects, producing appropriate and timely products utilizing raster, vector, and image data. Develop workplans and timelines, supervise staff, troubleshoot software and hardware, and incorporate new applications to ensure progress is made on all projects in a timely fashion. 3. Stay current on developments in GIS technologies, spatial analysis, and their applications in conservation science and serve as a resource to other staff in these areas. Maintain a catalog of data maintained by or accessible to MNFI that may be used for GIS analysis. Maintain good working relationships with members of the academic and government agency communities engaged in spatial analysis for effective information exchange and collaboration. 4. Supervise GIS staff and provide internal or external opportunities for training to maintain an effective, professional staff. 5. Coordinate with Michigan Department of Natural Resources GIS staff to maintain an up-to-date GIS lab and efficient day-to-day operations. QUALIFICATIONS 1. Minimum of a Masters degree and 3 years post-Master's experience in the application of GIS technology to ecological questions at a landscape scale. Strong background in ecology or related discipline. Demonstrated successful experience in developing GIS applications using both raster- and vector-based software and remote imagery required. 2. Thorough understanding of database management, raster- and vector-based GIS software (especially ARC/INFO and ArcView), and computerized cartography. Experience with Intergraph's MicroStation highly desirable. Familiarity with DOS, Windows, Windows NT, and UNIX operating systems. 3. Demonstrated knowledge of public and private sources, applications, data standards, and conversion procedures of spatial databases available in Michigan, in the Great Lakes region, and elsewhere that are relevant to MNFI's work. 4. Demonstrated ability to take initiative when working independently or as part of a group. Ability to work effectively in a lead or support position within a team. Excellent creative problem-solving skills are essential. Demonstrated ability to learn new skills and procedures quickly and to effectively train others in their use. Supervisory experience is desirable. 5. Excellent organizational skills, thoroughness, and attention to detail. Ability to set priorities for yourself and others, organize time efficiently, work on several projects at once, and produce high quality products promptly. 6. Good oral and written communication skills necessary. Successful grant-writing experience desirable. 7. Strong conservation ethic and commitment to the goals of The Nature Conservancy. APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY: Friday, 31 October 1997 Only complete applications will be considered and must include: resume; readable copy of college transcripts; names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references; cover letter clearly explaining your experience, qualifications, interest in the position, and available start date; and a 2-3 page writing sample on a relevant topic. Please do not fax your application. Send applications to: Suzanne M. Ridge, Director of Administration Michigan Natural Features Inventory P.O. Box 30444 Lansing MI 48909-7944 (517) 373-1552 THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER .