Data Manager (NPS, Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks)

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with NPS at Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI), is recruiting one (1) Data Manager to provide equal support for the Vegetation Management Branch of Resources Management Division at SEKI and the California Invasive Plant Management Team (CA IPMT). Programs at SEKI that this position will support include Plant Ecology, Restoration, Invasive Plant Management, and Forestry. For CA IPMT, the position will include invasive plant data management as well as support data management for post-fire seed work throughout California and the western US. For SEKI, the incumbent will collaborate with GIS staff, program managers/project leads, and field crews to develop/refine and communicate data collection protocols, program/maintain data collection devices, oversee downloading data, perform data stewardship (QA/QC), produce data summaries/maps and other products, and share spatial data with external users and reports, as required. For CA IPMT, the incumbent will collaborate with the network liaison and the DOI Seed Coordinator to develop/refine data management for seed collection data taken throughout the Pacific West Region, as well as assist in management of invasive plant data taken in parks throughout California. Schedule will typically be 5, 8-hour days but option to adjust schedule to conduct field-based trainings as needed. This position will likely include a winter furlough. Work will take place in an office setting and, in the field, working in locations parkwide.

SEKI Plant Ecology. Data management needs are related to special status plants, wetlands, and other native vegetation inventory and monitoring.

SEKI Restoration. Data management needs revolve around seed/cone collection, propagation, and restoration implementation/plantings.

SEKI Invasive Plant Management. Data management needs are related to non-native invasive plant surveys and treatments.

SEKI Forestry. Data management needs revolve around hazard trees.

CA IPMT. Data management revolves around seed collection for data taken through the Seeds of Success (SOS) program, remote support for field crews throughout the western United States, and integration of invasive plant data in the NISIMS platform (National Invasive Species Information Management System). 

Primary Responsibilities:

Field Data Collection Support:

• Assist with setting up new tablets / phones;
• Create yearly data collection Field Map web maps for each program (e.g., special status plants, seed/cone collection, invasive plants, tree hazard);
• Provide training and oversight to seasonals on Field Maps, Avenza, and other GIS data collection platforms, as well as syncing mobile data to NPS Portal site; and
• Assist field staff with data collection questions and troubleshooting tablet / phone problems.

Data Stewardship:

• Develop SOPs for new or undocumented workflows, and update SOPs as needed;
• Periodic inspections to make sure new Field Maps data is being uploaded to Portal by data collectors;
• Perform QA/QC of data collection during and after field season, append and export data, including assigning records using Python and editing Avenza tracks;
• Properly store data and metadata in appropriate program and project folders;
• Periodically updating SEKI SQL Server geodatabase (by either developing a new workflow to do it automatically or manually downloading data from Portal site and copy to SQL server);
• Digitizing data from field datasheets when they are used in the field; and
• Managing and developing workflows for SOS data from seed collectors.

Maps and Reports:

• Assist project leads with map requests;
• Producing year-end reports for SEKI, including updated maps and data for respective programs;
• Submit new data to various reporting entities or for annual reports such as IPM, BAER, GPRA, CA IPMT, California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), Denver Service Center (Hazard Tree Contracting Officer/Contracting Officer Representative), Commercial Services Branch/Concessionaire;
• Maintain communication with YOSE GIS data manager to ensure compatibility with YOSE invasive plant and special status plant datasets; and
• Annual reporting and map generation for post-fire wildfire program on seed supply.

Timeline:

• September 2025 – December 2026, 70 weeks;
• Full time (40 hours/week); and
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8 hours per day.

Location:

This position is based out of Sequoia National Park’s headquarters in Three Rivers, California.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $29.43 hourly;

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Competitive PTO accrual and paid holidays;
• Eligible for 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match; and
• Access to Pro Deals.

Housing: Park housing may be available but not guaranteed for the selected participant at additional costs, or the participant will be expected to procure housing on their own.

Per diem: Per diem provided for camping per night in the field, and 5 nights for lodging.

Specific skills: 

Data Management:

• Use GIS tools to set up data collection web maps and devices, perform QA/QC, conduct regular data processing and database updates, and develop and maintain SOPs for each program;
• Work with NPS staff to coordinate field data collection using ArcGIS Field Maps to map restoration areas, seed collection, site conditions, invasive plants, special status plants, hazard trees, and other pertinent data; and
• Utilize data collected in the field to update maps and write reports on project status.

Collaboration:

• Maintain good communication with NPS staff, including both inside and outside of the Vegetation Management Branch and Resources Management Division and the CA IPMT;
• Coordinate with NPS staff and outside partners in developing and maintaining maps, databases, SOPs, and reports; and
• Communicate with NPS staff and partners about safety concerns or issues.

Project Management:

• Use excellent planning, communication, time management, and organization skills to develop and maintain databases and GIS tools that can be utilized by NPS and partner employees for data collection in the field; and
• Work with NPS and partner staff to develop priorities and plan data collection training, database maintenance, and reporting to complete projects in each program.

Required:

• Experience with ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online or Portal;
• Capacity to follow (and teach others) field/office protocols;
• Valid state driver’s license;
• Ability/willingness to work/hike in steep terrain and carry moderate (30 lb.) to heavy (50 lb.) backpack; and
• Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with Python, T-SQL, and/or ArcGIS Arcade programming languages a strong plus; and
• Current COVID vaccinations/boosters.  

Physical Demands:
The Data Manager will mainly work in an office setting requiring extended periods of computer work either sitting or standing at a desk. The Data Manager will be required to conduct field-based trainings and may additionally assist with field work including hiking and navigating rugged, steep terrain for extended periods, carrying up to 50 lbs of gear. The position involves working in varying weather conditions when in the field or walking between office buildings, including temperatures ranging from 95°F to exceeding 100°F in summer and cold and snowy conditions in winter. The technician must be capable of working both independently and as part of a team, requiring flexibility and focus.

How to Apply:

Please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority:

This project is federally funded through the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority. Participants serving under this authority may be eligible for the PLC non-competitive hiring status and certificate. The PLC Authority requires all applicants meet the age and US Citizen requirements. Additional information regarding the PLC can be found on the GBI website under the Research Associate Programs FAQ.

Notes:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Disclaimer:

Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice.