Plant-Pollinator Data Specialist

$31,200 - $67,495/Yr

Xerces Society - Portland, OR

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Portland, OR

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Plant-Pollinator Data Specialist position at the Xerces Society is a full-time, remote role dedicated to enhancing the understanding of plant-pollinator interactions through data management and analysis. This position is integral to the collaboration with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) National Plant Data Team, researchers, and various partners to develop a comprehensive database of plant-pollinator interactions. The Specialist will be responsible for updating existing datasets and creating new ones, ensuring that they are integrated into the PLANTS Database, which serves as a vital resource for conservation planners, researchers, and the public. The role involves managing and organizing large datasets, conducting quality control checks, and researching data sources to enhance the database's comprehensiveness. In addition to data management, the Specialist will analyze and visualize existing internal data, providing expertise on monitoring methods and research project design. The position requires strong collaboration with other Xerces staff and external partners to ensure the successful compilation and dissemination of plant-pollinator data. The Specialist will also be tasked with developing systems using R and SQL to streamline data processes and create compelling visualizations for public engagement. This role is crucial for fostering relationships with diverse collaborators and communicating effectively with various stakeholders, including land managers, policymakers, and the general public. The Xerces Society is committed to creating a diverse workforce and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing conservation efforts and raising awareness about the importance of pollinators and their habitats.

Responsibilities

• Manage, organize, and streamline existing datasets.
• Conduct quality control checks on existing datasets.
• Research and evaluate data sources based on project criteria.
• Identify opportunities to incorporate additional datasets into PLANTS pollinator database.
• Conduct a scoping review to retrieve relevant scientific literature.
• Extract data from scientific literature and input into PLANTS pollinator database structure.
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies for data management.
• Support and build upon existing plant-pollinator database design.
• Develop and implement systems using R and SQL for data integration.
• Work with the National Plant Data Team to design visuals of plant-pollinator data.
• Provide coding support for digital data visualizations for the public-facing PLANTS website.
• Coordinate with the National Plant Data Team to incorporate visualizations into the public-facing website.
• Foster and maintain strong relationships with diverse collaborators.
• Communicate regularly with PLANTS Data Team; lead meetings and contribute to project planning.
• Support Xerces staff with data analysis and interpretation, creating graphs and visualizations as needed.
• Coordinate with local and regional staff to support research or monitoring protocols.

Requirements

• Experience managing large data sets, including historical or time-series data.
• Proficiency with database design and demonstrated experience in data management.
• Demonstrated skills in data analysis, including a strong background in statistics and experimental design.
• Ability to design visually appealing infographics, tables, charts, etc.
• Strong pollinator ecology background, including an understanding of how plant-pollinator data is collected.
• Knowledge of relevant data and emerging research data sets.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Scripting proficiency with R and SQL.
• Proven ability to communicate technical information to diverse audiences.
• Strong project management skills, including time management and delivering high-quality results.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to establish quality assurance processes.
• Excellent computer skills, with high proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with MS Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to take initiative in identifying problems and designing solutions.
• Ability and willingness to work with diverse teams in a respectful and inclusive manner.
• Experience with data use ethics, managing data privacy and information security.

Nice-to-haves

• Direct experience with plant-pollinator data sets and pollinator research.
• Conservation entomology background and understanding of conservation biology issues.
• Familiarity with Darwin Core.
• Familiarity with NRCS and the PLANTS database.
• Experience using various sampling techniques for data gathering in field settings.
• Understanding of quantitative and computational methods for data analysis.
• Experience with Python.
• Experience in visual design and knowledge of design software like Adobe Creative Suite.
• Cross-cultural, multicultural, and/or multilingual skills or experience.
• Mentorship experience and collaborative project management skills.

Benefits

• Thirteen paid holidays.
• Paid time off accrued at a rate of 1.73 hours for every 30 hours of pay (15 days per year for a 40 hour/week schedule).
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Option to participate in a pre-tax flexible spending account for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Short-term disability insurance where not provided under state law.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Participation in a 401k retirement program with employer contribution match upon meeting eligibility requirements.
• Flexible work environment.