Ecosystems Research & Environmental Assessment Biologist Department Division/Region Community Location Environment Wildlife Igloolik Nunavut

Transcription

1 1. IDENTIFICATION Position No. Job Title Supervisor s Position Wildlife Database Management Systems (DBMS) Specialist II Ecosystems Research & Environmental Assessment Biologist Department Division/Region Community Location Environment Wildlife Igloolik Nunavut Fin. Code: ???? 2. PURPOSE Main reason why the position exists, within what context and what the overall end result is. The Department of Environment must meet the responsibilities for its wildlife mandate for conservation and public safety by maintaining partnerships with community, territorial, provincial, national and international stakeholders, and by conforming to Territorial, National, and International legislation and standards. To meet this challenging mandate the incumbent will utilize state of the art technology and information systems. At the same time, the organization is deeply committed to maintaining a workforce that is representative of the population and whose operations reflect the principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. Wildlife Research contributes to planning, analysis and wildlife management under the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement (NLCA) and GN Wildlife Act and fulfils obligations under international and national wildlife agreements for protection and preservation of wildlife. The Wildlife Research Unit is responsible for providing scientific and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) knowledge and advice to assist with decision making, to develop effective wildlife management practices and to meet national and international obligations regarding wildlife. The Wildlife Database Management Systems (DBMS) Specialist II, under direction of the Ecosystems Research & Environmental Assessment Biologist, will lead the development of data management services. These services include: capturing wildlife data, conducting data quality management and archiving, developing data access applications, maintaining data integrity and improving data flow processes from the data sources to the end users. In order to provide thorough scrutiny and ensure data integrity, this position requires strong working knowledge of wildlife data collection techniques, population census techniques, habitat and inventory monitoring, species at risk, species life histories, and GIS. The incumbent will develop and maintain a database for records of rare and endangered species at risk for the territory through the creation of applications (i.e MS Access) which enable the efficient and accurate entry and analysis of biologically related data. The incumbent will be responsible for the development of data administration policies and protocols for the Government of Nunavut to ensure that data handling protocols are consistent with legislative requirements (privacy, intellectual property and copyright concerns) under the NLCA. The Wildlife Database Management Systems (DBMS) Specialist II contributes to the development, management, maintenance, standardized reporting, and dissemination of Nunavutwide ecological information databases (geo-spatial, temporal and otherwise). The databases and Wildlife DBMS Specialist II 1 Feb. 2015

2 associated products will be used by departmental staff for public education, to inform wildlife management and policy decisions, support project environmental impact assessments and stakeholder information requests, conduct ecosystem trends analysis, guide land use planning, park establishment, and protected areas strategies, etc. A primary role of the incumbent will be the responsibility of gathering, archiving, and summarizing existing ecological, spatial, and wildlife population data for Nunavut. The incumbent will assist with the collection, analysis, archival, reporting and dissemination of new ecological and wildlife data. The incumbent supports activities associated with these initiatives and programs, and provides wildlife data-related advice to the wildlife research team, comanagement partners, stakeholders, other governmental sections, agencies, and the public. The incumbent will be expected to work with minimal direct supervision to perform tasks that support individual research projects and the overall research program led by the Manager Wildlife Research. 3. SCOPE Describe in what way the position contributes to and impacts on the organization. The Wildlife Database Management Systems (DBMS) Specialist II is responsible for collecting, warehousing and managing ecological data from throughout Nunavut. The Department of Environment makes significant investments in the collection and analysis of the ecological data. The data are, for the most part, spatial in nature with animal locations, survey data, ecological land classification, and general status information. To ensure proper management and data integrity, expertise is required in database management and information technology and some knowledge of Geographic Information System technology, remote sensing techniques and Global Positioning Systems will be considered an asset. The Wildlife Database Management Specialist II position will play a key role in the continual development, management, presentation, analysis and dissemination of Nunavut ecological data. 4. RESPONSIBILITIES Describe major responsibilities and target accomplishments expected of the position. For a management position, indicate the subordinate position(s) through which objectives are accomplished. The Wildlife Database Management Systems (DBMS) Specialist II contributes to the geospatial database of ecological and research data by: The application of data standards for the collection, storage, analysis and display of geographic and associated attribute data, ensuring it meets necessary standards set for the dissemination and use of the data; Developing products (maps, documents, methods, spatial data, and software customizations) that may require some combination of GIS, remote sensing and other data sets, programming, and modelling techniques; Creates and ensures the quality of spatial data collected from various sources; including field maps and notes; Ensuring proper protection and/or distribution of such data, and providing geospatial analysis, standardized reporting and presenting of the data; Using or developing spatial data capture and quality control standards for wildlife Wildlife DBMS Specialist II 2 Feb. 2015

3 research staff; Incorporating wildlife survey data in a standardised spatial format, and supporting other wildlife research staff; Coordinating, troubleshooting and maintaining all hardware and software resources of the Wildlife Research section, including GIS applications for the division; Ensuring appropriate archiving/retrieving/dissemination systems are in place for ecological data; Supporting field data collection efforts, including recommendations for data formats and quality assurance. The Wildlife Database Management Systems (DBMS) Specialist II will assist with preparation of briefing notes, environmental impact reviews, study reports, publications and website material by: Compiling, tabulating, summarizing and providing formatted reports on ecological data using geospatial tools; Drafting maps, posters, preparing figures, tables, graphs and other visual display materials for reports; Preparing data for analysis using appropriate geo-statistical procedures and computer applications; Updating computer files on specific management projects and maintaining currency of data processing equipment; Writing project summaries and assisting with conservation education requirements. The Wildlife Database Management Systems (DBMS) Specialist II may be required to operate the wildlife permitting process that enables scientists from outside and inside NU to conduct projects and studies within NU by: Reviewing applications to ensure compliance with Legislation; Facilitating communication, liaison between permit applicants and communities; Developing and administrating a compliance and permitting database and process analysis tool. Including application of receipt, application log in, file creation, database record creation, database update, handling correspondence related to files and file status entries into database; Assisting with preparing/ tracking/ receiving final reports associated with scientific research permits. Prepare permit application materials for distribution as may be requested to other agencies, universities, individual applicants and communities (writing summaries in lay terms, coordinating translation). The Wildlife Database Management Systems (DBMS) Specialist II will analyze and assign biological conservation ranks by: Consultation with senior ecologists as per internationally recognized & accepted methodology; Compile territorial lists of plants and animal species, providing scientific names, synonyms, common names, range and habitat information. Querying various databases at the request of wildlife research staff, co-management partners, other government agencies or the public for distributional information regarding species at risk in Nunavut; Create, organize, catalogue and manage data files, both manual (information files and maps) and digital, to process data and maintain records on those wild species whose ranking indicates they are at risk; From the literature, compile characterization abstracts to describe the ecology and Wildlife DBMS Specialist II 3 Feb. 2015

4 biology of wild species, and specifications to define their status and occurrences; Provide technical assistance to other wildlife research projects and other Branches/Divisions to aid in meeting their program needs, through a good working knowledge of PC word processing, spreadsheets, database management and associated electronic devices. The Wildlife Database Management Systems (DBMS) Specialist II will support or coordinate divisional project administration by: Assisting or controlling budget development and management; Tracking, controlling and reporting on project expenditures; Developing and maintaining project equipment inventories; Developing and advising on Information Management Systems issues; The incumbent will perform other related duties with the Ecosystems biologist by: Establishing and maintaining contacts with departmental staff, hunters, trappers, contracted and cooperating agencies, and other interested individuals and organizations; Requesting information, reports and publications from other management groups, researchers and libraries; Assisting in field studies; specifically where spatial data collection is a strong component of the study; Responding to information requests, through the Supervisor and/or Manager of Wildlife Research, from departmental staff, other agencies or the general public; Updating the Departments website, on behalf of all Wildlife Research staff, as new information becomes available for public consumption. 5. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Describe the level of knowledge, experience and abilities that are required for satisfactory job performance. The incumbent must have working knowledge with the following: Demonstrated knowledge and experience with database systems and tools including geospatial database development, metadata protocols and information management; Demonstrated proficiency in data management including documenting, validating, importing and exporting data from databases; Demonstrated specialized experience handling large amounts of sensitive information communicated and shared across various entities; Knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Access; Experience with data conversion from various files types; Knowledge of GIS programs, spatial analysis and conducting QA/QC checks; Knowledge of wildlife and habitat management and the use of database management systems as they relate to wildlife management; Ability to adapt to working in remote locations with limited technical support and work as part of a team where some members may be in other locations; Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; High degree of organizational skills; Strong communications skills both verbal and written; Keen attention to detail; Wildlife DBMS Specialist II 4 Feb. 2015

5 Initiative and ability to make sound judgments. Successful applicant must be able to provide a clear Criminal Record Check. Typically the above qualifications will be obtained by: The knowledge skills and abilities are generally obtained by acquiring an undergraduate degree in computer science or related field and a minimum of five years direct experience in database administration or data management. Knowledge of/ experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS applications) will be considered an asset. General knowledge and interest of biology, field ecology, wildlife population dynamics, population assessment and wildlife habitat is desirable. Specific job skills listed in this description will be complemented by an awareness and sensitivity to the requirement for reflecting Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in all departmental initiatives. 6 WORKING CONDITIONS List the unavoidable, externally imposed conditions under which the work must be performed and which create hardship for the incumbent. Express frequency, duration and intensity of each occurrence in measurable time (e.g. every day, two or three times a week, 5 hours a day). Physical Demands Indicate the nature of physical demands and the frequency and duration of occurrences leading to physical fatigue or physical stress. Frequent long periods of sitting at a desk, at a computer or in meetings will routinely be required. Travel will be required to regional offices. Environmental Conditions Indicate the nature of adverse environmental conditions, to which the jobholder is exposed, and the frequency and duration of exposures. Include conditions that increase the risk of accident, ill health, or physical discomfort. The job entails some travel throughout Nunavut and the rest of Canada with occasional international travel. Exposure to inclement weather and disruptions caused by travel requirements are commonplace. Some assistance with field work may be required Sensory Demands Indicate the nature of demands on the jobholder s senses. These demands can be in the form of making judgments to discern something through touch, smell, sight, and/or hearing. It may include concentrated levels of attention to details though one or more of the incumbents senses. Sensory demands are those required to work with a computer, assess data, charts and make judgments based upon visual presentations of information and data and through person and telephone interaction. Wildlife DBMS Specialist II 5 Feb. 2015

6 Mental Demands Indicate conditions within the job that may lead to mental or emotional fatigue that would increase the risk of such things as tension or anxiety. Mental demands require dealing with uncertainty, long periods of concentration, public speaking and interacting with senior members of government and non-governmental organizations, unstructured work and overlapping priorities, negotiations and discussions. Mental alertness is required in order to assess issues, to respond to public and external inquiries about politically sensitive issues, to provide information and advice to the Biologists, research organizations and management. The incumbent must be able to maintain good judgment and leadership skills during extended periods with limited resources. 7 CERTIFICATION -Wildlife Database Management Systems (DBMS) Specialist II Employee Signature Printed Name Date I certify that I have read and understand the responsibilities assigned to this position. Ecosystems Research & Environmental Assessment Biologist Supervisor Title Supervisor Signature Date I certify that this job description is an accurate description of the responsibilities assigned to the position. Deputy Head Signature Date I approve the delegation of the responsibilities outlined herein within the context of the Attached organizational structure. 8. ORGANIZATION CHART Please Attach Organizational Chart indicating incumbent s position, peer positions, subordinate positions (if any) and supervisor position. Wildlife DBMS Specialist II 6 Feb. 2015

7 The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of this position. Wildlife DBMS Specialist II 7 Feb. 2015