Wildlife Diversity/Natural Heritage Program Assistant Biologist

Description: Under the direction of the Wildlife Diversity/Natural Heritage Zoologist, the Wildlife Diversity/Natural Heritage Assistant Biologist (hereafter WDAB) will support the Natural Heritage Program (NHP) by assisting in NatureServe Biotics data management, Element Occurrence (EO) revisions/updates, data bulk uploading, data archiving/digitizing, data review and QAQC, data requests, data compiling, and data entry of animal species of greatest conservation need (SGCNs) using NatureServe methodology and standards. The WDAB organizes and queries NHP, WVDNR, community science repositories, and outside data sources while consulting with Agency experts on knowledge of species presence and data availability. Any queried data and GIS spatial information is compiled, managed, and exported into project summary reports, tabular species lists, and/or maps provided for staff review. WDAB tasks will be prioritized in preparation for the 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). As such, the WDAB will be expected to use, modify, and develop R/RStudio scripts that will facilitate SWAP related tasks including but not limited to subnational rank calculations/review, creation of functions to increase Biotics compatibility of existing datasets, access and import of a Microsoft Access database, and climate change vulnerability assessments or ecological niche factor analysis for animal species. The WDAB position requires an understanding of the sensitivity of data sources, the need for confidentiality, and the potential repercussions from database compromise or mismanagement. While the WDAB does not serve an advisory role, the WDAB will ensure and make assessment of data quality and availability for staff to make decisions regarding environmental review and planning. Additionally, the WDAB will be given the opportunity to work with unique datasets and conduct analyses related to woodrats, water shrews, Motus Wildlife Tracking System, and process camera trapping images.

This is a great opportunity to support the mission of the NHP which is responsible for compiling rare and sensitive locality-based wildlife data so that habitats are identified, threats are determined, and conservation plans are developed. The WDAB will have potential opportunities to assist the Zoologist with staff projects from all non-game taxa groups as they arise. The position is allotted 2080 hours annually with good possibility of annual renewal.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Identifies data deficiencies and consults agency experts and data sources to resolve.
• Ensures project deliverables are met on a timely basis.
• Meets regularly with Agency staff to discuss and resolve priorities, workload, resources, and technical issues.
• Integrate and manipulate data from multiple sources into data schemas and visualizations needed for environmental review and planning while using NatureServe methodology and standards.
• Maintain GIS data layers, replicable R programming scripts, and EO/Crystal reports.
• Data entry, updates/revisions, archiving, and Biotics database management using NatureServe methodology and standards.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, natural resources, biology, environmental science, wildlife management, geography, or closely related field. MS preferred.
• Ability to work with and communicate clearly with staff and constituents
• Able to assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and demands
• Ability to learn and solve complex problems independently with little supervision
• Detail-oriented
• Experience with data management and manipulation
• Computer and software proficiency – ArcGIS, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Adobe Acrobat Pro, R/RStudio, Google Earth, Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

*Demonstrated experience in spatial analysis and data manipulation using R/RStudio a must*

Familiarity with Structured Query Language (SQL)

Applications should include a current resume or CV detailing the applicant’s education and relevant experience, a cover letter explaining how the applicant meets all the minimum qualifications and contact information for three professional references. Applications should be saved as a single PDF or Word document and emailed to Mack Frantz at mack.w.frantz@wv.gov  by November 8, 2024 at 11:59PM to be considered.