Job Duties

As a member of a team of spatial ecologists, conservation planners, and GIS specialists in the Information Management section of the award winning Virginia Natural Heritage Program (VNHP), this position reports directly to the Chief of Biodiversity Information and Conservation Tools and is responsible for implementing ecological projects that facilitate biodiversity conservation using advanced spatial analysis, modeling, and statistical methods to predict species distributions, assess and map habitats, and analyze ecological change due to land-use and climate factors. The Spatial Ecologist is responsible for developing, revising, and supporting partner use of the statewide ConservationVision models, Species Habitat Models, and other strategic conservation planning tools. The position collaborates with other VNHP scientists and analysts as well as staff from state and federal agencies and conservation NGOs as necessary to complete projects and advance biodiversity conservation. The position collaborates in preparation of proposals, technical reports, contract deliverables, products, and quarterly data updates, including those to be served via online applications. The Spatial Ecologist is one of several staff that provide GIS assistance and general training and problem-solving assistance to VNHP staff. In addition to these daily responsibilities, the position is responsible for fulfilling various database, mapping, and GIS analysis requests as deemed necessary by management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of general principles of ecology, conservation, and biology
• Proficiency in spatial analysis in both raster and vector environments
• Proficiency with ESRI products or comparable GIS software
• Strong program scripting and debugging ability, especially in Python and R statistical software
• Facility in interpretation of statistical results

Additional Considerations

• Experience in habitat modeling (e.g., Species Distribution Modeling)
• Experience with randomForest package in R statistical software
• Experience in version control, especially with GitHub
• Ability to provide technical support and training for spatial software
• Previous work experience with natural heritage programs, natural heritage data, and/or natural heritage methodology

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.

DCR is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the highest ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that our greatest strength lies in the individual differences, experiences, and skillsets that our employees bring to the table. Because of this, we strongly encourage applications from all walks of life, and we welcome all contributions in terms of age, beliefs, color, culture, disability, education, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, language, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran’s status.

Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.

Submission of an online application is required for this position. DCR does not accept applications, resumes, cover letters, etc. for this vacancy in any other format. When applying for jobs, please ensure your online application or resume is complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience.

Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT

Contact Information

Name: Laura Nelson

Phone: n/a

Email: n/a

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter.