Sonoma Ecology Center’s GIS and Information Services Program creates and manages spatial data, produces maps, develops environmental data system solutions, and performs analyses in support of the organization’s many projects. Our program also houses and maintains SEC’s data servers, libraries, and network, and supports its 24 computer users. Since our founding in 1990 we have made a strong contribution to the region’s wildlife habitat and open space conservation, resource monitoring, scientific research, and community education. Recent projects have focused on community-based information exchange using semantic web technology.

The position we seek to fill is a key member of our 7-person team of skilled geographers, digital librarians, and programmers. We are looking for someone with creativity, enthusiasm, and the ability to work with people in addition to technical competence.

Scope of Projects:
Current projects include invasive species mapping system development and end user support for Team Arundo del Norte, development of regional data-sharing techniques using information portals and map servers, environmental and project management database application development, and assistance with in-house IT support.

Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will work with other members of the GIS & Information Services Team and other SEC Programs in the following areas.

Database Application Development and End-User Support
•    Upgrades and additions to the Weed Information Management System vs. 3 beta (MS Access and ArcPad)
•    Ongoing development of in-house database systems for environmental data, project tracking and management
•    Work with users of the WIMS 3 beta application to test and obtain feedback on new functionality and improvements to the existing system
•    Support Team Arundo del Norte partners in their use of WIMS 3 beta
•    Act as point of contact for data contributions, quality check and integrate into central database

Environmental Data Portal System Development
•    Participate in the development of online data and communication systems in the Pone environment
•    Assist with creating and implementing new methods for supporting environmental data sharing between organizations for efforts such as the Bay Area Early Detection Network (invasive plant data and information) and the Northbay Environmental Information Commons (metadata about people, projects, organizations, data)

IT Support
Assist the GIS Project Manager and other members of the GIS&IS Program in:
•    General maintenance of and upgrades to SEC's network, internet services
•    Computer user support

Skills:
•    Microsoft Access, ArcPad, ArcGIS
•    Experience with any of the following desirable: Unix/Linux/Mac OSX, Mapserver, MySQL, Python, Visual Basic, Plone
•    Use of GPS equipment and GPS data processing helpful
•    Strong oral and written communication skills, ability to work with SEC scientists, partners, and clients
•    Experience with problem-solving in a wide variety of data management and programming scenarios 
•    Ability and willingness to quickly learn new techniques and software

Additional information:
This position is full-time and located in Eldridge at Sonoma Ecology Center’s Watershed Station. Range of responsibilities and focus of work may be flexible, depending on the candidate. For more background on SEC, visit http://sonomaecologycenter.org.

Starting salary:
$21-$24/hr, based on education, experience, and skills. Includes medical plan, paid vacation, and sick leave benefits.

To apply, please e-mail a cover letter and résumé to deanne@sonomaecologycenter.org or contact Deanne DiPietro at 707-996-0712 Ext. 114. Interviews will be conducted starting November 8, 2006 and we hope to fill the position by end of November.