Are you interested in Environmental Computing

Spatial Data Manager
Salary range: £20,105 to 33,508

Recognised worldwide as a source of conservation information, WCMC’s aim is to influence decisions affecting the quality of life of future generations. GIS is key to the work that we do. We have a vacancy in our GIS team for a Spatial Data Manager. WCMC has substantial holdings of spatial information, a growing amount of which is being made available via the Internet. The key role of this post is to establish and implement a clear strategic programme for the management and use of these spatial and other text-based data. In recent years, WCMC has made a growing amount of its data available via the Internet using tools such as ESRI’s Internet Map Server. This post will carry this work forward and develop new applications, with other technical and scientific staff, that meet WCMC’s clients and users needs.

The successful candidate would :

Develop and implement a strategic direction for WCMC's spatial data holdings

Provide a clear technical lead on GIS and spatial data issues for WCMC and its clients

Support the integration of WCMC's spatial data holdings with other datasets from within and without WCMC

Maintain an awareness of the broader GIS issues and trends and be able to identify key current and future issues for WCMC

Advise on and execute GIS-based analysis to support WCMC and its clients' needs, including such techniques as raster modeling and specialist tools such as fragstats to study patch dynamics.

Understanding of environmental modeling and knowledge of statistical methods in biodiversity assessment and verification

Experience of working on large spatial biodiversity datasets, ideally on international datasets

Ideally familiarity with key global biodiversity data centres and networks managing international biodiversity datasets

Expertise in developing new project ideas (with others) and obtain suitable funding for successful implementation.

Good working knowledge of GIS, in theory and practice, ideally in an environmental context.

Good working knowledge of UNIX and Windows NT (version 4)

In depth knowledge of Arc/Info, Arc View and associated products such as Arc Macro Language and ArcView Avenue.
An understanding of the use of Internet based services to deliver spatial data (ie Webserver, HTML and use of dynamic web pages)
An understanding of relational database management system databases such as Oracle or SQLServer
An understanding of the ESRI's Spatial Database Engine
Good project and time management skills with an ability to communicate effectively and establish and deliver project goals within agreed resources.
Awareness of the future directions of ESRI's products such as ARC 8 and associated tools
Ideally have experience of working on environmental issues
Experience of biogeography, biology, ecology or environmental sciences.
Experience of working in a project driven environment ideally in a conservation management or government agency or NGO
An understanding of issues such as author's rights, intellectual property, data ownership and related legal issues.

Additional roles and responsibilities may include some or all of the following depending on experience:

Manage the GIS team and the associated workload to ensure effective execution of GIS projects
Execute GIS-based projects for WCMC's clients
Manage the relationship with ESRI (UK and in the US)
Manage the relationship with spatial data suppliers and build a network of data sources for spatial data
Manage and implement data standards and quality control including the associated metadata and best practices
Provide training to WCMC staff on GIS issues
Support WCMC's capacity building activities to external organisations

Please send your applications by CV and covering letter to Denise Rowllings, Head of Personnel, WCMC, 219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, fax: 01223 277136 or email denise.rowllings@wcmc.org.uk; to arrive no later than Tuesday 25th January 2000 and interviews will be held on either Friday 28th or Monday 31st January 2000.