Research Foundation - GIS Specialist (Programmer/...

Location: Albany, NY Category: Research Foundation Posted On: Tue Nov 25 2025 Job Description: Title: Programmer/Analyst Descriptive Title: GIS Specialist Unit: New York Natural Heritage Program, Albany, NY (hybrid eligible) Salary: $56,000 - $64,000 annual depending on qualifications Background: The New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) is a program of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) whose mission is to collect, analyze and share scientific information that can be used to preserve native species and ecosystems. NYNHP works in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and other state, federal and private organizations involved in natural resource management and advancing the conservation of biodiversity. For more information visit: NYNHP utilizes a variety of technical tools and platforms to complete its work, including the Esri ArcGIS environment, MS Access, MS Excel, the R statistical environment, various scripting and programming languages, and customized spatial and database applications for field data collection on mobile devices. Additionally, NYNHP uses integrated web-enabled platforms, such as NatureServe's Biotics for rare species data and iMapInvasives for invasive species data management. The New York Protected Areas Database (NYPAD) is a public spatial database of protected lands in New York that is developed and maintained by NYNHP. NYPAD contains essential data used by many agencies, organizations and individuals working to conserve lands and waters for the benefit of all New Yorkers. Data is aggregated from federal, state, county, municipal, and private sources, and the data is available for viewing on a map viewer and for public download at Brief Description of Duties: The NYNHP GIS Specialist's primary tasks will be related to stewarding the NYPAD database. This entails working independently to source new data and update existing data through communicating with data providers. Additionally, the GIS Specialist will work to update data visualizations of NYPAD data and maintain web services for use by partners and the public. The position will also collaborate with other NYNHP GIS staff on utilizing ArcGIS Online to provide a data submission and review platform to streamline data updates by contributors. Beyond the technical aspects, the GIS Specialist will advance the NYPAD community by building awareness for the database to increase partner data submissions and usage. In addition to supporting NYPAD data, the GIS Specialist may also assist with aspects of NYNHP GIS systems by working with program staff to fulfill GIS needs, including cartography, data management and geoprocessing for projects involving biological inventory, ecological assessment, modeling, and research. Job Requirements: REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: + Undergraduate degree in geography, GIS, land use planning, natural resources, or related field; or certification in GIS and 2 years related experience. + Demonstrated proficiency and experience with desktop GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS, or other) + Experience with data management and manipulation (using software such as Excel, Access, and/or database query tools) PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: + Experience with Esri ArcGIS Online (AGOL), particularly managing hosted feature service schemas and permissions + Experience using Esri Desktop software, particularly ArcGIS Pro (e.g.: loading datasets, projecting datasets, selecting records, populating fields with field calculator) + Familiarity with common GIS scripting environments (e.g., R or Python) + Familiarity with relational database concepts, particularly managing data in relational geodatabases + Familiarity with spatial data science concepts and methodologies + Experience managing large datasets + Experiencing compiling and integrating data from disparate sources + Experience in environmental science, biology, natural resources, and/or conservation, particularly with data management in any of these fields + Comfortable communicating with and presenting to partners, and coordinating stakeholder meetings + Ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously; organization skills; attention to detail + Ability to work independently Working Conditions: The GIS Specialist will work in an office setting with limited occasional travel primarily related to conferences, trainings, partner meetings, etc. Additional Information: SUNY-ESF and the Broader Community In accordance with the

Created: 2025-11-27