Data Manager and GIS Specialist Salonga Conservation Initiative

The Salonga Conservation Initiative (SCI) is a US-based non-profit organization with a mission to preserve the rich biodiversity of the Salonga National Park, stronghold of the endangered bonobo, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. SCI conducts critical field research that assesses wildlife populations, habitats, and threats and guides impactful conservation strategies. SCI researches and surveys wildlife populations, focusing on bonobos and forest elephants, to monitor population status and determine risks to their survival.

The Data Manager is dedicated to safeguarding and preserving data generated from research and biomonitoring activities supported by SCI. The full-time position curates research and field data, assures data quality control, performs basic GIS analyses and mapping, prepares data for specific analyses or data sharing, runs basic statistics and summary tables, and provides results to the Director and field team. The position’s work is the backbone of SCI’s biomonitoring role in the Salonga National Park and fundamentally supports scientific analyses and reporting.

The full-time position is based in or near Milwaukee, WI, working in a hybrid office/remote setting. The manager would work with various research/field staff based in the US, in DRC or living internationally.

• Serve as SCI’s data specialist by organizing, processing, cleaning and verifying large amounts of survey data in various forms and formats (including photographic data) and preparing data for analysis. Process and integrate geo-spatial data with field observations.
• Create maps generated from the field data.
• Help ensure data quality and provide feedback to SCI researchers and field teams responsible for data collection.
• Prepare data and conduct analyses independently or conjointly with research team members as directed. Write up follow up reports.
• Create and modify GIS datasets within ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, manage and maintain legacy GIS datasets, perform basic GIS functions and mapping, develop and implement GIS-based analyses supporting biomonitoring research.
• Conduct statistical analysis using R/SPSS to support research objectives.
• Support and help prepare project reports, funding applications, and scientific publications.
• Contribute to SCI project planning and biomonitoring objectives by critically assessing project design and advising on data models.
• Provide support for technical reports to park authorities, funding agencies and collaborators.
• Provide technical support to field missions including equipment procurement/troubleshooting, and testing. Provide technical backup to team to solve computer/equipment/GIS issues. Manage Microsoft SharePoint sites and ensure functionality for remote staff.
• Organize and maintain field mission photos and videos. Help update and provide program content/photos for articles, press releases, social media, and the website.
• Participate in SCI program promotion – talks, interviews, etc. – as needed.
• Conduct necessary bibliographic searches and maintain research bibliography.
• Explore new software, application to SCI needs, pricing and procurement.
• Help troubleshoot technical issues.
• As needed, work under direction or independently, manage multiple assignments, determine and set job task priorities, communicate effectively to help solve problems with team members (often advising/assisting remotely), and adapt to changing conditions/schedules as projects demand.
• Work as a team member to realize SCI’s goals.
• On occasion, lift and carry up to 50 lbs. (e.g., cargo/luggage)

• Candidates shall possess at least three years of experience in data management/analysis and three years in basic GIS with hands‑on knowledge of Esri ArcGIS desktop software, including Arc Pro.
• Experienced with GPS data collection and data management; ability to use and edit shape files and geodatabases.
• She/he should display competency in managing large amounts of scientific data (with attention to detail), have sound knowledge of analytical methods, basic statistics, and have experience with standard statistical software.
• Preferred candidate should have practical…