Data Management Specialist 2 – Social Sciences Analyst

Group Definition:  Data Management Specialists (Social Sciences) use a background in the social sciences as they assist in the population, maintenance, enhancement and distribution of databases. They locate, obtain, standardize, enter, verify, and correct various data sets related to project goals and work plans.

Position/Project Specifics:

The Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) is continuing to develop expanded west coast social indicators data with the goal of collecting and maintaining human dimensions data pertinent to fisheries, protected species and habitat management. These data will then be used to enhance future iterations of the California Current Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (CCIEA), support the state of the California Current report, and allow for community-level evaluations of management programs and alternatives. Employing a previously established framework and set of data categories, the NWFSC will continue analyzing west coast fishing and coastal communities according to indicators of community well-being and social health within the marine ecosystem, with a particular focus on supporting the integrated modeling of the NMFS Future Seas III project. This is ongoing work, and indicators will be improved through the discovery and use of additional secondary data sources and variations on existing data analytical approaches. Implementing such a social indicators framework for the U.S. West Coast requires the continued assistance of a social sciences data analyst dedicated to the collection, organization and analysis of extant data in the Pacific Fisheries Information Network fishticket database, U.S. Census’ American Community Survey, and other sources. At present, data for multiple years have been organized and analyzed relative to coastal community vulnerability, but in keeping with the evolving needs of Future Seas III, we require the examination of additional data sources and the development of data-based approaches to assigning particular catch share programs to particular West Coast communities. Results of our work are annually presented to the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) and will be part of the Future Seas III outputs.

Essential Functions: (The functions listed below are characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this group and pay band.  They are not all-inclusive. Individual positions may perform some or all, as well as other similar work.)

At the lower end of the range, employees;

• Compile project data into standardized electronic data formats.  This includes accessing filed information and verifying it’s accuracy and completeness, performing data entry, electronic data transfer, editing and error checking.
• Extract relevant data which may be presented in many different text and numeric formats, reports, tables, graphics, or figures.
• Maintain local versions of datasets in accordance with established regional database exchange formats and standards.
• Maintain a local archive of current and historical reports and documents.  Coordinate the regular transfer of reference materials to archives and libraries.
• Train technical and general users in the use of database applications through individual instruction and/or group presentations.
• Create queries, summaries, and/or maps in response to requests for customized data.
• Prepare and manipulate various data and graphic outputs for use in reports, presentations and internet applications, using standardized retrieval scripts.

At the Upper end of the range, employees:

• Develop and implement databases and libraries.  Includes acquiring new data as well as taking previously created or historical databases or spreadsheets and integrating them.  Data sources vary in format including database, spreadsheet, and survey data sets.  Custom interfaces maybe required.
• Produce written research and statistical reports (including graphs, tables, maps and text), data sets and data summaries using a variety of analytical techniques and software tools.  This involves the use, modification, and development of database retrieval scripts.
• Document data handling and reporting to ensure consistency and validity of data between and within sites.  Files may come from sources that use different computer hardware, software systems/protocols, and different communication packages.
• Maintain and update data catalogs, data catalog directories, and metadata.
• Perform system maintenance and backups.  This includes routine database checkpoints, checkpoint verification, tuning, data-process merges, and user account management.  Restore files when required.
• Perform Help Desk Functions, responding to on-line user inquiries about access to the database and data retrievals, the execution of query scripts, and standard report programs.
• Participate in technical user groups to determine future data needs and the programs that will fulfill them.  Coordinate the development of standards and exchange formats for the efficient movement of data between participants.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

The employee must have knowledge of:

• social sciences
• U.S. West Coast fisheries
• personal computers and software packages and applications for databases, spreadsheets, and word processing
• data management concepts, principles, and methods
• quality assurance principles
• technical documentation methods and procedures
• statistical analysis
• common query languages
• the organization’s data assets

sufficient to:  input data; structure information retrievals; edit, combine and manipulate data; and/or provide reports for users.  This knowledge allows the employee to assess or interpret the significance of the results and relate that to the overall objective of the assignment. 

Additional Mandatory Skills: 

• Familiarity with R statistical software
• Capacity to make use of specific databases, including PacFIN fishticket and U.S. Census databases
• Adobe Acrobat
• Relational database software
• MS Excel
• MS Word
• Capacity to learn and make use of basic GIS software
• Oral communication skills
• Writing technical documentation and familiarity with scientific peer-reviewed publications

Physical Demands:

The work is generally sedentary, although there may be some nominal walking or standing for short periods of time, or carrying of light loads of papers, books, reports, etc. that require only moderate physical ability and physical stress.

Work Environment:

The works area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.  The work involves the common risks or discomforts typical of office, meeting rooms, libraries, and the like.   

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

A range of experience and education may be presented.  Candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** AND four years of successfully completed education above high school in anthropology, economics, statistics, or any other field that provides the same knowledge.  An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

**Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled.  To be creditable, Specialized Experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.