GIS Program Manager

Job Title: GIS Program Manager 

Reports to: Senior Scientist (or Stewardship Director) 

Want to play your part in protecting our local communities from the impacts of climate change? Ready to roll up your sleeves to help achieve tangible results? Want to be part of a talented, deeply committed, and national award-winning conservation organization? Then please read on!   

Sonoma Land Trust (SLT) is looking for someone with a commitment to responsible data practices, data stewardship and ongoing education in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) field. The GIS Program Manager will use cartographic and data analysis to produce maps for conservation planning, property research, communication materials, and more.  

You are encouraged to apply if you:  

• Have cartographic and data management skills.
• Have experience applying GIS to conservation planning, open space, natural resources, or similar fields.
• Coordinate and manage multiple projects on tight deadlines.

SLT serves a diverse audience with broad cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, and orientations. We encourage applications from candidates who reflect and value the audiences and populations we serve. 

Overview

The GIS Program Manager is responsible for all aspects of the SLT GIS program. The GIS Program Manager will work across departments providing leadership and support on technical geographic and cartographic projects. The GIS program includes workstations running GIS software and services, other geographic software tools, GPS units, online dashboards and maps, and a data library of spatial information focused on Sonoma County. Primary responsibilities include the management and design of databases and file structures, spatial analysis, web map design, programming and automation, cartographic production and project guidance for a team of staff engaged in conservation planning, land acquisition and management, research, and public outreach and education.  

Primary Responsibilities

• Use cartographic and data analysis tools to produce maps for conservation planning, property research, communication materials for donors and members, media releases, grant submissions, hike orientations, events, and other projects.
• Manage and use a suite of ESRI ArcGIS software, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123, ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Server, and ArcGIS Online. Use other software and programming tools to support program needs, including QGIS, ODK, DNR GPS, Google Earth Pro, Trimble project tools, Avenza Maps Pro, Javascript, and Python.
• Oversee program resources, including coordination with outside contractors, to ensure that SLT’s GIS program meets the organization’s expanding map-related needs.
• Provide technical support, training, and guidance to beginner and intermediate GIS users.
• Develop and manage the annual program budget and manage software license and maintenance fee grants to reduce program costs.
• Maintain GIS-related software, hardware, network, and supplies for all GIS workstations including GPS units and large format plotter.
• Manage SLT’s protected lands database and GIS data library, to ensure that data and source documentation (metadata) is current and of good quality. Coordinate data sharing, data collection, data acquisition, project level data management with SLT staff, and act as a liaison to data acquisition campaigns at partner agencies.
• Participate in regional conservation planning efforts and data sharing consortiums.
• Build and maintain digital mapping tools (software and services) including web map applications for sharing data and displaying conservation efforts and progress to all SLT staff and public.
• Use spatial analysis tools to advise acquisitions staff about patterns of conservation progress, opportunities, and priorities in Sonoma County.
• Coordinate ongoing GIS education and software training for staff.

Essential Qualifications

SLT is open to candidates with diverse backgrounds, experience, and transferable skills. We are looking for candidates with the following experience OR the ability to develop skills in each of these categories: 

• Bachelor’s degree in geography, planning or related field, and at least five years of experience in GIS as applied to conservation planning, open space, parks, natural resources, land use, or similar fields, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced cartographic and data management skills.
• Expertise in ESRI GIS software and tools required, including both ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
• Proficiency with, and knowledge of, a variety of GIS software and hardware (and related operating systems), including new developments in the GIS field.
• Commitment to responsible data practices, including ethical data handling, accurate data representation, privacy, and confidentiality.
• Dedication to data stewardship, including ensuring data longevity, and following archival standards.
• Ability to resolve technical problems that occur with GIS-related software and hardware.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff and external partners, sometimes under pressure, to complete tasks in a timely manner.
• A passion for conservation and environmental issues.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Python and JavaScript for GIS workflow automation and web map display.
• Experience instructing and guiding GIS users with a range of skill levels.
• Knowledge of regional conservation efforts and North Bay conservation planning.
• Experience supporting the full lifecycle of field-based data collection including planning and design, quality assurance/quality control, analysis, and data visualization.
• Ability to work flexible hours including occasional weekends and evenings.

Schedule, Salary & Benefits

This position is full-time, 40 hours per week, exempt status.  

Salary starting at $94,500 commensurate with experience. Benefits include generous employer contributions to medical, dental and vision insurance plans. Employer contribution to retirement plan after 1 year of employment. Paid time off includes 15 paid holidays, paid vacation based on tenure and personal and parental leave in accordance with SLT policies and procedures.  

This position is located at the Sonoma Land Trust office in Santa Rosa, California. Staff are working in a hybrid model. Some field work required.  

About Sonoma Land Trust

Sonoma Land Trust works in alliance with nature to conserve and restore the integrity of the land, with a focus on climate resiliency. The organization is also committed to ensuring more equitable access to the outdoors. Since 1976, the non-profit Land Trust has protected over 60,000 acres of scenic, natural, agricultural and open land for future generations. Sonoma Land Trust is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission and was the recipient of the 2019 Land Trust Alliance Award of Excellence. For more information, please visit the Sonoma Land Trust website. 

We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment that is representative of the communities we serve. We know that having varied perspectives leads to better outcomes to solve the complex problems of conservation, climate change and environmental justice in Sonoma County. 

And to best serve the people of our community, we are taking the actions outlined in our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Plan. 

Sonoma Land Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

We strive to create a diverse and inclusive organization and encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, national or regional origins, sexes, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.