GIS Specialist

Job Title: GIS Specialist – Southeastern Grasslands Institute Native Seed Program
Location: Clarksville, TN (based at Austin Peay State University) / Remote eligible
Position Type: Part-Time
Reports To: Director – Native Seed Network

Application Deadline: June 15, 2025

About Us:
The Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI), based out of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN, is committed to the conservation and restoration of the southeastern United States’ native grassland systems. Our Native Seed Program works to collect, increase, and distribute native seeds that are critical to ecological restoration and land management efforts across the region. As part of our mission to restore biodiversity and support sustainable land practices, we are seeking a Part-Time GIS Specialist to assist in the development of intuitive GIS applications and tools for the Seed Program, and a collaborative hub for the Southeastern Native Seed Network.

Position Overview:
The GIS Specialist will be responsible for creating user-friendly GIS applications, tools, and visualizations that streamline data collection, mapping, and analysis for the Native Seed Program. A key component of this role will include developing an informational and member hub for the Southeastern Native Seed Network (SENSN), a collaborative group focused on finding solutions for the issues surrounding native seed supply, research, and the restoration of diminishing natural systems. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in creating ArcOnline apps, utilizing ArcPro for geospatial analysis, and ensuring that the tools and resources developed are accessible to both technical and non-technical users.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop User-Friendly GIS Applications: Design and deploy customized ArcOnline applications that are easy to use and accessible for all stakeholders. These applications will support field data collection, project mapping, and data analysis, ensuring users can easily interact with the data.
• Create an Informational and Member Hub for the SENSN: Build and maintain an intuitive online platform (via ArcOnline or other tools) that will serve as a central hub for the Southeastern Native Seed Network. This hub will provide educational resources, project updates, seed distribution information, and serve as a collaboration space for members. Ensure the platform is user-friendly and easily navigable for a wide range of users, including seed collectors, land managers, seed producers, seed users, and researchers.
• Simplify Data Interaction: Create clear, visually appealing maps, dashboards, and reports that communicate complex geospatial information in a straightforward manner, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions.
• ArcPro Analysis and Map Creation: Use ArcPro for spatial analysis, map creation, and geospatial data processing to support various conservation and restoration projects. Focus on producing accessible and understandable products for all audiences, including those without GIS experience.
• Field Data Collection Tools: Develop GIS tools for field staff to collect data, ensuring that these tools are simple, efficient, and user-friendly for non-technical field staff.
• Collaboration and Training: Work with team members, stakeholders, and SENSN partners to gather feedback, enhance user experience, and continuously improve GIS products. Provide training and technical support to ensure effective use of GIS applications and the member hub.
• Documentation and Support: Maintain clear documentation of GIS workflows, tools, and processes, focusing on making these materials easy to follow for users with varying levels of expertise. Provide ongoing support to ensure smooth usage of GIS products.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in GIS, Environmental Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience developing user-friendly GIS applications and dashboards using ArcOnline, ensuring accessibility for both technical and non-technical users.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro for spatial analysis, map creation, and geospatial data management.
• Experience designing and developing online hubs or collaborative platforms for information sharing, with a focus on user experience and simplicity.
• Ability to create GIS products that are intuitive and easy to interpret for staff, members, and other stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of field-based data collection tools, such as ArcGIS Field Maps, and ensuring their usability in the field.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex GIS data to diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in ecological restoration, conservation, or working with native plant programs.
• Knowledge of remote sensing or spatial data sources relevant to ecological research.
• Familiarity with GIS automation tools (e.g., Python, ModelBuilder) to streamline workflows and enhance tool efficiency.
• Experience working with collaborative platforms or membership hubs, particularly for conservation or environmental networks.

Work Schedule & Compensation:

• Hours: 25 hours per week
• Compensation: $30 per hour
• Funding: This position is funded for at least 12 months, with the potential for extension based on funding availability and program needs.