Conservation Data Specialist

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers – Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking a Conservation Data Specialist in Richmond (MAIN STREET CENTRE). This role focuses on geospatial analysis, GIS-based modeling, and developing data-driven reporting tools to support agricultural nonpoint source programs and the Nutrient Management Planning Program.

You will lead geospatial data integration, build spatial models and workflows, manage SQL Server views and tables for reporting, and support

Qualifications

• Experience developing, maintaining, and analyzing geospatial data using Esri ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, and/or ArcGIS Online.
• Experience building and maintaining spatial models, geoprocessing workflows, or related environmental modeling.
• Experience developing and deploying mobile field data collection applications.
• Experience creating business intelligence reports using tools such as Power BI or similar platforms.
• Experience in data management workflows, including QA/QC, data submission schedules, and reporting for environmental programs.
• Experience with MS SQL Server, including views, tables, and Integration Services packages (SSIS).
• Experience providing user support, training, or technical troubleshooting for GIS or data applications.

Responsibilities

• Leading the integration of geospatial data to strengthen program planning, forecasting, and decision-making.
• Designing, maintaining, and enhancing spatial datasets.
• Building and implementing GIS models and analytical workflows.
• Providing essential data management support to the division of Soil and Water Conservation with an emphasis on supporting the Nutrient Management Planning Program.
• Managing components of the Division’s business intelligence environment—including SQL Server–based database views and tables—to ensure accurate, accessible, and high-quality reporting
• Supporting users of the Conservation Application Suite across the Division and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
• Maintaining Division web content, and assisting with training on key applications.

Skills

Geospatial analysis

GIS modeling

Mobile data collection

BI reporting

Data management workflows

SQL Server basics

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Enterprise

ArcGIS Online

Power BI

MS SQL Server

SSIS

Job description

Title: Conservation Data Specialist

State Role Title:Info Technology Specialist II

Hiring Range: $70,000 - $90,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location:MAIN STREET CENTRE

Agency Website:https://www.dcr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state’s lead conservation agency, providing access for outdoor recreation, strengthening communities’ flood resilience, and protecting what Virginians care about: clean water, parks, natural habitat, and open spaces. Serving a diverse commonwealth rich in nature and culture, DCR touches all Virginians’ lives. DCR offers paid leave; a minimum of 13 paid state holidays per year; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan for classified positions, and VaLORS for law enforcement positions); and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer. DCR’s Mission is to conserve the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources of the Commonwealth. We invite you to learn more about DCR’s efforts to CONSERVE. The Conservation Data Specialist role is a key data resource within DCR’s Division of Soil and Water Conservation, focused on geospatial analysis, GIS-based modeling, and developing data-driven reporting tools that support Virginia’s agricultural nonpoint source programs. The position also provides essential data management support for the Nutrient Management Planning Program.

The position is responsible for:

• Leading the integration of geospatial data to strengthen program planning, forecasting, and decision-making.
• Designing, maintaining, and enhancing spatial datasets.
• Building and implementing GIS models and analytical workflows.
• Providing essential data management support to the division of Soil and Water Conservation with an emphasis on supporting the Nutrient Management Planning Program.
• Managing components of the Division’s business intelligence environment—including SQL Server–based database views and tables—to ensure accurate, accessible, and high-quality reporting
• Supporting users of the Conservation Application Suite across the Division and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
• Maintaining Division web content, and assisting with training on key applications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience developing, maintaining, and analyzing geospatial data, using Esri ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, and/or ArcGIS Online.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining spatial models, geoprocessing workflows, or related environmental modeling.
• Demonstrated experience developing and deploying mobile field data collection applications.
• Demonstrated experience creating business intelligence reports using tools such as Power BI or similar platforms.
• Experience in data management workflows, including QA/QC, data submission schedules, and reporting for environmental programs.
• Experience with MS SQL Server, including views, tables, and Integration Services packages (SSIS).
• Experience providing user support, training, or technical troubleshooting for GIS or data applications.

Additional Considerations

• Experience administering Esri ArcGIS Enterprise and/or ArcGIS Online.
• Experience working with remote sensing data, including processing and analyzing imagery for environmental or agricultural applications.
• Experience working with data related to soil and water conservation and/or long-term environmental datasets.
• Certification in GIS, or GISP.

A valid driver’s license is required to operate a state vehicle or a personal vehicle while conducting official business on behalf of the agency.

DCR encourages applications from minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and those with experience with the National Park Service or the federal government. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO/AA/TT).

Explore Virginia State Parks — On Us!

As a DCR employee, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to the natural beauty and outdoor experiences that make Virginia’s State Parks extraordinary — with free admission, special discounts, and perks that make every visit memorable.

Employee benefits include:

• Free parking and admission to all Virginia State Parks.
• Overnight stay discounts for DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service):
  • Free camping outside the Memorial Day to Labor Day season for sites accommodating up to six people.
    • Free Sunday–Thursday camping (excluding the night before holidays) during the Memorial Day–Labor Day period.
    • 50% off cabins (up to three bedrooms) outside the Memorial Day–Labor Day season for up to 14 nights. Two‑night minimum required. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one‑night yurt stays receive a 25% discount.

Join us and make Virginia’s great outdoors part of your life — it’s one of the many ways we show our appreciation for the people who make DCR’s mission possible!

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

Email: [e-mail]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.