Temporary Data Specialist

Island Conservation; Santa Barbara (CA); Remote; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

Island Conservation is seeking a Temporary Data Specialist to assist with organizing and preparing ecological datasets. This part-time role offers hands-on experience in data management, with mentorship opportunities in conservation science. Ideal for someone early in their data-oriented career with a passion for ecology.

Benefits

Sick leave

Paid time off (PTO)

Short and long term disability benefits

Flexible work schedule

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience wrangling, cleaning, and organizing data.
• Proficiency in using R and Microsoft365 products on Windows 11.

Responsibilities

• Join, clean, and QA/QC tabular field data using tools such as R and Excel.
• Prepare datasets, metadata, and readme information.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, ecology

Tools

R

Microsoft365

Job description

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Base pay range

$23.00/hr - $27.00/hr

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Director of HR & Admin @ Island Conservation | HR Management

About Us

Island Conservation (IC) envisions a world filled with vibrant biodiversity, resilient oceans, and thriving island communities. We are the only international non-profit conservation organization with the mission to restore islands for nature and people worldwide. Islands are special places that provide outsized returns on our conservation investments. IC is committed to holistic island-marine ecosystem restorations that combine efforts to improve community livelihoods and climate resiliency, manage invasive species, and reestablish native animals and plants. Learn more about us at www.islandconservation.org.

Position Overview

Island Conservation seeks a Temporary Data Specialist to work part time assisting with organizing, cleaning, and preparing varying types of ecological and environmental datasets collected by field staff for three, grant-funded Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC) monitoring case study sites. This short-term role is ideal for someone early in a data-oriented career with strong attention to detail, coding and data handling skills, and an interest in conservation science.

The Temporary Data Specialist is a grant-funded position assigned to help IC complete a specific data project. They will work between 20-28 hours per week, for at least 3 and no more than 5 months. The position will start in June 2025 and continue through at least September 18 and perhaps through November 20, 2025, as mutually agreed.

50% Duty : Archive IOCC monitoring case study site data

Tasks Include:

• Join, clean, and QA/QC tabular field data using tools such as R and Excel
• Utilize and adapt existing R scripts to organize large photo and acoustic datasets
• Prepare datasets, metadata, and readme information in alignment with the Scripps Institute of Oceanography requirements for the UCSD Library Digital Asset Management System
• Occasional data entry from field data sheets (minimal)
• Communicate with field staff to ensure all datasets are entered and complete

25% Duty: Prepare IOCC monitoring case study site data for analysis

Tasks Include:

• Work with field staff to thoroughly QA/QC datasets in preparation for analysis
• Ensure analysis-ready data follow tidy data principles and Scripps’ format requirements

15% Duty: Improve and innovate in data workflows

Tasks Include:

• Assist with the development of SOPs for future IOCC monitoring data management
• Track time and resources of managing various data formats
• Prepare reports and/or presentations on the data management implications of various types of impact data collection methods on remote islands

10% Duty: Other

Tasks Include: Assist with other related duties as assigned

This is a part-time, temporary, non-exempt position offering a competitive hourly wage. The role includes eligibility for sick leave, paid time off (PTO), and short and long term disability benefits. Island Conservation offers a flexible work schedule with a remote home office and will provide a laptop computer.

The Temporary Data Specialist will get hands-on experience with ecological data management and an opportunity to contribute to impactful open-science conservation work. The Specialist will gain insight into the current state of real-world conservation research workflows, challenges in the field, and innovations that help advance science in some of the planet’s most remote areas. The Specialist will also gain an understanding of different scales of impact monitoring (surveys, sensors, remote sensing) and the pros/cons of each. The Specialist will receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced conservation scientists and data managers as well as opportunities to develop relationships with other data managers at partner organizations.

Requirements

• Physical requirements: This position requires the ability to work on a computer for extended periods, as well as the ability to use a keyboard, mouse and other office equipment effectively. The position may involve lifting and moving lightweight items such as laptops, documents or office supplies (10-20 lbs) and the ability to speak clearly and hear in team settings, whether virtual or in-person, with accommodations available as needed.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Depending on remote location requested, must be able to adapt working hours to overlap regularly with staff in all relevant time zones (e.g., America/Pacific, America/Mountain, America/Puerto Rico, U.S./Hawaii, Pacific/Palau, Pacific/Auckland, Chile/Continental)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, ecology, or another related field
• 1-2 years of experience wrangling, cleaning, and organizing data
• Proficiency in using R and Microsoft365 products (Word, Excel, Copilot, PowerPoint, etc.) on Windows 11
• Familiarity with standard file organization, relational data, and metadata documentation
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, particularly when it comes to details such as file types, column names, metadata information, etc.
• Ability to track and complete tasks on a deadline that contribute to a larger body of work
• Demonstrated proactive problem-solving skills with a solution-oriented approach
• Strong, confident communication skills for coordinating with field staff
• Interest in conservation, ecology, or environmental science
• Understanding of data governance and the importance of following data sharing agreements
• Proficiency in English (oral, written, and comprehension skills)
• Alignment with Island Conservation’s core values and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in environmental data science
• Experience working with ecological field data such as survey data, camera trap imagery, acoustic data, etc.
• Knowledge of tidy data principles
• Experience with API’s and an openness to explore ways to improve workflows using API connectors
• Experience automating file organization using programming languages such as R, Python, or the command line
• Experience working with data that have a spatial component
• Experience using team science tools such as project management software, GitHub, etc.
• A passion for open science
• Proficiency in Spanish may be a plus (oral, written, and comprehension skills)

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates should apply through LinkedIn, and send an email to [e-mail] including both a cover letter (including desired salary and remote office location) and a resume will be considered.

Island Conservation is an equal-opportunity employer committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment. We value the cultural diversity of our team, and we encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Part-time

Job function

• Job function

  Information Technology and Science

• Industries

  Non-profit Organizations

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