Conservation Data Specialist

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Richmond, VA

10d•$70,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.

Benefits

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)
Federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer
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.

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