Permanent Writer Position, Arlington, VA

[Natalie Griffith <ngriffith -at- TNC -dot- ORG>]

Greetings Everyone:

Anyone out there with a science background and/or conservation interests,
tired of doing computer manuals?

This is a new position in our organization - and one we have needed for a long
time! If you are interested, please be sure to direct your responses to Monica
Perez as detailed in the following information. If you have questions about
working for The Nature Conservancy, I'd be happy to respond on that. Good
benefits - health, 401K plan, metro checks, down-to-earth work atmosphere,
decent vacation, a 35 hour week, and the knowledge that your working for
something good! I can say I've never been happier with an employer. For
general information, visit our web site at http://www.tnc.org/.

I hope some of you will apply - I know there is a wealth of expertise in this
group.

--------------
JOB DESCRIPTION


TITLE:  Conservation Systems Writer/Analyst

SUPERVISOR:  Senior Conservation Systems Analyst

LOCATION:  Conservation Systems Department,
           Conservation Science Division,
           Home Office, Arlington, VA

FLSA STATUS:  Exempt
JOB CATEGORY:  7


SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Conservation Systems Writer/Analyst (hereafter referred to as the
Writer/Analyst) will be responsible for the design and development of
materials for a clearinghouse (i.e., a central repository and collaborative
design forum) on methodological and data standards for natural heritage
inventory and stewardship information management.  This responsibility
includes the writing of much of the interpretive documentation to be placed in
the clearinghouse and/or the editing of material provided by others.
Clearinghouse material will be prepared for print and electronic media and
will make use of current World-Wide Web and database technology for
presentation to Internet, intranet, and extranet audiences.  Particular
emphasis will be placed on the development of:

1) Interpretive documentation providing an overview of heritage methodology
(incl. principles, origin, and evolution of the methodology, and uses and
current status of the heritage databases);

2) Technical documentation (i.e., metadata content) describing the current
standard models and systems used for collecting, managing, and disseminating
natural heritage information (incl. definitions of files and fields in the
Biological and Conservation Data (BCD) System); and

3) Explanatory documentation providing information on and fostering
participation in a collaborative design process for the development of new
heritage standards.

The Writer/Analyst will work regularly with staff from the Conservation
Systems, Central Conservation Databases, and Science External Affairs
departments, and will work especially closely with the Conservation Systems
Analysts, the Conservation Databases Project Manager, and the scientific
Content Webmaster.  The work will require gaining a comprehensive familiarity
with natural heritage inventory, land protection, and stewardship information
management activities within The Nature Conservancy and the Network of Natural
Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centers.

The individual in this position is a skilled writer/editor with significant
experience in science or technical writing and document design.  He/she is
familiar with basic principles of biology and has experience navigating the
Web to obtain or disseminate information.

DUTIES:

1. Writing (40%):
Write interpretive and technical documentation (textual and graphical) for
print and electronic media providing an overview of heritage methodology and
systems. Customize the documentation for various Internet, intranet, and
extranet audiences. The documentation will include: the principles, origin,
and evolution and basic procedures of heritage methodology; uses and current
status of the heritage databases; abstracts of current standards; the purpose,
criteria, and process for establishing standards; user guides to participating
in the standardization process; general profile of the BCD System; and other
supporting materials.

2. Document and Web-site design (20%):
Working with the scientific Content Webmaster, design clearinghouse
documentation applying logical organization and layout for effective
presentation on the Web.  Integrate navigational elements with related
materials (e.g., heritage and stewardship data sets, and Nature Conservancy
science and Heritage Network publications) currently existing or under
development by other departments.  Review plans with appropriate staff to gain
consensus on design, and implement with technical assistance as needed.  The
design should provide users efficient access to various levels of information.
Design documentation to accommodate the need for production and distribution
of hardcopy materials when needed.  Update and revise or expand organization
and content on an ongoing basis in order to maintain the practical value of
the clearinghouse to users.

3. Editing/coordination (15%):
Compile, review, and edit material from other members of the Conservation
Science staff or from experts within the Heritage Network as appropriate for
inclusion in the clearinghouse.  Develop and maintain appropriate style
guidelines for the clearinghouse in cooperation with other Conservation
Science staff to ensure clear and consistent presentation of materials.

4. Metadata administration (15%):
Maintain data dictionaries to reflect the latest standards in heritage and
stewardship information management.  Prepare metadata reports and diagrams,
including data and process models (e.g., entity relationship diagrams and data
flow diagrams), entity and attribute reports, and BCD System Help reports on
file and field definitions.

5. Communication/Training (5%):
Assist in managing information requests concerning clearinghouse materials by
writing responses or directing inquiries to appropriate staff.  Assist with
training and preparation of presentation materials.

6. Other (5%)
Perform other related writing tasks as assigned.


REQUIREMENTS:

1. Master's degree or higher, and basic knowledge of biology or natural
resources management.

2. Excellent writing and editing skills with at least four years experience in
science writing or technical writing in a natural science-related field.
Familiarity with the field of bio-informatics is desirable.

3. Excellent analytical and technical learning skills.  Experience in document
design preferred (e.g., as demonstrated by desktop publishing or Web site
production).

4. Excellent organizational skills, proofreading ability, and ability to
maintain professional quality standards in documentation.  Experience in
organizing large amounts of complex material.  Keen attention to detail.

5. Experience with word-processing (e.g., MS Word, WordPerfect).  Experience
with graphics software tools is desirable (e.g., VISIO, MS PowerPoint).

6. Experience using popular Web browsers (e.g., Netscape Navigator, MS
Internet Explorer).  Familiarity with other electronic communication tools is
desirable (e.g., electronic discussion lists, HTML editors, FTP, desktop
publishing).

7. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively in a team and to communicate
effectively with a wide variety of people.

8. Ability to organize time wisely, to set priorities and work independently
on several projects simultaneously.

9. Familiarity with database management systems and data administration is
desirable (e.g., MS Access, MS Excel).

10. Working knowledge of Natural Heritage Program methodology is desirable.

11. Commitment to the preservation of biodiversity and to the mission of The
Nature Conservancy.


CONTACT:

If interested, send resume, cover letter, and three non-returnable writing
samples to:

                        Monica Perez
                        Conservation Systems Department (W/A)
                        The Nature Conservancy
                        1815 North Lynn Street
                        Arlington, VA  22209


THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
EMPLOYER.


Natalie Griffith
Internet Editor, Conservation Science
The Nature Conservancy
E-mail: ngriffith -at- tnc -dot- org  Phone: 703-841-2727

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