Project Manager - WikiWatershed™ Project

DURATION: Two years – contingent on funding

REPORTS TO: Susan E. Gill, Ph.D., Director of Education

The Stroud Water Research Center (SWRC), the Cartographic Modeling Laboratory (CML) of the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), and Avencia, Inc. together seek a Project Manager to assist in coordinating in the launch of the WikiWatershed™ Project. The Project Manager will be a member of the WikiWatershed oversight team, participating in “product” design meetings and setting project priorities. The Project Manager’s day-to-day management responsibilities include scheduling and tracking priority tasks, facilitating communication among project partners, and coordinating the formation and integration of the users’ advisory committees into the project. Additional responsibilities include locating appropriate data sets, curricular materials, and web tools to integrate into the project.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-graduate education (Ph.D. preferred) and relevant experience in a field related to scientific environmental analysis (i.e. watershed science, freshwater ecology, ecosystem science, environmental chemistry, hydrology, soil science or other earth sciences, environmental planning) and/or education.
• Demonstrated project management experience and ability and desire to work collaboratively with wide-ranging partners (e.g. software developers, scientists, citizens, educators and government officials).
• Strong computer skills, with a strong preference for familiarity with: ESRI Geographic Information System (GIS) software; other geographic data models (i.e. Google Earth); relational database management systems (RDBMS); web authoring tools and other communications software (i.e. Adobe).
• Understanding of the software development cycle.
• Strong understanding of web technologies.
• Demonstrated high level of organization, good judgment; and critical thinking.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including effective presentation of relevant outreach and educational materials to user groups.
• The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.
• Possess high integrity with demonstrated ability to seek, meet and exceed expectations.

WIKIWATERSHED™ PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Stroud Water Research Center (SWRC), Avencia, Inc., and the Cartographic Modeling Laboratory (CML) of the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) are launching the WikiWatershed™ project, which will tap into new, robust internet models of geographic data-sharing and cyber-networking thereby empowering ordinary people to learn about their watersheds, monitor their water quality, and participate in managing their water resources. WikiWatershed™ will establish the infrastructure for an open cyber-community to share a variety of geotagged information and simulation models, and its web portal will seamlessly link content on widely used internet sites to water quality data within relational databases hosted at UPenn. As the term “Wiki” implies, the ultimate goal of WikiWatershed™ is to be a user-driven cyber-community in which citizens, teachers, students and others participate in the protection of freshwater resources.

THE PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

The Stroud Water Research Center is a nonprofit, non-advocacy scientific and educational institution dedicated to understanding, preserving and restoring streams, rivers and their watersheds. The science of the SWRC seeks to advance knowledge of stream and river ecosystems through research and provide solutions for water resource problems worldwide. Through education, the SWRC seeks to expand public awareness and appreciation of fresh water ecology and to provide the stewardship tools necessary to protect, preserve, and restore our streams and rivers as important natural resources.

The Center’s education programs seek to disseminate the findings of the Center’s own research projects as well as the latest findings regarding stream and river ecology produced by colleagues of the Center throughout the world.

Cartographic Modeling Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania specializes in spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. Projects feature mapping and other visual displays of data; web-based information systems; and, innovative analysis using administrative data. Using these tools, the CML conducts academic research, environmental, urban and social policy analysis.

Avencia, Inc. is a systems design and software development firm located in Philadelphia (http://www.avencia.com). They specialize in web-based geographic analysis and modeling applications for government (local, state and federal), non-profit and academic clients. They also develop innovative, web-based software, web services and products that use mapping technologies and geography to solve complex, interesting, and novel problems.

To apply, email cover letter and resume to Dr. Susan E. Gill

The Stroud Water Research Center is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and people of color are encouraged to apply.