Job title: Data Operations Manager
Reports to: Director of Data Management
Faculty/Department: Biology, Ocean Tracking Network
Starting salary: $75,000 – $80,000
Expected start date: May 12, 2025
Location: Halifax, NS
The Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) is an international marine and freshwater monitoring platform that focuses on tracking the movements of aquatic animals in the context of a changing environment. Established in 2008, OTN is one of 19 National Research Facilities supported by the Major Science Initiatives (MSI) funding program of the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).
POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the director of data management, this position oversees the operations side of the OTN data team. The manager is responsible for resource planning, developing and executing operational projects, and scheduling of personnel time. This individual is well versed in animal tracking data and able to harness core data functions such as programming, data workflows, and database management, to achieve organizational goals. Excellent interpersonal management skills, including leadership, communication, and team building, are essential. This position is based primarily in-person, with the option to work 1-2 days per week remotely depending on operational requirements. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. This position travels 2-4 times per year within Canada and internationally.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supervise OTN data operations staff, including database staff, programmers, and interns. Lead by example and serve as a mentor to staff to foster career growth and development.
- Develop an annual work plan for data operations with clear goals and priorities and ensure these are communicated to the team. Actively support staff to ensure work plans and understood and delivered upon successfully. Utilize OTN’s core collaborative working platforms to coordinate work efficiently, including Asana, Gitlab, and One Drive, and ensure data operations personnel are utilizing platforms as expected.
- Coordinate OTN support for its data partners as they build and maintain instances of the OTN data system and interoperate with OTN
- Coordinate reporting and data aggregation milestones between OTN senior staff, OTN data managers, and external partners to ensure that reporting is always reflective of the current scope and reach of the Network.
- Work closely with the director of data management to operationalize OTN’s strategic goals and objectives, as they relate to data operations.>
- Represent OTN publicity, including attending meetings, presenting at conferences, and engaging with the general public.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Undergraduate degree in biology, computer science, environmental studies, or related field with a minimum of five years’ experience working in progressively senior roles. Graduate degree preferred.
- Strong understanding of acoustic receiver technology and animal tracking data.
- Excellent communication skills. Able to communicate effectively in various forms (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) and to various audiences, including internally (team, colleagues, management) and externally (scientists, general public).
- Demonstrated leadership and staff supervision skills. Able to effectively build and maintain trust with team members.
- Highly process-oriented with good attention to detail. Able to develop and implement practices and workflows that enhance operational effectiveness.
- Excellent time management skills. Able to effectively prioritize and manage competing interests, identify and follow processes that support good time management, and delegate work appropriately.
- Exceptional problem-solving abilities. Able to think critically and identify and implement effective solutions.
- Able to travel locally and internationally.
ASSETS:
- Fluency in French.
- Experience using collaborative work platforms (i.e., Asana, Gitlab).
- Experience talking to the media.
TO APPLY:
Applications are due by May 1, 2025. Interested candidates should apply via PeopleAdmin: https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/18568
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.