Job title: Programmer
Reports to: Director of Data Management
Faculty/Department: Biology, Ocean Tracking Network
Starting salary: $60,000 – $65,000
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 supports the services component of the OTN data team. The programmer is responsible for delivering reproducible data products and visualizations that showcase the use of OTN data, and for responding to requests for historic or summarized data and visualizations. Comfortable working with an interdisciplinary team to summarize and visualize biodiversity data to communicate information or tell a story.
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:
- Develop reproducible visualization and analytical tools to display, contextualize and interpret movement data, and to express ocean observing efforts spatially through time.
- Develop evaluation methods and tools to measure infrastructure especially the scale and capability of OTN infrastructure and inventory and its performance and efficiency through time.
- Assist in frontline technical support for OTN database managers, regional data Node managers, and OTN staff.
- Maintain an understanding of the latest developments in telemetry data analysis and visualization and assist in the adoption of new techniques and standards at OTNDC.
- Develop technical learning curriculum and deliver training to students / OTN partners.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Undergraduate degree in biology, computer science, environmental studies, or related field.
- 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).
- Able to communicate with internal and external clients to define and qualify their needs before delivering.
- Highly process-oriented with good attention to detail.
- Self-directed and curious with strong motivation to learn.
- 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 June 13, 2025. Interested candidates should apply via PeopleAdmin: https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/18885
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.