Under the general direction of the Assistant Director, and working closely with the Research Data Specialist III, the Research Data Specialist I will utilize Information Systems (GIS) technologies to support responses to animal disease outbreaks and natural disasters impacting animal health and welfare. The incumbent will assist in coordinating with various CDFA and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) professionals and contractors to analyze various datasets and determine, implement, and manage workable geographic mapping solutions to support emergency response.
Incumbent must be able to work collaboratively with a diverse team of researchers, veterinarians, environmental scientists, research scientists, investigators, inspectors and information technology professionals to ensure the effective use of research, data analysis projects and GIS mapping software. Incumbent should be able to work well under pressure, meet required deadlines, and take effective action while establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with CDFA and USDA personnel.

Analyze emergency spatial database tracking needs and research, develop, test, implement and monitor workable geographic display solutions to provide emergency response staff with real-time disease or food contamination tracking tools

• Monitor spatial data displays to ensure real-time, accurate information is available
• Collaborate with AHFSS and USDA scientific and technical staff to analyze datasets to determine, implement and manage workable geographic mapping solutions for the development of statistical models to test hypotheses for specific geographic areas under surveillance or disease outbreak investigations
• Prepare various written documents, (e.g., technical/final research reports, memorandum, correspondence, interagency agreements for statistical tables, charts, and graphs) for display and upload files and online reports on the web upon management review
• Collaborate with Division staff at GIS planning activities, meetings, and training events
• Research digital spatial data, techniques and methodologies associated with GIS to ensure that the Division can utilize the most efficient and effective mapping tools
• In coordination with USDA, conduct research of animal movement and location databases and analyze available GIS software packages and other tools for compatibility with the USDA approved database tracking software systems
• Research and analyze animal location databases to determine and implement the appropriate GIS software and other tools needed to provide real-time geographic maps that display the locations of agricultural animals throughout California
• Travel and respond immediately to an incident for extended periods of time anywhere within California to reportable animal conditions, disasters, and emergencies in assigned a field-level Incident Command Post (ICP)(s), the Department Operation Center, State Operation Center, Regional Emergency Operation Center(s) and/or County Emergency Operation Center(s)

• Attain and maintain ICS position credentialing through continuous training

• • Assist with Department-wide GIS projects when requested

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
The duties of this position are mostly conducted indoors, however, the incumbent may occasionally be required to work outside and under difficult conditions.
Indoor activities may include:

Operating a computer with various software programs, including e-mail and word processing

• Entering data in a computer database
• Operating a telephone, facsimile, calculator, and copier
• Operating various filing drawers and bins
• Processing paperwork and samples

• Presenting to large groups