The Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) is looking for a project manager to lead the “Towards an Integrated Nationwide Biodiversity Data Management System” project. The objective of this project is to develop an integrated data system managed by the State and coordinated at the national level for geoinformation on fish, fauna and habitats. The project will build on existing regional data integration efforts, such as the Nature Network with the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the Southeast Conservation Adaptation Strategy or SECAS with the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the Crucial Habitat Assessment Tool or “CHAT” with the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and the ongoing work of the Midwest Landscape Initiative with the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Agencies. The project leader identifies, compares and contrasts the data components of existing integrated and independent biodiversity data management systems of universities, federal state administrative authorities, and state fisheries and wildlife authorities. The work requires categorization of database platforms, geographic information systems, data collection and data standards for each database system for further review by technical experts. The project manager measures the interest of each audited company in participating in an integrated national biodiversity data management system. This measure includes the interest of state and federal authorities in cooperating in a national system, legal restrictions on database integration, applicable policies and regulations on the use of databases, and authorities` requirements for data sharing. In addition, the work includes an assessment of existing and desired applications of the national integrated biodiversity data management system for the protection of species and habitats. Significant participation is expected under the terms of this agreement between the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the project`s lead federal agency, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), WMI and the project manager. A summary of the participation is as follows: The project will be carried out in close partnership with USGS staff at all stages. The Wildlife Management Institute and the Project Manager will work regularly with USGS scientists and Cooperative Research Unit (CRU) program managers.

The USGS CRU will provide technical support in the analysis of geospatial data, provide guidance for collaboration with university professors and students, and strong long-term partnerships with senior officials of the state`s fisheries and wildlife agencies. In addition, the USGS will review all phases of the project to ensure satisfactory completion before approving a subsequent condition. .

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