Data Team Lead, Resource Watch

Job Summary:

The Data Team Lead will join a team of highly motivated individuals, including members of WRI’s senior leadership, to support the development and management of Resource Watch. You will be expected to learn quickly on the job and will gain experience with working with real-time data connectors, data documentation and analysis, and geospatial visualizations. In this position, you will support the Resource Watch Product Team in designing and developing new Resource Watch features – Prioritizing and streamlining daily and long-term tasks for Data Team members. You will manage 3 to 4 members of the Resource Watch Data team and lead weekly meetings. You will also communicate with internal and external audiences.

This position is remote due to Covid-19, but you will be based at WRI’s office in Washington, DC, once restrictions have lifted with the possibility to be continued as remote.

Job Responsibilities:

• Maintain data pipeline and design process improvements that can further strengthen the data pipeline and maintain efficient operations
• Develop automation and analysis tools for improved efficiency and use of Resource Watch
• Lead in recruitment and training of new Data Team junior staff members
• Strategic planning and forecasting of financials related to the Data Team workflow
• Contribute to new funding proposals and track key metrics contributed by the Resource Watch Data Team for donor reports
• Maintain processes to keep the Resource Watch data catalog up to date through timely documentation and metadata
• Create and troubleshoot scripts for near real-time datasets on the Resource Watch platform
• Identify new sources for near real-time data and collaborate with external partners when needed
• Find, process, and visualize environmental and social geospatial data to grow the Resource Watch data catalogue
• Support WRI programs in preparing data and tools for inclusion in the Resource Watch data catalog and API
• Perform quality control on data pre-processing, near real-time scripts, and metadata
• Act as primary point of contact for Resource Watch data requests
• Develop novel visualizations using the Vega editor in the Custom Visualization Tool on Resource Watch
• Assist with presentations of Resource Watch as needed
• Communicate technical topics to non-technical audiences

Job Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in relevant field (preferably a BA/BS), Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of experience
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in relevant fields
• Experience processing and visualizing geospatial datasets
• Familiarity with spatial analysis and GIS tools like ArcGIS, GDAL, PostGIS, and GeoTrellis
• Advanced experience in Python, SQL, and Google Earth Engine
• Experience with JavaScript, Docker, Google Cloud Storage, Amazon Web Services (including EC2, EMR, and Lambda), and big data tools such as Hadoop and Spark are a plus
• Experience managing and developing data processing pipelines and automating technical processes
• Excellent quantitative skills and a high degree of comfort working with data and web technologies
• A self-motivated learner with a willingness to take on new challenges as required – Highly organized and attentive to detail
• US work authorization is required for this position

Potential Salary:

$59,600 – $77,500 if based in United States. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with cover letter. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. 

Program Overview:

The Data Team Lead will work on WRI’s Resource Watch, a high impact initiative to improve how we analyze, visualize, and share geospatial data to advance sustainable development. They will lead the Resource Watch Data Team, who is responsible for the maintenance, archiving and visualization of Resource Watch’s data catalog. Resource Watch launched as a trusted source for sustainable development data in 2018 with more than 40 partners. The platform hosts approximately 300 datasets, including 50+ in near real-time, powered by an evolving, cutting-edge platform and API. Resource Watch enables decision-makers to use data to inform action and it empowers activists to hold governments and companies to account. The platform has facilitated agenda-setting data journalism, led to global awards and is empowering decision-makers on the ground. Resource Watch is hosted within the Data Lab in the Research, Data, and Innovation department. As part of the Data Lab, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of technical roles from software engineers to data scientists.

WRI Overview:

World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade in order to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean.

We are passionate. We value our diversity of interests, skills and backgrounds. We have a flexible work environment. And we share a common goal to catalyze change that will improve the lives of people. Our shared ideals are at the core of our approach. They include: integrity, innovation, urgency, independence and respect.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.
 
We have been growing rapidly: our staff has doubled in size over the past 5 years and our operating budget is now $150 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of 1,000+ people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United States as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.  

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices.