Taxonomist, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA
Posted December 19, 2018
The National Fire Protection Association’s mission is to help save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge and passion. Dedicated to the elimination of death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards, the Association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission.
NFPA’s Research Library & Archives group is looking for an experienced Taxonomist to join the team! The taxonomist will partner with the Ontology Architect to ensure NFPA’s key content, products, and services are well-described and findable by using the specialized skill sets of information organization and descriptive indexing. This hands on role will actively build the Taxonomy of NFPA and apply it through autotagging, review, and refinements.
A Little Bit About You:
- You have a Master’s Degree in Library & Information Science and up to three years of taxonomy experience.
- Your attention to detail and ability to learn quickly are often sought after skills.
- You are experienced in developing and managing specific taxonomies using data-driven analysis, research skills, knowledge organizing systems theory, and/or user research methodologies.
- Ideally, you are skilled in the use of rules-based autoclassification software, specifically Smartlogic Semaphore, or other taxonomy/ontology management software.
- You have strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
- You have strong computer operation skills including Microsoft Office suite, deep internet/intranet content fluency, and the ability to navigate a networked environment.
The Nitty Gritty:
- Assist the Ontology Architect in building, maintaining, and applying the NFPA Taxonomy/Ontology. Access taxonomy tools and perform research as needed to locate or suggest terminology or autotagging configuration improvements.
- Provide taxonomy support to assigned integration projects (e.g. a Learning Management System), ensuring the content, products, and services are related appropriately and discoverable.
- Work collaboratively with IT to test and maintain the taxonomy toolset in development and production environments.
- Correct computer autotagging results by removing inappropriate tags and adding missing tags to content elements.
- Quickly and accurately comprehend assigned content subject themes in scientific, engineering, and public safety education disciplines.
Interested candidates should apply here: