Organization: Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Northern Alberta
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Job Description
Temporary Position: GIS Analyst – Conservation
The GIS Analyst’s primary role is to support CPAWS Northern Alberta’s
conservation programs with advanced spatial analysis as defined by the Board of
Directors in collaboration with the Executive Director and members of the
conservation team. The conservation team is defined as the Board’s Conservation
Committee, the Executive Director, and dedicated conservation staff (chapter
and across the CPAWS organization where appropriate).
Through its conservation programs, CPAWS Northern Alberta works collaboratively
with industry, government, and local communities towards achieving a
representative, connected network of protected wilderness. Use of geographic
information systems (GIS) and conservation planning software will be used to
better understand and illustrate areas of conservation importance in Alberta.
Candidates for this job should have a high level of proficiency and familiarity
with the use of ArcGIS and Marxan or other conservation planning software, a
superior understanding of geographic information systems, and a passion for
environmental issues and conservation science in Alberta.
The GIS Analyst will work with CPAWS Northern Alberta on a full-time temporary
contract for approximately 14 months beginning July/August 2016.
Responsibilities
Provide GIS and scientific expertise to ongoing conservation programs (40%)
including:
a) maintaining and building CPAWS Northern Alberta’s spatial database;
b) generating maps for conservation purposes using ArcGIS to support various
conservation campaigns;
c) supporting conservation and protected areas planning in Alberta using
Marxan; and
d) assisting other CPAWS Northern Alberta staff with a variety of spatial
modeling and analysis.
Provide expertise and strategic input to direct conservation program components
and support the chapter’s work with various industry and conservation working
groups (40%) including:
a) Identifying potential conservation opportunities in Northern Alberta by
supporting CPAWS Northern Alberta’s GIS work with the Canadian Boreal Forest
Agreement;
b) Identifying potential conservation opportunities related to recreation
management in parks and on vacant public land;
c) Supporting CPAWS Northern Alberta’s work on protected areas planning in
Alberta;
d) Supporting CPAWS Northern Alberta’s work on boreal woodland caribou
conservation in Alberta;
e) Work with members of the conservation team to design and implement specific
campaigns and initiatives to achieve conservation objectives based on changing
lands; and
f) Work with members of the conservation team to provide well-researched and
balanced input to government public consultation processes related to
conservation in the Boreal regions.
Support public education, member engagement and other efforts (20%) including:
a) Writing articles for the chapter and other CPAWS newsletters;
b) Updating the chapter’s outreach and education program materials; and
c) Briefing the Executive Director on relevant issues in advance of speaking or
media engagements.
Qualifications
Candidate must have:
• Minimum level – Bachelor’s degree with a focus on conservation sciences,
environmental studies, GIS or planning
• Experience with GIS and utilization of spatial analysis for planning purposes
in a professional or academic setting
• Experience with and knowledge of Marxan, or other conservation planning,
software
• Experience with data management and batch processing using software such as
R, Python, and ArcGIS Model Builder
• Strong research, analytical, and communication skills
• Knowledge of and experience working with environmental issues, in particular
those regarding conservation and parks, is considered an asset
• Successful history of working with stakeholders and partner organizations
• A demonstrated passion for wilderness and conservation is considered an asset
• Ability to prioritize, manage a demanding workload and work independently
Additional assets include:
• An understanding of the public policy process in Alberta
• Experience with communications, media, or graphic design
Interested applicants should apply with a PDF of their Cover Letter and Resume
to infonab@cpaws.org .
Please format the file name of your application as NAME_GIS Analyst
Application. Please put “Application for GIS Analyst” in your subject line. While
all applications are appreciated, only those selected for an interview will be
contacted. No phone calls please.
All applications must be submitted by May 27, 2016.
