The Nova Scotia Nature Trust, a conservation charity focused on protecting outstanding and unique natural areas through private land conservation, seeks a GIS consultant to advance its conservation planning work by enhancing the use of spatial data and geographic information systems, and the use of conservation science in prioritizing its conservation efforts. The ideal candidate will have both training and professional experience in GIS as an analyst, specialist or consultant.
The contract entails both developing specific GIS-based conservation plans for the Nature Trust, and developing basic GIS capacity and tools for the organization.
The contract could be completed on either a full or part-time basis.
Tasks
- Establish a replicable procedure and methodology for the prioritization of private land identified for protection based on the Nature Trust’s ecological/conservation criteria including
- Develop a coastal conservation ‘greenprint’ for Nova Scotia - - a prioritization system and action plan for the Nature Trust’ coastal conservation program.
- Undertaking a scientific prioritization of private land producing target land acquisition lists for endangered species and other priority conservation targets identified by the Nature Trust
- Liaise and cooperate with other conservation organizations and individuals regarding retrieval and compilation of data, testing of methodologies, and sharing of findings related to coastal conservation planning
- Modernize and organize the Nature Trust’ procedures for collection, storage, use and display of spatial data
- Provide training for Nature Trust staff in the use of GIS, maintenance and updating including the production of a “user manual” for the Nature Trust’s GIS data
Qualifications/Assets
- Diploma or other GIS certification from a recognized institution specializing in Planning, Cartography, Geographic Information Systems, Surveying or Remote Sensing
- Post secondary qualification in Geography, Planning or related field
- 3-5 years experience implementing and maintaining complex GIS solutions, and performing a wide diversity of GIS-related tasks including:
- acquiring, and digitizing data
- developing and managing relational databases
- preparing data for analysis in decision support software
- conducting complex spatial and landscape scenario queries, analysis and interpretation
- developing professional data reports and maps
- undertaking spatial modeling
- Experience using varied GIS/spatial software applications including ESRI ArcGIS
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
- An enthusiastic self-starter with the ability to take initiative, to work independently and to meet deadlines
Other ideal qualities and experience
- An interest in land preservation and habitat/species conservation
- Proven abilities to use GIS specifically in the land conservation/conservation science planning context
- Professional background and/or education in ecology/conservation
- Demonstrated experience collaborating with other parties to obtain different data sources and to coordinate scientific peer review of products
Remuneration/Term:
Compensation commensurate with experience.
Application Process:
Application deadline: September 28th, 2009.
To apply, please include the following in your application package:
- Resume
- Names of at least 3 professional or educational references. Indicate your relationship with the reference (i.e. previous employer, teacher etc., and how long he/she has known you, and contact information for the references).
- Cover letter
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Please send your completed application to:
Dennis Garratt, Conservation Manager
The Nova Scotia Nature Trust
PO Box 2202 Halifax, NS B3J 3C4
or fax 429-5263
or email dennis@nsnt.ca
Due to the anticipated number of applicants, only successful candidates will be notified if they qualify for an interview.
Thank you for your interest in working with the Nature Trust! We look forward to reviewing your application.
