GIS / Geographic Information Systems

Title: GIS Technician
Reports To: Conservation Director
Organization: Georgian Bay Land Trust
Location: Remote (though access to Georgian Bay beneficial)
Duration: 1-year contract with potential for extension or transition to full-time permanent

Overview:

The Georgian Bay Land Trust (GBLT) GIS Technician is a one-year contract position with the potential for extension or transition to a full-time permanent position. The main role will be to develop and maintain a geospatial database, associated non-spatial databases, and metadata that will be used to inform GBLT’s conservation priorities and research projects. This position reports to the Conservation Director and will focus on database management, conducting spatial analyses and producing mapping deliverables to help guide land securement, stewardship, and research for GBLT’s strategic vision. The position is remote but has access to a Toronto-based office. Access to or knowledge of the eastern coast of Georgian Bay is beneficial but not required. Responsibilities would include:

• Assessing current geospatial database to identify gaps or improvements
• Mapping ELC and SAR data collected during field work
• Conducting habitat and connectivity analysis mapping for the eastern coast of Georgian Bay
• Producing priority mapping for land securement
• Building ecosystem and habitat suitability mapping for provincially significant species
• Assisting with mapping and modelling for research projects

These positions will require knowledge of the Georgian Bay environment and will include training regarding priority ecosystem and species mapping. It will require technical expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to work in small teams in remote locations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Geospatial database management and review

• Review and develop geospatial data management systems and tools to organize and integrate spatial and non spatial data from various sources into a robust database
• Review and maintain GIS metadata to ensure long-term viability of GIS database
• Identify gaps in current mapping
• Upload and maintain existing mapping on a cloud server

2. Geospatial analysis and mapping

• Create corridor and connectivity mapping for protected areas in the region
• Create resource selection modeling for species of conservation concern using existing data
• Analyze data to identify hotspots for species occurrence and movement
• Create priority mapping for land securement and stewardship in the region
• Assist with other projects as necessary

3. Other Activities

• Assist with mapping projects involving drone photography and data collected from drone surveys
• Contribute to the mapping produced for the Multi-species Action Plan and Natural Area Conservation Plan
• Assist in the production and implementation of study proposals and management strategies as they relate to GIS
• Supporting role in networking among agencies and organizations with respect to data collection, data sharing, data maintenance and co-operative projects
• Attend training with other GBLT staff on species identification, ecosystem classification, and other related activities
• Assist in any mapping required for grant applications

Skills & Aptitudes:

• A post-secondary degree or diploma from a recognized academic institution in GIS, geography, biology, environmental science or an equivalent related program with significant background in GIS and related computer system applications with at least two years’ experience
• Interest in the conservation of eastern Georgian Bay
• Familiar with environmental science and natural heritage
• Experience using the ArcGIS suite of tools to manage and maintain geospatial datasets, perform spatial analysis and produce map products. Experience with SQL and Post-GIS is an asset.
• Knowledge and experience with programming languages (e.g. Python, R, AutoCAD) commonly used to support GIS applications and workflows in Model Builder
• Previous experience developing models describing resource selection and animal movement is an asset
• Previous experience working with and manipulating remotely sensed imagery, drone orthophotos, and multispectral data
• Familiarity with machine learning tools to produce land classification models is an asset
• Interest in outdoor recreation and familiarity with reading maps and working with GPS
• Familiarity with the ecosystem of Georgian Bay, as well as species assemblages
• Able to work well independently and in small groups to accomplish specific goals and tasks quickly and efficiently
• Must be prepared to work flexible hours, including some weekends
• Connection to Georgian Bay and/or ability to periodically work on Georgian Bay between May and September beneficial
• Be familiar with and share the mission and objectives of the Georgian Bay Land Trust

Anticipated start date: Monday March 17, 2025

Salary: $55,000 - $65,000

Boat gas and expenses will be covered.

We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please forward your resume and cover letter in confidence by FEBRUARY 14, 2025 to hiring@gblt.org with the subject GIS Technician Application.

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