The Grassland Conservation Council of British Columbia (GCC) is seeking an ambitious, energetic and organized individual to work with the Conservation Planner to deliver the Priority Grassland Initiative. Using GCC’s provincial grassland mapping in conjunction with other GIS data sets and the expertise of regional agrologists, ecologists, grassland experts and First Nations, the successful candidate will complete an analysis based on an established methodology to assess and define rare grassland ecosystems, grasslands with high diversity, species at risk locations and habitat, areas of high value for ungulate winter range and livestock forage, and archaeological sites. The methodology incorporates agricultural and urban development risks analyses and connectivity analysis to assign priority levels, and it includes data structure that will be consistent with North American standards used by all natural heritage programs, including the BC Conservation Data Centre. The candidate will work as part of a team to develop regional grassland portfolios with site descriptions, regional data sets and other information that will be extended to local, regional, provincial and First Nations governments to inform land use planning processes and conservation initiatives. In addition, priority grassland information will be used to develop regional and provincial grassland status reporting.
The successful candidate will be a team player and will possess strong GIS, analytical and communication skills.
Skills:
- Utilize the grasslands GIS in conjunction with local expertise and knowledge to identify and map high value, priority grassland areas in each of the major regions across BC.
- Acquire, manage and coordinate data sets.
- Document procedures, metadata and information pertaining to mapping and analysis.
- Develop and provide maps, data, analytical tools and supporting information to assist in land use planning and decision-making.
- Work with the Conservation Planner to produce regional strategic documents with identified priority grassland areas and conservation recommendations for government and non-government organizations.
- Collaborate with Conservation Planner, technical advisory committee members and other experts to complete analysis, test methodology and adjust as required.
- Perform data analyses, modelling and prepare reporting to support GCC programs.
- Represent GCC on scientific or technical committees.
- Assist with funding proposals and annual reporting as required.
- Give presentations on the Priority Grassland Initiative.
- Work with GCC staff and board to effectively communicate and raise the profile of the GCC and its programs.
Qualifications:
- University degree or diploma in Geography, Natural Resource Science or related GIS field
- At least 3 years work experience with ArcGIS (Arc/Info)
- Good understanding of ArcGIS (Arc/Info) software, database and spreadsheet applications as well as AML or Python scripting language
- Experience with map compositions and well-developed cartographic skills
- Highly organized with the ability to manage several tasks and multiple deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work well under pressure, and to overcome challenges with effective decision-making
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team or committee
- Excellent inter-personal skills, diplomatic, cheerful and a good team player
- Motivated, self-starter
Full-time term position (2 year term with possibility of extension)
Start Date: May 28, 2007 or ASAP
Starting Annual Salary: 38,000 – 45,000 (commensurate with experience)
Apply in confidence with resume and covering letter by 4:30pm on Monday, April 23rd
Bruno Delesalle, Executive Director
Grasslands Conservation Council of British Columbia
954 A Laval Crescent
Kamloops, BC V2C 5P5
Or Fax to: 250-374-6287
No phone calls or email please!
For more information on the GCC visit our website at www.bcgrasslands.org