BIRD STUDIES CANADA
BACKGROUND
Bird Studies Canada (BSC) is seeking a Conservation GIS Analyst to assist in the delivery of a multitude of regional and national conservation projects and to provide general support for the organization’s ongoing GIS requirements. Applicants should possess, as a minimum, an Honours B.A. or B.Sc. degree (Master’s preferred) in the environmental sciences (e.g., geography, natural resources, biology, ecology, etc.) and have a good understanding of GIS theory, application, and practical project experience with ArcGIS, GS Plus, or other GIS software. This entry-to-mid level position is being offered initially as a one year term, with good possibility of renewal based on continued funding and satisfactory job performance. The position will be located at BSC’s National Headquarters and Research Centre in Port Rowan, Ontario, adjacent to the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve.
SALARY/BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is $35,000 to $44,000 depending on experience, plus legal and health benefits.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Day-to-day activities and responsibilities are varied, as the incumbent will be involved in a wide variety of BSC projects, as priorities dictate. Ongoing responsibilities include the following, with rough estimates of anticipated effort:
§ Data analysis, manipulation and visualization (50%) – work with program managers to assess geographic analysis needs; develop methods to meet project objectives; help program staff visualize and query their data.
§ Programming (15%) – develop automated geoprocessing and mapping routines to streamline workflows.
§ Cartography (15%) – provide high quality maps for BSC publications, newsletters, and website.
§ Web application development (10%) – maintain and enhance existing web mapping portals and applications.
§ Report writing, attending meetings, consultation, etc. (10%)
Examples of current projects that require support include 1) Breeding Bird Atlases in several Canadian provinces, 2) B.C. Marine Atlas, 3) Important Bird Areas, 4) various web mapping portals, and 5) a multitude of bird monitoring projects spread across the country.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
§ Background in geography, landscape ecology, biology, or related discipline.
§ Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, map projections, scale and resolution, accuracy and precision, database design, and cartography.
§ Working knowledge of relational database management systems, and hands-on experience with major database software, e.g., ACCESS.
§ Practical experience with GIS software packages; experience with ArcGIS very helpful, but not essential.
§ Strong communication, organization and problem solving skills.
§ Well developed project management and documentation skills, attention to detail, and high standards of quality control.
§ Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite of products, e.g., Excel, Word.
§ Experience in data conversion, database population, and data verification.
§ Diplomacy, tact, and good interpersonal skills for working cooperatively within a team setting.
ADDITIONAL DESIRED SKILLS
§ Programming proficiency in Python, AML, VBA, or other desktop languages.
§ Experience with web-based mapping systems (e.g., ArcIMS, MapServer) and related web scripting languages, e.g., JSP, ASP, JavaScript.
§ Knowledge of, and interest in, birds an asset.
§ Advanced knowledge (Master’s) in an ecological discipline.
§ Proficiency in French and/or Spanish.
APPLICATION DETAILS
For consideration, forward your resume and cover letter (PDF or Word format) by 22 December 2008, along with contact information (name, title, affiliation, phone number, and email address) of three references to Andrew Couturier acouturier@bsc-eoc.org. We anticipate filling this position by February 2009. While BSC appreciates the interest of all who apply, only those candidates who qualify for an interview will be contacted.
ABOUT BSC
Bird Studies Canada (BSC) is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding, appreciation and conservation of wild birds and their habitats, in Canada and elsewhere, through studies that engage the skills, enthusiasm, and support of its members, volunteers, and the interested public. For more information, visit http://www.birdscanada.org