Jobs

Nature Reserves GIS Technician

Position Overview

The Nature Reserves GIS Technician will contribute to short and long-term goals of the Nature Reserves Program by developing cartographic products for property management plans and associated field work. This will include management of spatial and tabular data for biodiversity targets (e.g., species at risk, rare habitats) and stewardship actions to mitigate threats (e.g., climate change, invasive species) for each property.

In addition, this role is integral in transferring files and inputting data into the land management database. The Nature Reserves GIS Technician will work closely with the Nature Reserves team, under guidance from the Nature Reserves Manager and GIS Coordinator. 

About Ontario Nature

Ontario Nature is a charitable conservation organization that protects wild species and wild spaces across Ontario through conservation, education and public engagement. We represent 150 member groups, and more than 30,000 individual members and supporters throughout the province. We are there wherever and whenever nature needs us most. To learn more, visit: ontarionature.org.

Perks

• Flexible work hours and location, in accordance with our Remote Work Policy
• Strong organizational values with commitment to upholding them at all levels of the organization
• Progressive workspace and membership perks at the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto
• 4 paid days off in addition to statutory holidays during our office closure in late December
• 3 paid personal leave days and 12 paid sick days per year
• Fulfilling, purpose-driven work, alongside 30 passionate and committed colleagues
• An ongoing commitment to create an inclusive and equitable environment for employees, volunteers, members and supporters
• Opportunities for advancement, skill development and cross-sectoral collaboration
• Support for taking initiative and pursuing aligned personal interest projects
• Team building and social opportunities

Principal Responsibilities

• Assist with property management planning through the creation of cartographic products using spatial data. 
• Support the maintenance, organization and sourcing of geospatial and digital files, ensuring easy access for file users.   
• Organize, transfer files and input data into Landscape, the land management database. 
• Assist with setup and modifications to field spatial data collection and organization applications. 
• Update Landscape guidance and training documents regularly. This includes supporting Nature Reserve and other staff usage, liaising with Landscape staff to resolve issues, and providing training for staff when required.  
• Assist with communications for the Nature Reserves Program, including contributing to social media, blogs and webpage updates.  
• Regularly report to supervisor and team members to seek guidance as needed and ensure work is on track.   
• Document and record metadata for existing and newly developed datasets.    

Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in geography, conservation biology or related field.   
• 1-2 years working experience with GIS, specifically with ESRI products (ArcGIS Pro 2.7.1; ArcGIS Field Maps) and database management.   
• Previous experience with obtaining and interpreting GPS and KML data, and remotely sensed imagery.     
• Experience with displaying natural features, threats, species at risk and invasive species in cartographic products following communications guidelines or a template.  
• Good verbal and written communications skills, including active listening.    
• Ability to work independently, as a team member, and self-motivate and prioritize work.   
• Meticulous attention to detail with strong organizational skills.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.   
• Strong commitment to the conservation and protection of Ontario’s wild species and spaces.

As a position with the potential for wage subsidy funding, applicants must also meet the following criteria:  

• Post-secondary graduate.  
• No more than 30 years of age at the start of the internship.  
• Canadian citizens, permanent residents or persons granted refugee status in Canada.  
• Legally allowed to work according to the relevant provincial and Canadian legislation regulations.  
• Available to work for at least six months.   
• Cannot be a previous participant of a Science Horizon Internship

Desirable Assets

• Valid class “G” driver’s license and ability to rent a vehicle in Ontario.   
• Experience with GIS based conservation planning, landscape ecology, spatial statistics or community planning projects.  
• Previous experience setting up and using a land management database.  
• Familiarity with land management documentation and file structure. 

Anticipated Start Date: Late July – early August 2024
Type of Position: 1-year contract, full-time
Compensation: $44,298 – $49,835 per year

Location: This position is based at Ontario Nature’s Head Office – 720 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON. This position can work remotely within Ontario in accordance with our Remote Work Policy, however the selected candidate must be willing to work from the head office occasionally for team meetings and as requested.

Working Conditions: This position requires limited evening and weekend work. Any overtime worked will be compensated for through lieu time. 

Physical Requirements: The position requires extensive sitting, clicking, typing and time spent viewing computer screens.

To Apply

• Include your resume, cover letter and three references in one PDF document, addressing your qualifications and experience
• Include “Nature Reserves GIS Technician” in the email subject line
• Email your application to jobs@ontarionature.org
• Deadline for applications: 11:59 p.m. on July 7, 2024

Although Ontario Nature appreciates the efforts of all those who apply for this position, we will contact only those selected for an interview. No unsolicited emails or phone calls please.

Ontario Nature is committed to employment equity, diversity and accessibility. Requests for disability-related accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should make their requirements known when contacted.

---

---

---