Jobs

Nature-based Climate Solutions Analyst

Job Description

Based at Ontario Nature’s Boreal office in Thunder Bay, Ontario, the Nature-based Climate Solutions Analyst will support Ontario Nature in achieving our climate change solutions goals, with an emphasis on quantifying and ranking the nature-based climate solution potential of natural spaces that are either already protected (e.g., Ontario Nature’s Nature Reserve System) or are proposed for protection (e.g., candidate protected areas). This work will support our Protected Places, Nature Reserves, Wetlands and Endangered Species programs.

Specifically, the analyst will help with testing digital tools (spatial and aspatial) to quantify carbon storage and sequestration potential of natural spaces of interest to Ontario Nature. They will also assess the value of these spaces for climate change adaptation for wildlife, particularly species at risk, as climate refugia and/or migration corridors. The United Nations Development Program has identified dozens of digital tools that could be used to mainstream the assessment of nature-based climate solutions. Through consultation with experts and other organizations conducting this type of work, the intern will have the opportunity to test the assessment tools most likely to support Ontario Nature’s needs.

The analyst will work closely with Ontario Nature staff as well as conservation partners to prioritize assessments of sites for protection, including wetlands, forests and grasslands with high potential to provide nature-based climate change benefits. They will report to the Boreal Program Manager. 

The ideal candidate has excellent GIS digital mapping and data analysis skills. They work well independently and as part of a team and thrive in a fast-paced work environment where success requires close attention to detail, flexibility, strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to high quality outcomes. 

Principal Responsibilities

• Review and pilot a range of digital tools, such as Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use Carbon Calculator (USAID) and InVEST (Stanford University) to provide the evidence-base for climate change nature-based solutions (both mitigation and adaptation) of candidate protected areas, nature reserves, provincially significant wetlands and other natural spaces of conservation interest. 
• Obtain spatial (GIS) and aspatial data required to complete these assessments as well as download and troubleshoot available digital tools, as required.
• Develop mapping and tabular outputs to report on the relative carbon storage and sequestration value of various protected (e.g., Nature Reserves) and proposed protected areas (e.g., candidate protected areas).
• Attend relevant webinars, meetings and conferences, as directed, and report on the key findings to Ontario Nature staff and partners.
• Convey scientific information on the assessment of carbon storage and sequestration potential to non-scientific audiences.
• Support and participate in meetings with environmental and grassroots conservation organizations to share perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of different accounting approaches. 
• Regularly report to supervisor and team members to seek guidance as needed and ensure work is on track.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or equivalent in geography, environmental science or related field.
• Information-management and GIS technical training.
• Experience with GIS, specifically with ESRI products (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online) and database management proficiency in MS Access and metadata creation.
• Excellent verbal, written and graphic/cartographic communication skills.
• Ability to work as a team member and independently (with attention to detail), seek assistance/input as required and work collaboratively on interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and sound judgment.
• Proficiency in all applications of the Microsoft Office suite of programs.

As a position funded by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), applicants must also meet the following criteria:

• Post-secondary graduates
• 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

• Experience, training or knowledge of carbon accounting tools (e.g., carbon offsetting tools).
• Experience with data analysis and programming in Python.
• Experience working or volunteering in the non-profit sector.
• Knowledge of Ontario’s flora and fauna.

Anticipated start date: August 2021
Duration of position: This is a full-time contract position ending in May 2022. Potential for extension pending funding.
Payment: $18/hr
Location: The position will be based at Ontario Nature’s Boreal Office – 10 Cumberland St N, Thunder Bay, ON. Flexibility to work remotely while COVID-19 restrictions are in place.

Working conditions: Responsibilities for this position require flexibility to accommodate occasional weekend and evening work for meetings and events.

To apply

• Include your resume, cover letter and three references in one document, addressing your qualifications and experience
• Include “Nature-based Climate Solutions Analyst” in the subject line
• Submit your application by email to the attention of Julee Boan, Boreal Program Manager: juleeb@ontarionature.org
• Deadline for applications: August 8, 2021

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

Protected Places Assistant

Job Description

The Protected Places Assistant will work closely with Ontario Nature staff to help deliver Ontario Nature’s Protected Places Campaign which aims to advance Ontario’s protection of lands and waters in the spirit and practice of reconciliation. The assistant will contribute to short and long-term goals by supporting the development of communications materials, outreach and policy analysis, under the supervision of the Director of Conservation and Education. The assistant will also support Ontario Nature’s participation in broader, collective efforts, including collaborative projects with Indigenous partners and other conservation organizations.

The ideal candidate has excellent research and communications skills and demonstrates an ability to work well independently and with a team. They are well organized and thrive in a fast­ paced work environment. They show commitment to advancing nature protection and reconciliation among Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Principal Responsibilities

• Support planning and delivery of meetings, workshops and events for the Protected Places Campaign;
• Develop written and visual communications materials for online and conventional media in support of the campaign;
• Support the development of policy positions and presentations, as needed, through research, written and oral summaries of findings;
• Reach out to experts and knowledge holders to collect information, testimonials and visual material such as photographs to support the development of engaging stories about priority protected area candidate sites;
• Contribute to staff discussions about communication strategies and means of raising broader public awareness and support for protected areas;
• Seek feedback from partner organizations, as needed, on draft communications materials; and
• Ensure factual accuracy of all communications materials developed.

As a position funded by ECO Canada, in partnership with the Government of Canada, applicants must also meet the following criteria:

• 30 years of age or younger
• Currently unemployed, under employed, or a student/recent graduate
• Canadian citizen, permanent resident or have refugee status

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or certificate in a relevant field;
• Excellent research and writing skills;
• Experience communicating to diverse audiences, on- and off-line;
• Experience with online research (accessing, reviewing, compiling and referencing information);
• Ability to prioritize work and manage several tasks with multiple deadlines;
• Ability to work as a team member and independently (with attention to detail), seeking assistance/input as required;
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and social networking tools;
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and sound judgment; and
• Commitment to the conservation and protection of Ontario’s wild species and spaces.

Desirable assets

• Working knowledge of ArcGIS.
• Experience with visual communications and design.
• Experience and interest in government and media relations.
• Experience working on environmental campaigns.
• Experience working or volunteering in the non-profit sector.

Anticipated start date: August 2021
Duration of position: This is a full-time contract position ending on February 28, 2022. Potential for extension pending funding.
Payment: $16/hr
Location: This is a remote position with the flexibility to work anywhere within Ontario. The position will be officially based at Ontario Nature’s Head Office – 214 King Street West, Suite 612, Toronto, ON. Opportunities for in-person work at our Toronto or Thunder Bay offices are possible and pending COVID-19 restrictions.

Working conditions: Responsibilities for this position require flexibility to accommodate occasional weekend and evening work for meetings and events.

To apply

• Include your resume, cover letter and three references in one document, addressing your qualifications and experience
• Include “Protected Places Assistant” in the subject line
• Submit your application by email to the attention of Jackie Ho, Protected Places Coordinator: jackieh@ontarionature.org
• Deadline for applications: August 5, 2021

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

GIS Assistant

Job Description

The GIS Assistant will assist with effective delivery of Ontario Nature’s Protected Places Campaign which aims to advance Ontario’s protection of lands and waters in the spirit and practice of reconciliation. The GIS Assistant will contribute to the short and long-term goals of the Protected Places Campaign by conducting spatial analyses, climate and conservation values assessments and digital mapping for candidate protected places. This will include the management of spatial and tabular data and creation of visual products to display results for public outreach and education. The assistant will work closely with other members of the Protected Places team and will provide GIS support for collaborative efforts with Indigenous colleagues and community partners. They will report to the Director of Conservation and Education.

The ideal candidate has excellent GIS mapping and analysis skills. They work well independently and as part of a team and thrive in a fast-paced work environment where success requires close attention to detail, flexibility, strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to high quality outcomes.

Principal Responsibilities

• Use GIS to conduct spatial mapping and analysis of conservation values (e.g., significant species and habitats) to build a scientific case for candidate protected areas across Ontario.
• Assist with GIS analysis of protected areas as nature-based climate solutions, including the assessment of carbon storage and sequestration potential for sites, as well as movement corridors to support wildlife adaptation to climate change.
• Compile, digitize, analyze, manage, interpret and display biological and related GIS data at multiple scales.
• Obtain spatial data for completion of values analysis of candidates in both northern and southern Ontario.
• Analyze relationships between birds, habitats, stressors and candidate protected areas and create GIS StoryMap to communicate findings.
• Create cartographic products that help to convey the value of candidate protected areas for public outreach and education, seeking direction and input from conservation and communications staff.
• Document and record metadata for existing and newly developed datasets.
• Contribute to project planning and implementation at meetings with staff and partners.
• Support and participate in cross-cultural dialogue with Indigenous rights-holders, as directed.
• Regularly report to supervisor and team members to seek guidance as needed and ensure work is on track.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in geography, environmental science or related field.
• Information-management and GIS technical training.
• Experience with GIS, specifically with ESRI products (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online).
• Excellent verbal, written and graphic/cartographic communication skills.
• Ability to work as a team member and independently (with attention to detail), seek assistance/input as required and work collaboratively on interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and sound judgment.
• Proficiency in all applications of the Microsoft Office suite of programs.

As a position funded by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), applicants must also meet the following criteria:

• Post-secondary graduates
• 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

• Experience or training in working with Indigenous peoples.
• Experience working or volunteering in the non-profit sector.
• Knowledge of Ontario’s flora and fauna.

Anticipated start date: August 2021
Duration of position: This is a full-time contract position ending in May 2022. Potential for extension pending funding.
Payment: $18/hr
Location: This is a remote position with the flexibility to work anywhere within Ontario. The position will be officially based at Ontario Nature’s Head Office – 214 King Street West, Suite 612, Toronto, ON. Opportunities for in-person work at our Toronto or Thunder Bay offices are possible and pending COVID-19 restrictions.

Working conditions: Responsibilities for this position require flexibility to accommodate occasional weekend and evening work for meetings and events.

To apply

• Include your resume, cover letter and three references in one document, addressing your qualifications and experience
• Include “GIS Assistant” in the subject line
• Submit your application by email to the attention of Jackie Ho, Protected Places Coordinator: jackieh@ontarionature.org
• Deadline for applications: August 8, 2021

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