Cool Jobs

A small and mostly timely list of “cool” GIS Jobs

January 2015: A tip from Alumnae Katie R:

I wanted to pass along a GIS internship opportunity with TNC this summer. I’ve tracked down the link available on our public site – but if you have any issue viewing it, let me know. TNC really values their interns. Many go on to stay with the organization afterwards as I have. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door!

Feel free to pass this along to any students you think might be interested/qualified. 

posted January 2013

One of our own Smith and Spatial Analysis Lab Alums alerted me to this Interdisciplinary GIS Specialist position with the Department of the Interior.  Great example of what we are working towards.

Job Title:Interdisciplinary GIS Specialist (Geographer/Biologist/Physical Scientist/Cartographer)

Department:Department Of The Interior

Agency:National Park Service

Job Announcement Number:MMMOJNIM-13-67D-819584

DUTIES:

The Mojave Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring Program (MOJN I&M) seeks a GIS Specialist with a background in geography, landscape ecology, biology, or related disciplines to manage the network’s spatial data, conduct spatial analysis relating to monitoring projects and provide GIS support to the network. The purpose of the MOJN I&M is to conduct biotic inventories and develop and implement long-term ecological monitoring of significant natural resources for a network of seven national parks areas located on the Mojave and Great Basin Deserts. The GIS Specialist will work in a team atmosphere with a motivated group of scientists and park staff to design and implement the MOJN I&M Program. Will work with remote-sensed data and biological, cultural, hydrological, soils, and geology datasets and be highly proficient with ESRI ARCGIS software and have experience with relevant programming, analysis, modeling and relational database software.  Determines optimal approaches to project design and implementing those recommendations.  Develops consistent methodologies, while adapting projects to meet local requirements.  Utilizes datasets of varied sources and formats, while maintaining the scientific integrity of the analysis.  Responsible for using scripting tools to process remote sensing products such as LiDAR, climate, and vegetation data into useful summary formats.  Responsible for working independently and with staff to link high resolution remotely-sensed data with high resolution ground-based data to monitor geomorphology and vegetation in riparian systems. The GIS Specialist will also contribute spatial analysis and GIS support to various monitoring protocols including but not limited to monitoring integrated uplands, riparian ecosystems, streams, springs and lakes.  The incumbent will contribute to integrating monitoring results from multiple projects to report on the condition of park ecosystems.

The GIS Specialist will support spatial data development, management, and analysis needs of MOJN projects.  Major duties include:

Manages, documents and distributes spatial data resulting from I&M projects, working with park staff to build and maintain a library of relevant park spatial data, and providing GIS assistance, basic cartographic support, and training to staff and cooperators. Oversees the incorporation of an increasing inventory of high resolution, high accuracy datasets into readily available and usable monitoring and status products. Works with experts from NPS and other institutions to identify promising tools and learn new techniques. Provides program liaison with GIS providers to ensure appropriate development of spatial data layers, and integration of monitoring datasets.  Develops and implements methods for manual or automated data extraction from disparate data sources to support MOJN monitoring projects.  Performs spatial analysis of data from a wide variety of sources to support the detection of trends in resource condition.  Provides technical support for microcomputer hardware and software required to maintain GPS, GIS, and data management functions, installs and integrates GPS, GIS, and data management software programs, and provides basic training information on new programs and GPS units.  Reports inventory and monitoring results in a variety of formats and to both technical and non-technical audiences.  Works with the Data Manager to disseminate spatial data to park managers, cooperating agencies and scientists.


posted 09/20/2012

Position Summary: The Senior GIS Analyst will support continued development and maintenance of the Northeast Ocean Data Portal – a regional ocean and coastal database, map server and web site for the planning community. Responsibilities will include building and integrating data products, and making those products available and useable for scientists, planners and engineers. The Senior GIS Analyst will develop and maintain relationships with key regional data providers and will work with a small team of professionals including: the Northeast Regional Ocean Council, the Nature Conservancy, NOAA, state coastal programs, NERACOOS, and contractors. Please see http://NortheastOceanData.org for further background on the project. The Senior GIS Analyst will also support SeaPlan’s other related marine planning projects. This is a full-time, one year, benefitted position with the intent and commitment for extension.

Organization Overview: SeaPlan is an independent not-for-profit organization working toward vibrant coastal economies sustained by healthy oceans and supported by best practices in ocean management. Since 2006, SeaPlan has worked in partnership with government, marine-dependent industry, the scientific community, and conservation organizations. Primary practice areas include data integration and analysis, ocean use characterization, decision support tool development, stakeholder engagement and communications, indicators development and program design and management. SeaPlan is a team of 8 full time staff and several subcontracted professional service teams.

Minimum Qualifications:
 BS/BA in Geography, Earth Sciences, Public Policy, or another related field
 Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional work experience
 Strong technical skills using the ESRI suite of software
 Experience estimating data development and integration tasks, database design, data conversion, cartography, quality control and documentation
 Some skills in scripting and/or programming and relational database management systems essential
 Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision and clearly communicate and interact in a small team environment.
 Experience with project and contract management

Preferred Qualifications:
 MA/MS degree in related field
 10 years of relevant professional work experience
 Experience working with industry, NGO, and state and federal natural resource agencies in the marine sector
 Working knowledge of ArcGIS Server and Amazon Cloud instances
 Understanding of client development environments such as Flex, HTML, CSS, and geospatial JavaScript libraries
 Knowledge of Open Source mapping technologies, including GeoServer, MapServer, OpenLayers, PostGres, and others

Location: Greater Boston area (some telecommute from other New England locations a possibility)

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to Jobs@SeaPlan.org or by mail to: Hiring Manager, SeaPlan, 89 South Street, Suite 202, Boston, MA 02111.


 posted 05/23/2012

Office Title: Deputy Director of GIS and Information Management

Division:  Forestry, Horticulture & Natural Resources

Civil Service Title: Computer Operations Manager Level MI

Salary: $65,000 – $80,000

Location: Olmsted Ctr., Queens

NYC Parks’ Forestry, Horticulture, and Natural Resources division are central to executing greening components of PlaNYC and MillionTreesNYC. Central Forestry & Horticulture oversee and coordinate forestry operations and green infrastructure projects. The Natural Resources Group focuses on conservation and restoration of New York City’s natural resources and habitats for biodiversity and ecosystem services. Research at the New York City Urban Field Station is conducted in partnership with the USDA Forest Service.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under general supervision of the Director of Research & Analysis, manage a wide variety of data and information resources to support operations and analytics for Forestry, Horticulture and Natural Resources. Work with managers and cooperating researchers on analyses and data dissemination and coordination. Provide prompt information and GIS assistance to agency partners and stakeholders. Work with other city, state, and federal agencies on specific projects like mapping green infrastructure priorities in roadbeds, watershed and natural areas.

• Supervise GIS and information management specialists who execute spatial and non-spatial analyses, develop and maintain databases and enterprise GIS applications, and support GIS users. Develop cartographic, statistical and narrative materials to support operations and research projects. Coordinate the preparation of analytical and presentation quality data summaries and reports, analyses and maps for stakeholders and the general public. Ensure proper documentation of analytical and data management methodologies.

 • Supervise the collection of spatial and non-spatial data from a variety of sources including field observations, imagery, GPS, and existing databases and hard copy maps. Coordinate the storage, organization, and maintenance of data relevant to natural resource conservation, ecological monitoring and restoration, urban forestry and green infrastructure in ArcSDE. Maintain and publish a data catalog of Forestry, Horticulture and Natural Resources data and metadata.

• Work with Parks’ Information Technology division to define and implement an information model that starts with the collecting of data and ends with delivery of information to all users. Develop data standards that promote information relationships and discourage data redundancy; develop and enforce data quality standards to ensure integrity of the City’s tree and natural area inventories and related data.

• Research, recommend and implement new methodologies and solutions through the use of technology, including contributing to the development of software solutions and user documentation. Foster the use of mobile computing, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and remote sensing data to support urban forestry and natural resource initiatives.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Six (6) years of progressively responsible full-time paid experience supervising or administering computer operations involving a large-scale third generation computer at least 18 months of which shall have been in a managerial capacity.

2. Education at an accredited college or university may be substituted for the general experience described above (but not for the 18 months of managerial experience described above) at the rate of one year of college for 6 months of experience up to a maximum of 4 years college for 2 years of experience. In addition a Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Administration or any other Master’s Degree in Management of Administration may be substituted for an additional year of general work experience. However, all candidates must possess the 18 months of administrative or managerial experience described above.

This position is exempt from NYC residency requirements.

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

1. A degree with major study in Geography, Geographic Information Systems, environmental sciences, ecology, forestry and other related disciplines such as horticulture, landscape architecture or city planning.

2. Extensive experience using GIS software specifically ESRI ArcGIS suite, geoprocessing tools, and related computer systems (hardware and software). Strong, demonstrated knowledge of MS Access. Strong familiarity with SQL, SQL Server, .NET and Python.

 3. Demonstrated experience with Trimble GPS devices and other field computing solutions. Familiarity with developing mobile apps for iOS and Android platforms is not required but ideal.

4. Strong communication skills, especially with analytical products, as well as process documentation and sharing knowledge.

5. Driver license valid in New York State.

To apply, please submit cover letter & resume with JVN # to:

Personnel – Recruitment

City of New York/Parks & Recreation

24 West 61st Street, 2nd floor

New York, NY 10023

Email: grow@parks.nyc.gov

Fax: (917) 849-6490

Attention: JVN# 846-12-101075


Posted 02/07/2012
Biodiversity data coordinator and GIS-analyst

Node Manager, Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

Job description

A permanent position in biodiversity data coordination (position code 1087, Senior Engineer) is vacant at the Department of Research and Collections, Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Norway.

The Natural History Museum (NHM), University of Oslo, is the largest of its kind in Norway with 150 employees engaged in research, collection work, teaching and popularising the science of botany, mycology, geology, palaeontology and zoology.

GBIF Norway (www.gbif.no) is the Norwegian participant node in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, GBIF. GBIF was initiated by the OECD’s Mega Science Forum in 2001, to fulfill the need to make primary data about the Earth’s biological diversity freely available to anyone over the Internet. The main task of GBIF Norway is to make primary data on biological diversity from the Norwegian collections and observation databases freely available and to coordinate GBIF-related activities in Norway. GBIF Norway is currently holding data from 16 institutions and 66 databases and includes more than 7.8 million records. The node has 7 full or part time staff members.

We are seeking a new head of GBIF Norway (node manager). The new node manager will be responsible for the day to day administration of the node. This also includes coordinating support and technical guidance to GBIF Norway’s data holders and users. About 50% of the position is allocated to administrative work, the other 50% is allocated to supporting NHM researchers and the research community in applying Geographical Information System (GIS) methodology to biodiversity data.

In order to be successful, the applicant has to satisfy the following

Data from GBIF databases are typically downloaded into a variety of GIS tools and used for map analyses and distribution modelling. We seek a person with solid knowledge and broad practical experience in GIS analysis using various statistical methods and modelling software. This person is also expected to participate in university-level teaching in his or her area of competence.

The node manager should be able to communicate with Norwegian data holders and motivate data sharing through GBIF. The applicant must have a master’s degree (or equivalent) within a relevant field, excellent written and oral communication skills and good capabilities for social networking. An existing network of contacts within the Norwegian biodiversity community is considered to be an advantage. The successful candidate should also document good administrative skills. In the ranking of competent applicants, the whole breadth of their qualifications will be assessed.

http://uio.easycruit.com/vacancy/674829/71922?iso=gb

 


 

Posted 11/18/2011

Graduate Assistantship: Climate Change, Water, and Ecosystem Services at University of Wyoming

I am recruiting a MS or PhD student to investigate how long-term changes in climate will impact water (distribution, abundance, quality) and ecosystem services (e.g., biodiversity and livestock production) in Wyoming range systems. The effects of climate change are critically important in semi-arid systems where water is the ultimate limiting factor. Water availability is predicted to decrease in Wyoming rangelands regardless of precipitation due to temperature-related increases in vegetative evapotranspiration rates. In addition, annual water supply in high elevation systems is dependent on spring snowmelt from the mountains which may be significantly impacted by shifts in precipitation timing. Water shortage has negative consequences for both biodiversity and human resource use.

Semi-permanent wetlands are indicators of surface water availability. The selected student will use field-based and remotely-sensed data to characterize wetlands and quantify biodiversity. The student will then link these components with human resource use under alternative scenarios of climate change. Student will also have the opportunity to incorporate molecular methods to quantify biodiversity and landscape connectivity (landscape genetics approaches).

Prospective students with a background in natural resources, ecology, and/or population genetics are encouraged to apply. Evidence of robust analytical skills, scientific writing, strong work ethic, passion for scientific inquiry, ability to work under harsh field conditions and aptitude for collaborative research are expected.

My spatial ecology and landscape genetics research group is focused on understanding fine-scale distribution and functional connectivity of animal species in ecological systems (https://sites.google.com/site/murphylabuwyo/). University of Wyoming (www.uwyo.edu) is ideally located in Laramie, Wyoming with easy access to varied field sites and outdoor recreation opportunities. In addition, the campus is only 1 hour from Fort Collins and 2 hours from Denver, CO.

Requirements: GRE 1200 (verbal + quantitative, 4 writing), GPA 3.0 (BS)/ 3.3 (MS). Closing date: Dec. 10, 2011 (review will begin immediately). Send materials to Dr. Melanie Murphy (melanie.murphy@uwyo.edu). Also complete a departmental application (http://www.uwyo.edu/renewable/info.asp?p=22152). PhD students are encouraged to apply to the innovative Program in Ecology (www.uwyo.edu/pie), an integrated, interdepartmental PhD program in ecological science. Position starts August 2012.

Melanie Murphy, PhD
Assistant Professor
melanie.murphy  ‘at” uwyo.edu

https://sites.google.com/site/murphylabuwyo/


 

Posted 11/01/2011

Job Title: GIS Program Manager
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Position: 40 hours per week
Supervisor: Director of Conservation Programs
Date: November 1, 2011

General Description

This position provides GIS, Information Technology (IT) and data management support for the Trust’s conservation and environmental advocacy programs, with an emphasis on developing a conservation GIS program, increasing organizational GIS capacity, and applying a vision of how GIS tools can advance conservation on the Colorado Plateau. The position produces high-quality cartographic products, conducts spatial analyses, acquires spatial data, maintains and upgrades hardware and software, maintains spatial and non-spatial databases for the organization, manages the program’s budget, develops relationships in the greater GIS community, supervises interns and volunteers, and assists in fundraising.

Program Goals

Engage with colleagues both internally and externally to increase the use of GIS and IT aseffective conservation, land management, and ecological restoration tools. Optimize theorganization’s mapping and 3D visualization capabilities to most effectively communicate conservation messages and information. Use GIS analytical capabilities responsibly and appropriately in a scientifically defensible manner to bring science into land management decisions. Provide IT assistance and training in-house to promote efficiency and productivity; and provide data management support for the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Visualize, develop, and maintain a Conservation GIS program to support GCT programs and organizational goals.

2. Design and manage spatial and non-spatial databases, edit and develop spatial data layers and associated metadata, conduct geoprocessing tasks and spatial analyses as needed, and maintain data quality control.

3. Produce high-quality and attractive two and three-dimensional and interactive cartographic products, charts, tables, and graphics.

4. Construct, maintain, and administer logical and intuitive institutional GIS protocols involving geodatabase design, naming conventions, metadata, supporting documentation, system archives, backups and contacts databases.

5. Research, evaluate, recommend and implement new GIS and IT tools and datasets for use in Trust conservation programs and manage the GIS program budget and software licenses efficiently and effectively.

6. Develop and manage non-spatial databases for the organization and for specific programs, as needed.

7. Provide in-house technical support for GIS users and assist IT consultant with evaluating, maintaining, and upgrading software and hardware for non-GIS systems, as needed.

8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships, strategic partnerships and/orcollaborations with GIS professionals at other organizations and represent the Trust at program-related meetings, workshops, and conferences.

9. Provide training and end-user support for GPS-related field work, assist program staff with design and implementation of field data collection and mapping systems.


Posted 10/28/2011 from the GIS-L Listserv

The Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future is seeking a Data Specialist to support the Maryland Food System Mapping Project team. We are looking for someone with a background and interest in food systems, geography, agriculture and land use research to help us collect and map data about
environmental impacts of agriculture in Maryland, processing and distribution of local food, and to help expand a new interactive mapping website. Full-time position. Masters degree preferred. You can find the complete job listing on our website –

http://www.jhsph.edu/clf/about_clf_new/job_opportunities/staff_position.html


Posted 10/19/2011

GIS Specialist | St. Paul, MN

Overview:
Our Urban Development group is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life where people live, work, and play, and is comprised of collaborative, creative, and visionary professionals who create high-quality and sustainable environments that are functional, innovative, appropriate, and attractive. Whether it’s for a new phase, a new neighborhood, a revitalization, or a new city, our professionals manage a variety of projects from initial planning to decommissioning. This is the place where great ideas and rewarding careers call home. With services that include urban design and codes; visioning; master planning; heritage design; park and recreation design; recreational and resort design; bicycle, pedestrian, and multiuse trails and pathway design; landscape assessment and rehabilitation; infrastructure design; feasibility studies; earthworks analysis; drainage studies; stormwater management studies; and design for site and infrastructure improvements, we provide efficient solutions that are environmentally responsible, functional, and technically sound. Our structure cultivates career growth and provides opportunities as unique as you are.

Responsibilities:
Upgrade InfraSeek, which is a web based asset management system for Geospatial assets.

Qualifications:
4 year degree in Computer Science with 3-5 years of experience or a 2 year degree in Computer Science with 5-7 years of experience. Experience in .NET development environment, Subversion-Version control system, SQL Server database design, MapGuide – web mapping application, GIS basics

To Apply:
Visit: https://jobs-stantec.icims.com/jobs/12063/job


Posted 09/09/2110 from The GIS Jobs Clearinghouse

Organization: Minnesota Population Center, University of Minnesota
Title: Coordinator, U-Spatial Initiative
Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA

Position Description:
The Minnesota Population Center (MPC) seeks an experienced professional to provide administrative coordination and support the research and programs of the new U-Spatial research infrastructure initiative. U-Spatial is a collaborative initiative established to provide a network of data, equipment, and expertise among researchers working with spatial science and systems at the University of Minnesota, to strengthen the quality of ongoing research, and to provide a foundation for new directions in spatial science (http://uspatial.umn.edu/). MPC is a University-wide interdisciplinary center for demographic research and is a key collaborator in the U-Spatial Initiative (www.pop.umn.edu).

RESPONSIBILITIES
The coordinator will have responsibility for U-Spatial Central Core activities including:

Help Desk: The coordinator will supervise help desk staff and provide consultative services as needed in order to develop new clients and maintain liaisons with existing clients across a wide array of University of Minnesota departments. The coordinator will consult with clients to assess their needs, develop appropriately scoped service plans, and then work with staff across the U-Spatial cores to deliver services, such as map creation or spatial data development.

Training: The coordinator will assess training needs, develop presentations, coordinate instructional resources and instructional plans, and schedule training sessions for U-Spatial and the wider University research community. Some delivery of training will be required.

Data Management: The coordinator will develop a data management and dissemination plan in collaboration with the U-Spatial data associate and other U-Spatial staff. The coordinator will take a key role in the development of systems to support data discovery and access through existing and newly developed software systems. This function also requires consideration of data policy issues.

Grants Development and Management: The coordinator will provide unit administration of current grants, collaborate with the director and other cores to identify opportunities for funding extensions or new resources, and assist in proposal development.

Communication, Outreach and Events: The coordinator will be responsible for administration and management of the U-Spatial website, the main avenue of communication for the project. In addition, the position will organize and schedule U-Spatial sponsored events, such as guest speakers and brown bag lunch sessions.

The position will collaborate with and support the U-Spatial director as well as staff and faculty associated with the Imaging, Data, and Analysis Cores in the creation of online resources to be hosted on the U-Spatial website, in the facilitation of discussions and meetings, and in gathering data and preparing program activity reports.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required: Master’s degree in geography, GIS, or a related field. Demonstrated knowledge and use of ArcGIS or other GIS software packages. Excellent computer skills, including demonstrated experience with spreadsheets and knowledge of data management tools (for example: ArcSDE, PostGIS, SQL, JSON). Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated skills in problem-solving and the ability to organize tasks, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines. Demonstrated skill in communicating technical material to technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred: A broad background in GIS, remote sensing, cartography/visualization, and/or data management. Experience in a university, nonprofit, or similar setting involving teaching, research, outreach or engagement. This may include experience applying for scientific grants, administering programs, delivering training, or promoting mission-driven activities.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Please apply using the University of Minnesota’s online employment system at http://employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=97437. Include a resume/curriculum vitae, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately.

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.


Posted 10/04/2010 from SCGIS Listserv

We have posted a position for a GIS analyst at the Seattle office of The Nature Conservancy.  Although this is a 1-year position, we hope to extend pending further funding.  Some details:

The Geographic System (GIS) Analyst is for a short-term, full-time hire to complete spatial analyses required for the Washington Chapter, with a focus on connectivity, climate change, and landscape prioritization, scheduled for completion by Dec 30, 2011 (renewable pending funding for new projects, which may differ in objectives and tasks).  GIS skills in spatial analysis, cartography and data management as applied to landscape planning and associated conservation strategies are essential.  This position is hired as a Conservation Information Manager III and reports to the GIS manager/planning supervisor in Washington.  He/she manages and maintains conservation databases and provides technical support in GIS or other relational database technologies to Conservancy staff.

Includes compiling, assembling and maintaining land protection, biodiversity and management information from various sources. This may also include one or more of the following functions:

• Participates in conservation planning at various levels.
• Models wildlife habitat and corridors using GIS tools, including
ArcGIS toolboxes written in Python.
• Supports integration of climate change, including models of future
climate and habitat, into corridor planning.
• Evaluates and incorporates spatial information on ecological
features and environmental factors into wildlife corridor models and
databases for statewide and ecoregional connectivity projects.
• Participates in discussions with the Conservancy’s agency and
university partners that help advance the Conservancy’s work with
stakeholders.
• Provides limited support for developing and maintaining GIS
libraries and/or database product libraries.
• Performs data analysis; designs and produces advanced complex
queries and professional reports.
• Develops, maintains, and populates data and records databases and
manual files.
• Produces maps and other graphic products and reports.

Basic qualifications include MS or BS degree and certification in related field and 3 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Experience using scripting languages or Model Builder to automate GIS analyses.  Programming experience in Python, or strong interest in learning, desired.

For more on duties, qualifications, and how to apply, please search for position #12500 online at http://www.nature.org/careers/


Job Type: volunteer position Opportunity location: Punta Gorda Town
Closing date (if specified): 15 Nov 2010
Opportunity Description:

Position: GIS Volunteer
Ya’axché’ Conservation Trust
Location: Belize, Central America
Responsible for: Assisting the Sustainable Land-Use Programme to develop a program for monitoring land use change over time within the Golden Stream Landscape. The purpose of this program is to promote sound and sustainable land use, planning decisions, and to help produce models for future development, especially as it relates to future community land needs as a result of population increase.

Duration of placement: 6 months to 1 year
Background Information:
Ya’axché Conservation Trust is a community-oriented organization which advances integrated landscape management for equitable development in southern Belize through sustainable land use management, strategic advocacy and awareness, and by supporting socially innovative and economically viable enterprise.
Assistance to the SLM Programme in:
1. Ensure the timely progress of Planet Action project activities and deliverables
2. Assist the SLPM in gathering and analyzing social and biological data as needed for Sustainable land-use, including physical features, land-use, demography, human resources, traditional and cultural practices, health and nutrition, livelihood activities, infrastructure, forest and water resources, land resources, archaeological sites.
3. Strengthen the capacity of Ya’axché staff in all relevant areas.
4. Provide additional assistance in the areas of GIS mapping and analysis as needed
5. Assist Ya’axché staff, under the supervision of and alongside the SLPM, in developing and/or revising (as necessary):
a. Landscape level sustainable land-use plan(s).
b. Resource use and development plans for the both the communities of the Golden Stream Landscape and the private land owners.
c. Scenario models to guide ongoing and future development.
d. Protected Area Management plans for the Golden Stream Landscape’s Protected Areas.
e. Reports, as required by Planet Action and under the SLM Progamme.
f. Education, training and advocacy materials
Preferred Qualifications:
The Sustainable Land-use Programme Volunteer will ideally have:
• An advanced academic degree in GIS, the social sciences, rural development, planning or a closely related field.
• Experience in rural development projects involving community participation.
• Proven ability to promote cooperation between, and negotiate with, a range of actors.
• Highly advanced ability to use GIS for modelling and spatial analysis, coupled with the ability to design and carry out a project using recently acquired ArcGIS and ITT-ENVI software.
• Experience in remote sensing and able to perform land-use classification.
• Capable of innovating solutions for the application of GIS for conservation land use planning and monitoring.
• Previous experience in working with communities in developing countries and strong cultural sensitivity would be advantageous.
• Excellent written and spoken English is essential and spoken Spanish, K’ekchi or Mopan languages would be be advantageous.
• Excellent written and spoken English is essential and spoken Spanish, K’ekchi or Mopan languages would be advantageous.

Personal Qualifications:
Volunteer is expected to provide general support to the Sustainable Land-use Programme by working flexibly, responsibly, with initiative and in a professional manner. Volunteer should have a strong work ethic and the ability to pick up concepts quickly and run with them.

For more info, contact:

To Apply:
First read the Volunteer Information Manual at the bottom of this link: www.yaaxche.org/volunteers.html
Submit letter of interest detailing interest, how you meet qualifications, along with resumé to Ya’axché Conservation Trust
By email: ginny.fuhs@yaaxche.org with the subject line “GIS volunteer”
Ya’axché Conservation Trust
P.O. Box 167
#2 Alejandro Vernon, Punta Gorda,
Toledo District, Belize
Central America
Phone: (501)722-0055
Phone/Fax: (501)722-0108
Website: www.yaaxche.org

Benefits of Volunteering with Ya’axché:
o Shared housing (or camping) in a quiet, nature preserve
o Opportunity to work closely with dynamic, multi-cultural staff
o Appreciation for your dedication and hard work
o References and invaluable experience for future employment
o Adventure in a country with pristine ecosystems, world-class snorkeling and SCUBA
o In-depth, interactive cultural experience unattainable by tourists
Volunteers live and work in a beautiful but rustic, rural setting at Ya’axché Field Center and become part of the team to gain and promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Accommodations offer limited solar power, a cold water, shared bathroom, and the occasional rat, bat, tarantula, or scorpion. Alternatively, volunteers can choose to live in Punta Gorda at their own expense.
Volunteer Personal Expenses:
There are no program fees charged for this experience, but the volunteer is expected to arrange and pay for:
o Transportation to Punta Gorda, Belize, including airfare.
o Food, personal expenses, in-country travel, passport, visa (if applicable)
o BZ$50 per month contribution toward butane costs at Field Centre (for cooking and refrigeration)