Position Code #: COMMAP3
GIS CAPACITY BUILDING INTERN, NATURE Trust OF NEW BRUNSWICK

Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick (with occasional travel to Farmington, Maine)

Duration: 10 months (start date on/around June 1, 2008)

 

Project Description:

 

The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is a land trust based in Fredericton, New Brunswick dedicated to identifying, promoting, protecting and maintaining the province’s finest remaining ecological landscapes. The Trust currently stewards a system of 26 nature preserves covering over 5,000 acres.

 

The success of a land trust depends on accurate information about the natural resources that are found in its service area. The Trust began working with QLF’s western Maine-based Center for Community GIS to build its organizational capacity to utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for storing and managing information, developing maps, and strategically assessing conservation opportunities. During the summer of 2007, QLF supervised a GIS Intern who began to centralize essential data layers and created over 30 maps for the Trust’s service area and core regions as well as detailed parcel maps for preserves and easement holdings.

 

In 2008, QLF will hire and oversee the work of a year-long GIS Capacity Building Intern who will continue to grow the technical mapping capacity of the Trust. To help achieve this aim, the intern will:

·       Work closely with Center for Community GIS staff to understand work completed by the 2007 GIS Intern.

·       Develop/refine the existing conserved holdings database.

·       Gather additional field data using GPS (trails, points of interest, etc.).

·       Update maps and generate other desired map products (for grants, public displays, web).

·       Develop one-page trail descriptions for public access preserves.

·       Expand master GIS database to include more site specific, regional, and cross-border

ecological data.

·       Compile statistics on types and amounts habitat conserved for each preserve.

·       Conduct an analysis of ongoing regional planning initiatives and their impact on the conservation priorities of the Trust.

·       Develop detailed instructions for consistent data input by staff, interns, researchers, volunteers.

·       Develop poster/web/display materials utilizing enhanced mapping.

 

The intern will work under the regular supervision of Trust staff and may be asked to assist with other tasks at the discretion of the Executive Director.

 

This is an entry-level conservation GIS position that will provide an excellent opportunity for a recent university graduate to have a real and lasting impact on the operations of a leading Atlantic Canadian land trust.

 

QUALIFICATIONS: Critical technical skills include GIS database development using ArcGIS 9.2, data collection using GPS, plus digital cartography. Ideal candidates also have taken coursework or have direct experience in environmental studies or conservation biology. HTML and Google Maps/Earth experience are preferred. Equally important, candidates should be self-motivated, capable of working independently, well organized, and able to set and meet project goals.

 

COMPENSATION: The intern will be paid at approximately $2,000 (CAD) per month. All direct expenses incurred for work will be reimbursed. Intern will be responsible for his/her own room and board.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Personal transportation and a passport are required. Canadian and U.S. applicants are eligible to apply. Short-listed candidates will be asked to submit sample maps and may be required to further demonstrate GIS skills through skills assessments.