Conservation GIS and Land Data Specialist

Mass Audubon; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 70,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

13 paid holidays

Job summary

Mass Audubon is seeking a Conservation GIS and Land Data Specialist to manage property records and run GIS analyses that support land conservation decisions across Massachusetts.

The role uses ArcGIS Pro, Landscape database software, and SharePoint to create models, maintain boundary information, and provide tools for field staff while collaborating with conservation science teams. Regular travel to Mass Audubon properties is involved.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in GIS or related field.
• Passion for the environment and land conservation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ArcGIS Pro.
• Familiarity with field survey practices and determining boundary locations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage a large/project load.
• Comfortable with traveling and working in the field alone.
• Ability to traverse varied terrain and work long days when needed.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain GIS layers documenting Mass Audubon’s legal property interests.
• Administer the Landscape database and central information access point.
• Carry out property-related projects including monitoring and acquisitions.
• Serve as a point of contact for Landscape inquiries and provide trainings.
• Support annual property monitoring and field verification of boundaries.
• Provide boundary information to MassGIS and support field staff with tools.
• Develop GIS models and apps to aid conservation decision-making.

Skills

ArcGIS Pro

Microsoft Office

Field survey practices

Boundary determination

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in GIS or related field

Master’s degree in GIS or related field

Tools

Landscape database management program

SharePoint

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Conservation GIS and Land Data Specialist

Full-time Regular Easthampton, MA, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1922

Salary Range: $70,000.00 To $78,000.00 Annually

About Mass Audubon

Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org .

About This Position

Mass Audubon is seeking a Conservation GIS and Land Data Specialist. This position is responsible for managing all records related to the legal interests in property held by Mass Audubon using a combination of ArcGIS Pro, Landscape Land Conservation Software, and SharePoint. In addition, this position will support the land conservation and conservation science departments through the use of GIS by creating models and tools that help identify high-priority conservation areas, evaluate opportunities for land protection as they arise, and inform conservation decision‑making on and off wildlife sanctuaries.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the definitive GIS layers which document Mass Audubon’s legal interests in property, including updating and improving the spatial information for our existing boundaries.
• Administer and maintain the Landscape database which houses land information and is the central access point for others in the organization to find information.
• Carry out projects related to property interests such as ecological management, annual monitoring, property management, and acquiring new property interests.
• Serve as a point person for Landscape-related inquiries, conduct trainings, and document procedures.
• Support the process of annual monitoring of all properties owned in fee and maintain documentation of the site visits.
• Support property and Conservation Restrictionmonitoring staff by providing accurate boundary information and providing support for the tools that enable staff to locate the boundaries of our property interests in the field.
• Provide required updates concerning Mass Audubon’s land conservation holdings to MassGIS (Bureau of Geographic Information).

Land Conservation and Conservation Science Strategy Support

• Support strategies for land conservation, ecological management, and ecosystem restoration through the creation of GIS models, updates to existing models, and other tools as needed.
• Develop and lead geospatial data management practices, workflows, and SOPs in a multi-user collaborative environment.
• Meet the surveying and GIS needs of restoration and ecological management projects on and off sanctuaries.
• Create GIS apps for use by Land Conservation and Conservation Division staff in the course of their work.
• Maintain and distribute standard map templates and data layers for use in ArcGIS Pro.
• Produce maps for land conservation and conservation science as needed.

Qualifications

At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

Must Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in GIS or related field
• Passion for the environment and land conservation
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ArcGIS Pro
• Familiarity with field survey practices and techniques, including determining boundary locations and related monumentation
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, manage a large and diverse project load, identify and address priorities, complete assignments and meet deadlines
• Comfortable with traveling and working in the field alone
• Ability to traverse a variety of terrain (hilly, wooded, rocky, marshy) on foot, in adverse conditions (snow, rain, etc.)
• Strong attention to detail, organizational and research skills
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regularly to Mass Audubon properties and other work locations throughout Massachusetts
• Ability and willingness to occasionally work long days in the field, evenings, and weekends
• Ability to work collaboratively and tactfully with a diversity of individuals and organizations

Nice to Haves

• Familiarity with New England ecosystems, habitats, landforms, and species
• Masters degree in GIS or related field
• Experience with Landscape database management program

Compensation, Benefits and Perks

This position’s pay range is $70,000-$78,000/year; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.

Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non‑Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees enjoy 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).

Work Schedule

Full-time schedule of 40 hours, Monday through Friday, with some work on weekends as needed.

Other Requirements

Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice

Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.