Senior Coordinator, GIS & Data Management

Forests Canada; United States; Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Forests Canada is seeking a Senior Coordinator, GIS & Data Management to support restoration projects across Canada. You will manage data, develop maps and analyses, and collaborate with researchers, landowners, Indigenous partners, government agencies, and conservation groups to guide evidence-based restoration efforts.

The role blends program coordination with GIS analysis and database management, requiring you to manage data quality, dashboards, and reporting across multiple concurrent

Qualifications

• 3+ years of GIS and environmental data management experience.
• Degree or diploma in GIS, Geography, Forestry, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS and spatial data analysis.
• Experience with SQL databases and programming languages (Python, R).
• Experience managing large databases and data validation practices.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, ability to work remotely or in hybrid teams.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day database operations for the national tree planting program.
• Maintain and improve databases, web apps, GIS systems and data collection tools.
• Develop systems to streamline project tracking, monitoring and evaluation.
• Support site reviews, data management for partners, and reporting timelines.
• Create interactive maps, dashboards and reports for funders and partners.
• Lead GIS training sessions and provide technical support.

Skills

GIS

Data management

Spatial analysis

Project coordination

Communication

Indigenous engagement

Education

Degree in GIS, Geography, Forestry, Environmental Science or related field

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Online

QGIS

SQL databases

Python

R

Git/GitHub

Job description

Position

Senior Coordinator, GIS & Data Management
Supervisor: GIS / Database Analyst
Location: Flexible within Canada (Remote/Hybrid)
Job type & duration: Full-time 1-year Contract with possible extension
Start Date: November 2026

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

From the annual collection of millions of viable tree seeds providing a reliable and consistent future supply, to supporting local jobs and economies through tree planting, forest stewardship and community engagement, Forests Canada works with a trusted network of partners to ensure the long-term health and resiliency of Canada’s forested landscapes.
Over the past 75 years, our efforts to improve forest health, support fundamental ecosystem services, and foster a community connection with nature, has grown together with our capacity to conserve, restore and grow Canada’s forested landscapes from coast to coast to coast.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to GIS / Database Analyst, the Senior Coordinator, GIS & Data Management will support the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of restoration projects across Canada. This position combines restoration program coordination with GIS, spatial analysis, and database management to help guide evidence-based restoration efforts. The successful candidate will work with restoration practitioners, researchers, landowners, Indigenous partners, government agencies, and conservation organizations to manage project data, produce maps and analysis, and support restoration program delivery.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Coordination and Administration

• Coordinate the day-to-day database operations of Forests Canada’s national tree planting program ensuring data integrity, accessibility and timely updates.
• Conduct ongoing maintenance, troubleshooting and improvements to Forests Canada’s tree planting databases, web applications, GIS systems, and data collection tools.
• Support database operations by developing and refining systems to streamline project tracking, monitoring, and evaluation activities across multiple concurrent restoration projects.
• Assist with restoration site reviews, data and account management for partner organizations, coordination of monitoring programs, and support for field assessments and data verification.
• Liaise with regional coordinators, planting partners, and contractors to ensure consistent data collection protocols and reporting timelines are followed.
• Assist in the development and refinement of standard operating procedures for program data workflows.

Data Management & GIS Analysis

• Develop, maintain, and update interactive maps, dashboards, and web applications to support restoration planning, site selection, and decision-making.
• Conduct spatial analyses to inform restoration strategy and prioritization.
• Analyze restoration and monitoring data using statistical and geospatial tools to identify trends and inform adaptive management.
• Prepare clear, accurate reports, dashboards, and presentations summarizing program data and outcomes for funders, government partners, Indigenous partners, and internal teams.
• Maintain data quality across multiple data sources, ensuring consistency between field-collected data, GIS layers, and database records.
• Support the integration of remote sensing and third-party datasets into program monitoring frameworks where applicable.

Technical Support

• Organize, develop materials for, and lead database and GIS training sessions for internal staff, external partners, and stakeholders, tailoring content to varying levels of technical proficiency.
• Provide ongoing technical support (troubleshooting, user account management, workflow guidance) to partners and internal teams using the program’s databases and applications.
• Develop, document, and maintain data management standards, metadata protocols, and QA/QC procedures to ensure long-term data consistency and reliability.
• Create and maintain user guides, technical documentation, and training materials for databases, GIS tools, and web applications.
• Identify opportunities to improve or automate recurring data processes.

Other

• Undertake other duties as required to support the broader goals of the restoration program and Forests Canada’s mission.
• Attend and represent Forests Canada at conferences, workshops, and partner presentations, sharing program updates and technical expertise as needed.
• Ability to travel to varies sites across Canada, including remote locations and varying weather conditions, as required.

Requirements of Position:

• 3+ years of experience in GIS, environmental data management, restoration, conservation, or related field.
• Degree or diploma in GIS, Geography, Forestry, Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resources, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS and spatial data analysis.
• Experience with SQL databases and programming languages (Python, R), including experience automating data workflows, writing scripts for data cleaning, analysis and visualization.
• Experience managing, organizing, and maintaining large complex databases and datasets. Including data validation and version control practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex datasets and translate findings into clear, actionable insights.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities, conservation organizations, or government agencies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications.
• Valid G driver’s license.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a remote or hybrid team environment.

Assets

• Background or applied experience in restoration ecology, forestry, habitat restoration, or post-fire recovery.
• Knowledge of remote sensing techniques and platforms and experience applying them to ecological monitoring.
• Familiarity with publicly available environmental and geospatial datasets.
• Experience with ecosystem service valuation and habitat connectivity modeling.
• Experience with Linux environments and basic system administration tasks.
• Experience with Git/GitHub, documentation, and collaborative software development.

Work hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: $50,000 – $65,000 and will be based on years of relevant experience and qualifications.
Closing date: October 19, 2026, or until candidate is found.

We thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Forests Canada welcomes all applicants. We believe that diversity and inclusion are key to innovation through the sharing of ideas, experiences, and abilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.