COSA Community,
I wanted to provide advance notice of a new, full-time Conservation Geographer position on TNC-Colorado’s Conservation Science & Planning Team that we anticipate posting on or around Sep. 11, 2023. The position will be based out of TNC’s office in Boulder, CO with the option of in-office or flexible (i.e., hybrid) work arrangements. Occasional travel to field sites and other locations in Colorado and potentially in adjacent states is expected. The anticipated annual salary is $61,000-64,000, depending on experience.
Details regarding the position and qualifications are below – I’m happy to answer emails from those with genuine interest in the position. Please do not provide any application materials at this time, as I will provide a direct link via the COSA listserv once the position is live. I’ll also be at the 2023 COSA conference in Snowmass from Oct. 2-4, and available to discuss the position in person.
The Conservation Geographer will:
- have a lead role in providing technical and scientific support for conservation projects, plans, strategies, and initiatives through static and dynamic geospatial data visualization;
- develop and manage traditional maps ranging in size from brochures to posters, digital mapping platforms, and outreach-focused products such as ArcGIS StoryMaps while also supporting mobile mapping and data collection (e.g., ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey 123);
- implement TNC’s emerging cartography guidelines and may have the opportunity to shape future guidelines for both traditional cartography and web maps;
- assist with geospatial analyses, data management, and related tasks as directed by the Senior Conservation Analyst.
As the Conservation Geographer, you are:
- a creative, experienced, and detail-oriented professional who envisions and directs visualization of conservation data and information;
- a thoughtful and collaborative problem solver who is motivated and energized by the use of data visualization, analysis, and related approaches to support land and water conservation efforts, to explore solutions to complex conservation challenges affecting nature and people, and to communicate effectively to diverse audiences including partners, funders, decision-makers, and the public;
- motivated to collaborate strategically with a broad and inclusive scientific community, leverage results to advance key conservation initiatives, and continuously expand your own skills and experience;
- ready to take the next step in your professional career.
Minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Geography, GIS, Spatial Science, Ecology, Biology, or related field and 3 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro), analyzing raster and vector data, and producing data reports.
- Experience developing compelling, data-driven, professional-quality print maps and web-based visualizations.
- Experience in managing multiple projects.
- Ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
- Valid driver’s license.
Desired qualifications*:
- Demonstrated experience in producing professional cartography in ArcGIS Pro and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Demonstrated experience with creative approaches for web-based data visualization and science communication to technical and non-technical audiences (e.g., data dashboards, Story Maps, and web mapping tools such as Mapbox or R Shiny), including designing and documenting best practices for data visualization in a team environment.
- Experience customizing website content with HTML and CSS.
- Experience producing 3D visualizations in ArcGIS Pro or equivalent software.
- Experience conducting spatial analysis of vector and raster data related to land and/or water conservation, natural resource management, environmental science, climate resilience, social dimensions of conservation, etc. Ability to script analyses in Python, R, or Javascript is particularly appreciated.
- Knowledge of current conservation issues affecting nature and people in Colorado and the broader Western U.S.
- Commitment to integrating and upholding principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and, to support engagement with Tribal Nations and other Indigenous Communities.
- Basic knowledge of mapping and other data visualization needs for real estate transactions associated with land protection (e.g., interpreting legal descriptions, conservation easements).
**Although you’ll see requirements in TNC’s postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Passion, innovation, and diversity are all key components to advancing our Mission and we will encourage applications even if you do not have all of the desired qualifications listed.
Regards,
Drew
Drew Rayburn, Ph.D. | Director of Conservation Science and Planning | The Nature Conservancy in Colorado | drew.rayburn | C: +1 530 723 3233