Nature-based Climate Solutions Analyst
Job Description
Based at Ontario Nature’s Boreal office in Thunder Bay, Ontario, the Nature-based Climate Solutions Analyst will support Ontario Nature in achieving our climate change solutions goals, with an emphasis on quantifying and ranking the nature-based climate solution potential of natural spaces that are either already protected (e.g., Ontario Nature’s Nature Reserve System) or are proposed for protection (e.g., candidate protected areas). This work will support our Protected Places, Nature Reserves, Wetlands and Endangered Species programs.
Specifically, the analyst will help with testing digital tools (spatial and aspatial) to quantify carbon storage and sequestration potential of natural spaces of interest to Ontario Nature. They will also assess the value of these spaces for climate change adaptation for wildlife, particularly species at risk, as climate refugia and/or migration corridors. The United Nations Development Program has identified dozens of digital tools that could be used to mainstream the assessment of nature-based climate solutions. Through consultation with experts and other organizations conducting this type of work, the intern will have the opportunity to test the assessment tools most likely to support Ontario Nature’s needs.
The analyst will work closely with Ontario Nature staff as well as conservation partners to prioritize assessments of sites for protection, including wetlands, forests and grasslands with high potential to provide nature-based climate change benefits. They will report to the Boreal Program Manager.
The ideal candidate has excellent GIS digital mapping and data analysis skills. They work well independently and as part of a team and thrive in a fast-paced work environment where success requires close attention to detail, flexibility, strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to high quality outcomes.
About Ontario Nature
Ontario Nature is a charitable conservation organization that protects wild species and wild spaces across Ontario through conservation, education and public engagement. We represent over 150 member groups and more than 30,000 individual members and supporters throughout the province. To learn more about Ontario Nature, visit: www.ontarionature.org.
Principal Responsibilities
- Review and pilot a range of digital tools, such as Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use Carbon Calculator (USAID) and InVEST (Stanford University) to provide the evidence-base for climate change nature-based solutions (both mitigation and adaptation) of candidate protected areas, nature reserves, provincially significant wetlands and other natural spaces of conservation interest.
- Obtain spatial (GIS) and aspatial data required to complete these assessments as well as download and troubleshoot available digital tools, as required.
- Develop mapping and tabular outputs to report on the relative carbon storage and sequestration value of various protected (e.g., Nature Reserves) and proposed protected areas (e.g., candidate protected areas).
- Attend relevant webinars, meetings and conferences, as directed, and report on the key findings to Ontario Nature staff and partners.
- Convey scientific information on the assessment of carbon storage and sequestration potential to non-scientific audiences.
- Support and participate in meetings with environmental and grassroots conservation organizations to share perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of different accounting approaches.
- Regularly report to supervisor and team members to seek guidance as needed and ensure work is on track.
Qualifications
- Post-secondary degree or equivalent in geography, environmental science or related field.
- Information-management and GIS technical training.
- Experience with GIS, specifically with ESRI products (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online) and database management proficiency in MS Access and metadata creation.
- Excellent verbal, written and graphic/cartographic communication skills.
- Ability to work as a team member and independently (with attention to detail), seek assistance/input as required and work collaboratively on interdisciplinary teams.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and sound judgment.
- Proficiency in all applications of the Microsoft Office suite of programs.
As a position funded by Colleges and Institutes Canada, applicants must also meet the following criteria:
- Post-secondary graduate
- No more than 30 years of age at the start of the internship
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents or persons granted refugee status in Canada
- Legally allowed to work according to the relevant provincial and Canadian legislation regulations
- Available to work for at least six months
- Cannot be a previous participant of a Science Horizon Internship
Desirable assets
- Experience, training or knowledge of carbon accounting tools (e.g., carbon offsetting tools).
- Experience with data analysis and programming in Python.
- Experience working or volunteering in the non-profit sector.
- Knowledge of Ontario’s flora and fauna.
Anticipated start date: August 2021
Duration of position: This is a full-time contract position ending in May 2022. Potential for extension pending funding.
Payment: $18/hr
Location: The position will be based at Ontario Nature’s Boreal Office – 10 Cumberland St N, Thunder Bay, ON. Flexibility to work remotely while COVID-19 restrictions are in place.
Working conditions: Responsibilities for this position require flexibility to accommodate occasional weekend and evening work for meetings and events.
To apply
- Include your resume, cover letter and three references in one document, addressing your qualifications and experience
- Include “Nature-based Climate Solutions Analyst” in the subject line
- Submit your application by email to the attention of Julee Boan, Boreal Program Manager: juleeb@ontarionature.org
- Deadline for applications: August 8, 2021
Although Ontario Nature appreciates the efforts of all those who apply for this position, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No unsolicited emails or phone calls please.
Ontario Nature is committed to employment equity, diversity and accessibility. Requests for disability-related accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should make their requirements known when contacted.
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