Conservation Data & GIS Technician

Reports to: Land Research Coordinator, Partners in Conservation Coordinator
Compensation: 40 hours/week at $20-22/hr. depending on experience
Contract Period: May 1 to August 18, 2024
Positions: 1

Overview
Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) is a dynamic land conservation charity with an impressive track
record of growth. Our mission is to care for the lands entrusted to us and help others protect the
land they love in the Kawarthas. We create nature reserves for future generations by acquiring
ecologically important properties and/or interests in properties. We also enhance our
stewardship of the land by engaging landowners in land care initiatives through our Partners in
Conservation program.
Founded in 2001, KLT protects 34 properties that include more than 6,750 acres of ecologically
diverse lands, some of which include hiking trails that introduce thousands of people to nature in
the Kawarthas every year. We have achieved our successes through the work of our dedicated
and growing team of donors, volunteers and supporters. Together, we can ensure more natural
spaces in the Kawarthas are preserved forever.
KLT works within the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig Territory and we are dedicated to continuing to
create meaningful connections and relationships with First Nations communities in our region as
we build upon these connections.

Tasks and Responsibilities
The Kawartha region has a legacy of conservation action, motivated landowners with wetlands,
forests, and meadows in good ecological condition, and a community of people who value and
depend on nature for their quality of life. The position of Conservation Data & GIS Technician
will be critical in helping to conserve habitats and wildlife in our region.
Becoming a part of this team is your opportunity to use your skills in GIS mapping and data
management, communicate the importance of land stewardship on private lands, and contribute
to the protection of nature in the region.
The Conservation Data & GIS Technician will primarily work in the office, on computers, and will
utilize ArcGIS Pro mapping software daily to input and analyze data, and create a variety of
maps to support a variety of KLT needs, from land securement to private landowner
stewardship. The position will also require occasional in-field work, collecting data and
supporting ecological inventory of properties.
Everyone at the Kawartha Land Trust is responsible for being a positive ambassador for our
mission and vision. All staff work with volunteers, donors and the public and the ability to be a
friendly and authentic representative of our organization is very important to success in the role.
Under the direction of the Land Research Coordinator and the Partners in Conservation
Coordinator, the position will perform the following duties:
● Organize and incorporate spatial data into digital maps using ArcGIS Pro and other
databases
● Perform basic spatial analysis in ArcGIS Pro (i.e. calculate the area of natural heritage
features, identify areas of conservation importance in KLT’s service area, etc.)
● Create private landowner stewardship guides in Microsoft Publisher based on ecological
field data collected by volunteers and staff
● Proofread and edit draft stewardship guides in preparation for landowner distribution
● Participate in private land stewardship initiatives, including but not limited to tree
planting, wildlife monitoring and ecological inventories
Through this work, the technician can expect to develop skills in the following areas:
● Adaptability
● Collaboration
● Communication
● Creativity and innovation
● Digital Skills
● Technical skills

Required abilities
● Practical experience using ArcGIS Pro with a good understanding of database and file
organization, as well as cartographic design principles
● Ability to utilize web-based conservation science databases to interpret land
characteristics and natural heritage information
● A strong attention to detail to create and edit landowner stewardship guides, ensuring a
high standard of accuracy
● Good knowledge of biology and ecology for Ontario flora, fauna and ecosystems,
including species at risk and invasive species
● Ability to carry out independent tasks in an office environment, requiring sitting and using
a computer for extended periods
● Comfortable working outside in all weather conditions for extended periods, ability to
navigate off-trail terrain safely
● Team player, with the ability to work effectively with staff and volunteers

Desired Level of Education and Experience
● Individuals possessing or working towards a degree or diploma in geographic
information systems, natural resource management, ecological restoration,
environmental science or studies, biology, or related disciplines will be considered.
Relevant work experience can compensate for formal education.
● Work or personal experience showing a comfort with outdoor work, a positive attitude in
adverse weather conditions, and comfort navigating off-trail is preferred. The position will
require physical ability to walk long distances and carry light equipment (backpack,
clipboard, tablet).
● Experience in clear written communication of scientific information to a general audience
is ideal. A large component of this position involves creation of reports explaining
ecological and geographical information to public audiences.

Beneficial Skills
● Identification skills for native and non-native Ontario flora and fauna
● Experience utilizing GIS field tools including GPS and data collection applications
● Experience using Microsoft Publisher
What level of GIS and computer experience is needed?
Our landowner stewardship guides are created using a standard map and guide template in
ArcGIS Pro and MS Publisher. While general instructions are provided on creating a guide’s
content, the ability to navigate and use the features and functions of these programs is required
and will be helpful in performing basic spatial analyses.

Additional Criteria
Due to funding requirements for this position, candidates must fit the following
criteria:
● be between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment;
● be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or person on whom refugee protection
has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act [S.C. 2001, c.
27]*; and
● be legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial / territorial legislation
and regulations.
*International students are not eligible. Recent immigrants are eligible if they are
Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents.

In addition, candidates must:
● Have a valid G2 license and access to a personal vehicle (mileage will be
compensated)
● Be prepared to work occasional evenings and weekends

Orientation and Training
The Land Research Coordinator and Partners in Conservation Coordinator will provide
organizational and job-specific training to the technician to ensure that they understand their
roles and responsibilities, after which regular meetings will be scheduled. Day-to-day
supervision will usually be provided, however work may be performed independently without
supervision and the technician will be encouraged to take leadership on planning and executing
tasks and meeting timelines.
KLT is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for staff, in the office and in
the field.

Opportunities and Perks of the Position
● Completing work to directly support the acquisition and stewardship of lands to be
protected in perpetuity; contributing to lasting conservation projects in the Kawarthas!
● Spending time outdoors in protected nature areas with access to beautiful views, high
biodiversity areas and network of dedicated environmental professionals
● Opportunities to participate in surveys and fieldwork to protect/enhance habitat for
species at risk and overall ecosystem health; opportunities to learn and practice
application of a variety of field work protocols
● Access to training opportunities with professionals in a wide range of areas including
conservation based GIS analysis, ecological monitoring, forestry, land conservation
techniques, ecosystem restoration, non-profit work and grant writing, etc.

Application Process
● Your application should include a resume and a covering letter as one document which
specifically addresses how your skills and qualifications relate to the job tasks and
responsibilities. The cover letter should be no more than one page long.
● Send application as a PDF or Word document with the following file name format: Last
Name, First Name_ Conservation Data and GIS Technician).
● Email your cover letter and resume in one document to Kawartha Land Trust at
info@kawarthalandtrust.org by 12 p.m. (noon), March 11, 2024, with the subject
line “Conservation Data and GIS Technician.”

Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) values diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all
qualified applicants. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request
for all aspects of the recruitment process.

Thank you for your interest in Kawartha Land Trust. Although we appreciate all applicants taking
the time to express their interest in joining the Kawartha Land Trust team, only candidates
selected for an interview will be contacted.
For more information on the Kawartha Land Trust please visit www.kawarthalandtrust.org