Career Opportunity: Environmental Geographer

Overview: Reporting to the ASF Vice President, Research and Environment, the incumbent is responsible for establishing, managing, and maintaining a GIS system to support organization – wide needs for GIS mapping and related analyses. Responsible for conducting research and analyses to visualize, interpret and improve understanding of factors impacting Atlantic salmon abundance and distribution.  Provides insights into the physical and geographical aspects of Atlantic salmon research, advocacy and conservation to support and inform the organization’s initiatives. The person should have a strong analytical capability (e.g., spatial statistics expertise) and ability to understand data needs, availability and acquisition, all to culminate in the collaborative production of highest quality materials supporting needs across the organization.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Research and Analysis

• Support ASF Atlantic salmon research.
• Utilize advanced data analysis, mapping and remote sensing techniques to analyze data and interpret results.
• Produce reports with findings.

Fieldwork and Data Collection

• Occasional fieldwork might be required.
• Use specialized equipment and technology to gather environmental and cartographic data across various ecosystems (freshwater, terrestrial, estuaries and marine).
• Building and maintaining the necessary master shapefile and raster databases.

Mapping and Cartography

• Create accurate, aesthetically pleasing and simplistically effective maps and charts, using geographic information systems (GIS) to present data to be used both for scientific purposes, grant applications, final reports, and communications and outreach.
• Analyze and interpret spatio-temporal biological, environmental, and topographic data to generate visual representations and associated statistics.
• Develop up-to-date interactive online maps and products.

Environmental Impact Assessment

• Assess the impact of human activities, climate change, and natural events on marine environments.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams to evaluate and mitigate potential environmental concerns.

Collaboration

• Collaborate with ASF staff, ASF partners and other experts within and outside the organization to advance understanding in the field.
• Lead expansion of organizational and partnership capacity in mapping and related analytical skills.

Knowledge and Skills:

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Marine Geography, Oceanography, or a related field along with:

• Spatial statistic skills.
• 5+ years’ experience in GIS and data analysis.
• Knowledge of ESRI products is required.
• Proficiency in R is required (other languages like python, C++, would be an asset).
• Proficiency in data collection techniques, mapping software and remote sensing tools.
• Strong written and communication skills including the ability to present research findings.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams is essential.
• Familiarity with Atlantic salmon ecology and management in eastern North America and issues around land use, watershed management, and protected areas.

Additional Information:

This position is open to individuals able to work in Canada or the United States. The position can be located at ASF’s international headquarters office in Chamcook, NB, Halifax, NS, or Brunswick, Maine. Alternative locations may be considered for outstanding candidates.

Benefits of working at ASF: ASF offers a competitive salary and benefits package including RRSP, vacation, sick leave, and health/dental coverage. The salary range for the position is $58,900 to $79,900. New employees are generally appointed at lower levels of the pay band.

To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to: Kathy Finniemore, kfinniemore@asf.ca, by November 20, 2024. ASF thanks all applicants for their interest. Receipt of application will be acknowledged; however, only those selected for interviews will be further contacted.