Science & Planning Program Associate

Open Space Institute•New York, NY

11d•$65,000 - $73,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Open Space Institute (OSI) is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all. Since 1974, OSI has partnered in the protection of more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern U.S. OSI's land protection promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities, and combats the devastating impacts of extreme weather. The Science & Planning Program Associate supports OSI's conservation and climate initiatives through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, data analysis, and project coordination. This role will provide responsive support to staff concerning mapping and data requests. The Associate will also contribute to written and visual communications materials, as well as coordinate meetings, track deadlines, and review reports to ensure timely progress on major Science & Planning projects.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of ESRI software including ArcGIS Pro, and relevant extensions (Spatial Analyst, etc.), as well as ArcGIS Online.
Experience with Geodatabase and relational database design and management including data migration and integration of tabular data into a centralized geodatabase.
Demonstrated knowledge of spatial analysis.
Demonstrated experience collaborating with other parties (internal and external) to obtain necessary data sources.
Knowledge of and experience with the development of interactive web mapping applications.
Knowledge of and experience with mobile data collection applications (ArcGIS Collector, Field Maps, Survey123, etc.).
Ability to utilize knowledge of environmental justice and equity implications to direct conservation planning, climate change, and water quality efforts.
Commitment to environmental justice and equity that supports conservation planning, climate change, and water quality efforts.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and analytical skills.
Attention to detail, organization, diligence and commitment to excellence.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively, with a proactive approach to learning and problem-solving.
Degree or certification in related field and 1-3 years related experience (internships accepted), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Frequently sits for long periods of time.
Frequently speaks, reads, writes and uses a computer keyboard.
May require occasional standing, walking, lifting, stooping, bending.

Responsibilities

Map Development and Data Management Produce presentation quality hard copy maps and web map applications consistent with established map templates.
Perform basic data analysis and mapping to support various Program initiatives.
Maintain authoritative organizational datasets.
Remain "on-call" for mapping and data requests for use in meetings and presentations.
Provide assistance to field staff with regards to mobile data-collection applications.
Data Analysis and Communication With guidance, analyze and interpret datasets to elucidate climate, water quality, community resilience or other relevant trends for program design and reports.
Support coordination of OSI's initiative to reduce forest loss and related emissions with the Forest Carbon Data Partnership.
Track deadlines, organize files, edit and review reports.
Support communication of data trends in written and visual form and develop presentations as needed.
Administrative Schedule and track meetings and deliverables with external and internal partners to advance projects and ensure timely completion of large-scale efforts.
Support overall Science and Planning program functions, meetings and coordination with other OSI programs.
Shared Programmatic Commitments Highlight and promote datasets (demographics, under-resourced communities, opportunity zones, etc.) and assist staff to analyze their work to incorporate datasets in alignment with OSI's equity priorities.
Lead (and support as needed) efforts to provide access to geospatial information and tools for all staff.
Support the integration of equity as a consideration for project selection/evaluation, fundraising, and OSI programming.
Bring awareness of group identity and how potential bias or favoritism can influence interpersonal behavior or result in inequitable treatment or sharing of communications resources across the organization.
Cultivate a network and pipeline targeting group identities currently underrepresented at OSI to draw from when a position is open.