The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, bipartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world.

Established in 1980, TNC’s Hawai‘i program has forged partnerships to manage over 2 million acres of natural lands and has grown to include Palmyra Atoll. We currently manage 14 preserves and other sites in Hawai‘i and Palmyra Atoll. In Hawai‘i, we work with government agencies, private landowners, businesses, community partners and local stakeholders to protect and restore Hawai‘i’s native watershed forests, coral reefs, and nearshore fisheries for both their ecological value and the many benefits they provide to people. At Palmyra Atoll, a National Wildlife Refuge 1,000 miles south of Hawai‘i, we facilitate research in this living laboratory to better understand and address global questions around sustainable fisheries and resilience to climate change.

What We Can Achieve Together:

The GIS Coordinator manages and maintains conservation databases and provides technical support in GIS or other relational database technologies for the Kaua’i Terrestrial Program to support forest protection operations. The Kaua'i Terrestrial Program, manages nine priority watershed protection units in Kaua'i's upland montane forests and bogs. These units consist of over 15,000 acres, including both public and private lands, and 18 miles of ungulate fences. Our dedicated, enthusiastic team works out of offices in Lihue.

The GIS Coordinator processes spatial and/or relational data sets derived from cartographic and tabular source material. They build and validate mobile data collection applications and use cloud-based storage systems. They perform data analysis and produce reports, provide hardware and software support, and train staff on data collection and management protocols. They build, maintain, and populate databases, produce maps and/or other graphic products, and develop and maintain GIS and/or database product libraries, both in-house and online. They will explore and apply technological innovations to real-world problems including collecting and analyzing aerial imagery through a sUAS (small unoccupied aircraft system).

The GIS Coordinator has a key role in developing workflows for collection, storage, analysis and reporting of field data related to ungulate and weed control, monitoring of forest health and species of conservation concern. They work closely with Field staff to collect and manage incoming and outgoing field data and they support the Program with reports, dashboards, and map products as requested. They will collaborate with partner organizations on field data management. The GIS Coordinator must be willing and able to camp in remote mountainous areas for up to four nights at a time and operate in extremely rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions, as needed to perform their duties.

Location: This position will be based on the Island of Kauai due to expected field work.

We’re Looking for You:

We are looking for a savvy Technician who loves working outdoors using GIS or other relational database technologies to manage field collected and remotely sensed data to help monitor and make forest protection management decisions.  

What You’ll Bring:

• BS or MS degree in related field and 3 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with handheld GPS data collection units, mobile data collection applications, managing, maintaining and populating databases, analyzing ecological data, and producing maps and reports using ArcGIS Pro or other ESRI ecosystem products.
• Experience in the following areas: interpretation of image analysis, complex spatial analysis, data modeling and landscape scenario analysis.
• Experience with Hawai’i ecology, natural systems and cultural practices as they relate to natural resources management.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and web browsers.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and experience performing physical field work in remote mountainous areas in adverse conditions, during inclement weather, and at night.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

What We Bring:

Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. We consider life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “You’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.” To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.  

We’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance.

If you’re interested in working with us, please apply—we’d love to hear from you.

To Apply

To apply for job ID 53672, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 5:59 PM HST on July 21, 2023.