GIS/IT Specialist

Position Description
GIS/IT Specialist
 
Background
 
The Azuero Earth Project [www.azueroearthproject.org] is a United States tax-exempt organization (501-C-3) operating in Panama as the Proyecto Ecológico Azuero. The organization is dedicated to local education, reforestation and sustainable land stewardship on the Azuero Peninsula, on the Pacific Coast of Panama, about 100km west of Panama City.
 
“The mission of the Azuero Earth Project is to preserve the earth’s ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and promote healthy communities by helping people to make informed decisions, take sustainable actions, and share knowledge.”
 
The Azuero Earth Project facilitates connections among scientists, educators, students, planners and designers and local communities to explore advanced concepts for appropriate land use with a focus on developing simple, sustainable models for architecture, agriculture and development.
 
In the next 1-2 years, the team will be pursuing three program tracks:
 
A GIS mapping project to assess forest remnants and gaps and prioritize habitat conservation actions in a unique ecosystem threatened by development and overuse;
A Land Assessment Program to raise awareness and provide local landowners with sustainable land use options;
Building the Azuero Resource Center, a library and website to collect and distribute ecological information and connect to others throughout the world who are interested in the region, in Panama, and in sustainable land management;
 
Position Profile
 
The Azuero Earth Project seeks a GIS/IT Specialist. This is an exciting opportunity for someone interested in working with a small high-energy team dedicated to researching and communicating ecological and environmental issues in an international setting. We encourage applications from candidates with advanced GIS experience who are looking for adventurous and fulfilling work where creative ideas are celebrated! The central focus of the GIS/IT specialist’s work will be the mapping project, but s/he will also have opportunities to perform field research and work with local community members.


Primary Responsibilities
 
Reporting to the President, and working closely with the Program Manager, the GIS/IT specialist will:
 
Create a GIS database prioritizing areas for conservation on the basis of characteristics represented through mapping layers
Install and maintain computer hardware and software
Once established, manage and update the GIS database
Incorporate GPS field information into the GIS mapping project
Educate local volunteers about taking GPS data and assist with coordination of GPS data volunteering projects
Work with local land administrators to understand and implement sustainable development principles using GIS and satellite images
Prepare maps, presentations and publications showcasing the results of the project to donors and the local community
Manage and update the Azuero Earth Project website
 
Qualifications
 
We seek an individual with the following qualifications:
 
A passionate personal and professional commitment to the environment
Undergraduate or advanced degree in computer programming, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, geography, or a related technological major
Coursework and past research in biology and ecology is a plus
Current knowledge and experience with ArcGIS desktop including ArcInfo, the Spatial Analyst extension, ERDAS and/or ENVI
Experience with recording GPS field data and incorporating that data into GIS projects
Experience working with satellite images/remote sensing software and incorporating image analysis of satellite images and aerial photographs into ArcGIS
2-3 years post-graduate experience in GIS and web programming projects – please provide examples of past work initiated and independently conducted in GIS and programming
Ability to take initiative, lead a team, problem-solve, be technologically creative, and assume responsibility for the creation of an elegant database into which new data is incorporated seamlessly, along with its metadata. The database you create will be the foundation for all of our work on the peninsula.
Fluent knowledge of spanish
Willingness to live in Pedasí, Los Santos, Panama
Knowledge of the international GIS community
Ability to develop creative GIS solutions and experience working in remote/challenging locations
Knowledge of html, java, and/or PHP. Experience with Wordpress and available plugins is a plus. Our website is a custom Wordpress install.  Editing of source files may be required.
 
Salary & Benefits
 
Salary and benefits are competitive within the region and commensurate with background and experience. This position is for a period of two years with a possibility of extension.
                                   
Application Procedure
 
Email your application to: puesto@azueroearthproject.org
 
Please send your resume, cover letter, two or more references, and samples of work as indicated above and any relevant published material. The cover letter should detail your experience, match of skills to the position, salary requirements and availability, as well as introduce any samples of past work included with the application. The deadline for submitting an application is October 11, 2010.