GIS analyst: projects on conservation planning in coastal Queensland and Great Barrier Reef islands
Job Level(s): Higher Education Worker Level 7, Higher Education Worker Level 6
Location: James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Appointment period: 3 years
Closing date for applications: 30 December 2011
Reference: 11294
Position Statement
The appointee will join an expanding group of researchers focused on conservation planning in marine and coastal environments. This position will support two research projects. One project will construct spatially explicit scenarios for development and conservation in the eastern Queensland coastal zone, and estimate implications for coastal ecosystems. The second project will compile spatial data on islands in the southern Great Barrier Reef as a basis for identifying priorities for management actions. The appointee will collaborate with researchers at James Cook University, representatives of Commonwealth, state and local governments, Natural Resource Management organisations, Traditional Owners, and other stakeholders. The overall objective of the projects, aligned with the broad objective of the research group that the appointee will join, is to combine cutting-edge conservation science with tangible conservation outcomes.
The specific objectives of the project are:
- Construction of spatially explicit models of sea level rise and expanding human activities in the coastal zone and their effects on coastal ecosystems;
- Development of a spatially explicit decision-support tool, linked to a GIS interface, for managers to use in prioritizing management actions on islands.
These two objectives will be achieved through working with:
- the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Queensland natural resource and development agencies to compile spatial data sets for Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef coastal zone. Data will include maps of coastal ecosystems, topography, land use, tenure and development zonings, and urban and industrial developments;
- Queensland Parks and Wildlife to compile spatial data sets for islands in the southern Great Barrier Reef. Data will include ecosystems, species records, tenure, existing management and processes threatening the natural values of the islands;
- Queensland Parks and Wildlife to record expert knowledge on the costs and relative effectiveness of alternative management actions on islands.
We seek applicants with extensive experience in GIS analysis for environmental management and skills in database management, spatial modelling, and conservation planning.
Duties and Accountabilities
The appointee will be required to:
- Utilise technical management expertise and specialist research skills in GIS to lead and assist the project team. Determine the best way to apply these skills, knowledge and theoretical principles in order to achieve the project objectives.
- Collaborate with researchers at James Cook University, representatives of Commonwealth, state and local governments, Natural Resource Management organisations, Traditional Owners, and other stakeholders.
- Lead and conduct research as part of a team that contributes to the achievement of the aims of the ARC Centre of Excellence, particularly Program 6: Conservation planning for a sustainable future.
- Assume responsibility for the day-to-day management of data, including liaison with data providers.
- Provide expert advice to assist the organisation of a scoping workshop for the coastal zone project in early 2012.
- Contribute to the production of publications from research in high-quality journals.
- Work with the project team to achieve project objectives under broad direction from the senior researchers.
Key Selection Criteria
- A degree in a related discipline with extensive experience in GIS analysis, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and or education/training.
- Extensive experience in compiling and storing data from diverse sources, including metadata and matching projections;
- Established interest in areas relevant to spatial modelling and conservation planning;
- Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills.
Desirable Selection Criteria
- Higher research degree in environmental management;
- Experience in collaboration with conservation managers and other stakeholders;
- Experience in estimating data quality and its implications for spatial analysis and modelling;
- Experience in using conservation planning software;
- Experience in marine and coastal environments.
Enquiries to
Professor Bob Pressey
61 7 4781 6194
bob.pressey@jcu.edu.au
Employment Type
Appointments will be full-time for a fixed term of three years subject to a probationary period.
Salary
Higher Education Worker Level 6 - $61,804 - $66,940 per annum* or
Higher Education Worker Level 7 - $67,967 - $75,159 per annum*
* Depending on qualifications and experience
Benefits
Benefits include generous employer superannuation contribution and attractive options for salary packaging.
Application Procedure
Please forward a CV, addresses of three referees, and a statement addressing the selection criteria to Recruitment Officer, Human Resources, James Cook University; e-mail jcu.recruitment@jcu.edu.au. Please quote reference number 11294.
Alternatively, the application may be lodged electronically by using the on-line facility. Apply online for this job
James Cook University Recruitment Office telephone: 61 (0)7 4781 6586
Closing date for applications: Friday 30 December 2011
The University reserves the right to appoint by invitation, invite applications or not to make an appointment. Equal Opportunity is University Policy
