Environmental Data Analysis Intern/Assistant

IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is one of the world’s most influential freshwater research facilities. It features a collection of 58 small lakes and their watersheds in northwestern Ontario, Canada. For over 50 years, scientists at IISD-ELA have conducted whole-ecosystem experiments and made significant scientific discoveries related to issues such as acid rain, mercury from air pollution, algal blooms, and pharmaceutical chemicals in water. The facility is operated by the International Institute for Sustainable Development—an independent think tank headquartered in Winnipeg on Treaty 1 territory, the traditional land of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibwe-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and homeland of the Métis Nation.

IISD-ELA acknowledges that its research facility is located on Treaty 3 lands, and the care of these lands during experimentation and restoration to their original state is implicit in its mission. Many regional schools come to the facility to learn more about the science of aquatic ecosystems and how humans serve a role in sharing and working with one another to protect these resources.

About the Position

In order to advance our understanding of freshwater ecosystems and human impacts on those systems, IISD handles large volumes of data from ELA and from other monitoring programs across Canada. Our team is looking for an environmental data analysis assistant to help manage these large datasets, including spatial, structured (numeric), and semi-structured data. The applicant will have the opportunity to learn about and contribute to the development of data systems for scientific research, environmental modelling, and policy analysis.

The applicant should have good organizational skills and a basic understanding of data management. The ideal applicant will also be comfortable using tools like ArcGIS and Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables and MS Power Query). Knowledge of environmental science or policy, in particular related to freshwater management, is an asset. Familiarity with programming languages like R, SQL, Python, or JS is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Organizing, reviewing, and cleaning environmental datasets.
• Gathering data from public databases or online sources.
• Processing and extracting spatial data for analysis and modelling.
• Documenting data systems and processes.
• Proposing solutions to data management problems.
• Providing clear and succinct progress reports when requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Data management experience/completion of a course involving data management.
• Experience with GIS/completion of a course involving GIS.
• Strong familiarity with Microsoft Excel or similar software.
• Candidates must possess or be willing to obtain valid certifications for the following prior to the start of their term:
  • First Aid/CPR with AED
  • Pleasure Craft Operator’s card
  • Driver’s licence
• IISD-ELA will require the completion of a criminal record check and vulnerable sector verification.

Asset Skills

• Knowledge and interest in environmental science or policy, in particular related to freshwater management.
• Familiarity with programming languages like R, SQL, Python, or JS.
• Creative problem-solving and reasoning.
• Ability to speak French and/or Ojibwe.

Term: The contract is for a full-time, 4-month term (May 6, 2024 to August 30, 2024).

Compensation: CAD 669 to CAD 894 per week, depending on experience and education. Food and accommodations are included while working on site.

Application deadline: March 22, 2024

Application Procedure

All submissions must be in English. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.

Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for Canada.

Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR. Please include the following:

• A CV (no longer than two pages)
• A cover letter (one page)
• IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire (optional)

Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for 1 year.

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply for this position. Preference will be given to the equity-deserving groups during the hiring process. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants' advice on how best to accommodate their needs. Please self-identify and answer our employment equity questionnaire on our applicant tracking system when you apply.

IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

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Keywords

Environmental DataAnalysisAssistantData ManagementGISMicrosoft ExcelArcGISEnvironmental SciencePolicyFreshwater ManagementRSQLPythonJS