ABMI Access Coordinator

Competition 1234

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of one year plus a day, with a stong possibility of extension and offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page.

Location - This position offers a flexible work arrangement, allowing for a combination of remote and/or in-office work based on work preferences. We welcome applicants from across Alberta. In the event that you need to work on-site, you may have the flexibility to attend either the Edmonton or Calgary offices based on your location and convenience. Preference will be discussed during the recruitment process.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI)

The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) detects large changes in biodiversity in Alberta with the annually updated Biodiversity Intactness Index and Human Footprint Inventory. This research provides ongoing, relevant, scientifically credible information on Alberta's living resources to meet the information needs of government planners, industrial developers and local communities.

Position 

The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) supports natural resource decision-making by providing relevant, timely and credible scientific knowledge on the state of provincial biodiversity. The ABMI collects data from 1656 permanently located survey sites across Alberta. These sites are systematically spaced across the province to ensure an unbiased sample of Alberta's biodiversity. Long-term access to these survey sites is critical for maintaining our ability to report on trends in biodiversity. It is also imperative that the precise locations of survey sites remain confidential.

The Access Coordinator arranges for and supports field crew access to ABMI survey sites on private and public land across the province including: private, federal, provincial, municipal and Indigenous lands. They also maintain and manage confidential information related to the survey sites. This position could require travel to rural areas of Alberta.

Duties 

• Identifies and notifies applicable landholders for all survey points during each survey year.
• Uses GIS and other mapping tools to identify access concerns/constraints for all survey locations.
• Annually develops and distributes information/data packages to landholders.
• Maintains and updates confidential databases with site and landholder information.
• Maintains open and positive relationships with land holders and other groups that participate in the ABMI survey activities by allowing access to their lands.
• Assists with the establishment of access agreements and legal instruments that enable long-term access.
• Develops training and support material for ABMI staff regarding access policy and procedures (e.g. access conditions, instructions)
• Participates in field crew training sessions.
• Provides advice and direction to field crews during access activities (in consultation with Field Crew Supervisors and Monitoring Centre Director).
• Assists in the development and continuous improvement of marketing material for rural stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Ecology or related discipline; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
• Minimum 1 year experience in public relations or stakeholder communications including working with local communities and members of the public to enhance understanding of scientific research and managing confidential information
• Ability to address stakeholder concerns with tact and diplomacy
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences including the public, rural land-owners, industry partners, Indigenous communities and government managers
• Ability to work independently to achieve the necessary access agreements and permissions; some travel to meet landholders may be required
• Some weekend work is required
• Valid Class 5 Driver's License; access to a reliable vehicle
• Experience working in the agricultural or forestry industry is an asset
• GIS knowledge is an asset