Organization
Amazon Conservation’s mission is to unite science, innovation, and community to protect the Amazon -the greatest wild forest on Earth.
As conservation pioneers since 1999, we have used science to guide our multi-pronged approach to environmental conservation and restoration in the western Amazon. Our founding program supported Brazil nut harvesters in Peru, as an incentive for protecting the forest. Since then, the organization has grown to protect over 9.3 million acres of rainforest, establish Peru’s first conservation concession, host thousands of scientists and tourists at our three premier research stations, empower indigenous communities to develop forest-friendly livelihoods, and so much more. Our on-the-ground efforts are geographically focused in the headwaters of the Amazon basin, where the Amazon forest meets the Andes mountain range in southeastern Peru and northern Bolivia. However, our Monitoring of the Andean Amazon Program (MAAP) uses satellite-based technologies to monitor 100% of the Amazon in real time and mobilizes action through a network of local partners in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Our innovative MAAP initiative has emerged as a global leader in satellite-based real-time deforestation monitoring across the Amazon. Launched in 2015, the goal of MAAP is to link cutting-edge technologies with effective policy action on the ground across the entire Amazon. In addition, MAAP also prepares confidential reports directly to government officials, partners, and indigenous communities. To date, MAAP has published over 200 reports on the most urgent deforestation cases and key issues (such as climate change, Amazon tipping point, etc.) across all nine countries of the Amazon biome.
Position Overview
Amazon Conservation seeks an advanced GIS & Remote Sensing Specialist to support our MAAP satellite-based real-time monitoring program. The position will focus on real-time deforestation and fire monitoring across the Amazon.
This position will report to the Senior Research Specialist & Director of MAAP and will work closely with the other GIS & Remote Sensing Specialists at the organization and Alliance.
Responsibilities
Real-time Monitoring (80%)
- Real-time deforestation monitoring based on analysis of automated alerts (such as GLAD alerts) in search of the most urgent deforestation cases across the Amazon and subsequent analysis of high-resolution imagery (particularly from Planet) to determine causes/drivers of deforestation. Particular focus will be on protected areas and indigenous territories across the Amazon.
- Real-time fire monitoring across the Amazon, based on analysis of our unique fire monitoring app.
- Assist in related data analysis and preparation of materials (maps, graphics) for public MAAP reports and confidential reports to government and partners.
- Help develop, improve, and implement protocols for data analysis, processing, visualization, publication, and storage.
Special projects (20%)
- GIS and remote sensing support related to special projects focused on analyzing novel data sets (such as carbon) and cross-cutting issues (such as climate change and Amazon tipping point).
- Assist with organizational and Alliance requests as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a related field.
- Established record of both GIS and remote sensing experience (at least two years), particularly in terms of processing and analysis of forest loss alerts and high-resolution satellite imagery.
- Experience specifically with tropical forest monitoring preferred.
- Experience with creating graphics and maps based on satellite-based data.
- Strong interest in conservation, and ideally, tropical forest conservation.
- Ability to perform well in a fast-paced, cross-cultural team environment.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in written and spoken Spanish is highly preferred.
Competitive salary based on experience. Amazon Conservation offers a competitive benefits package that includes employer-paid medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, 70% dependent coverage, as well as a matching pension plan, 12 sick days, 25 vacation days, and 3 personal days. International travel to Latin America will be required. Amazon Conservation’s Washington, DC office operates in a hybrid work environment. EOE
In addition to salary and benefits, the Specialist’s work contributions will be recognized via co-authorship of regular reports published on our MAAP portal.
The location for this position is flexible. Ideally, it will be based in Amazon Conservation’s Washington DC office, Atlanta GA, or a key Amazonian country, but other remote-based arrangements may be considered. If not based in Washington DC, periodic travel to this location will be periodically required, with a travel budget.Application Guidelines
Email your resume, cover letter, and list of three references to applications@amazonconservation.org with the subject line “Real-time Monitoring Specialist Application.” Applications without all required materials will not be reviewed. Due to the high volume of applications, the organization will only reply to finalist candidates. No phone calls, please. EOE.
Candidates are reviewed on a rolling basis. The position is open until filled and is available immediately.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: Remote