Geospatial Information System Advisor

Looking for a meaningful opportunity to share your geospatial information system (GIS) skills? A botanical garden project in northern Ecuador is waiting for you!

Launched in 2014, the Yachay Botanical Garden (YBG) spans 150 hectares, including 110 hectares of inter-Andean dry forest, 35 hectares of arable valley, and 5 hectares under horticultural management with multiple thematic gardens. YBG also maintains a seed and pollen germplasm bank and has facilities for research, workshops, and events. The project has conserved close to 200 native dry forest species in situ and roughly 150 species off site. YBG recently geo-referenced more than 300 trees in one of its thematic gardens, but with only two dedicated staff members—one professor and one technician—the project lacks sufficient capacity for professional collection management and species monitoring.

As Geospatial Information System Advisor, you will share your experience to support Ecuador's ongoing efforts related to germplasm biobanking and living exhibitions of threatened native plants from the country's northern territory. Alongside the YBG team, you will develop a geodatabase with as many of the native plants as possible that captures each plant’s growth, phenology, and phytosanitary data.

Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, forestry or a relevant field (e.g., computer engineering).
AND
Two or more years of training and experience using relevant data collection tools, such as geographic information systems (GIS), statistical software, and mapping applications.

All candidates who meet the required skills are encouraged to apply. Additional skills that may make you a more competitive candidate include:

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Create a geo-referenced digital database of the plant specimens.
Monitor the growth, phenology, and phytosanitary status of the plant specimens, including the native vegetation present in the dry forest reserve.
Participate in field trips to collect new germplasm to be stored and/or exhibited.
Support the horticultural activities, which are customized to the focal plant specimens or collections.
Support public communication and outreach activities, including interpretive guiding and the use of social networks.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as an after-school environmental club or an introduction workshop on GIS at a nearby high school.

After a 1-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to a town in the Imbabura province where you will collaborate with the university staff to assess needs and develop a work plan in line with their established goals.

Peace Corps/Ecuador will equip you with Spanish language resources and you may work with a local tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with the community.

The Volunteer may live independently in a small studio available in the nearby town or on the university campus. The Volunteer will have access to a computer, high-speed internet, and landline phones when working in the lab. The Volunteer should anticipate traveling to nearby rural communities to conduct workshops and explore potential tourist routes. Transportation will typically involve walking within the campus or using local public buses and university transport.

Apply your expertise in spatial data to support threatened native plants from Ecuador’s northern territory.
Strengthen Spanish language skills through daily collaborations and interactions.
Gain international experience in Ecuador’s Imbabura province situated in the northern Andes.