UCF Specialist: GIS Tools and Technologies

Job Summary:
This position will be responsible for developing and maintaining urban forestry data, including spatial tools and technologies, inventory, funding and grants tracking, and other program information to support grants, programs, and events relating to the urban and community forestry practice area. In addition, this position will support and educate communities about information management, platforms and tools available to contribute to urban forest management. As the Urban and Community Forestry Program expands to address climate challenges including extreme heat, air pollution, and carbon sequestration goals; provides statewide leadership and delivers unprecedented levels of funding for tree planting and maintenance efforts across the state, this position is critical to track tree planting efforts, share technology and tools to plan, analyze, and track urban forestry actions and impacts, and help monitor changes in tree canopy across the state.

Duties:

• Develop and maintain multiple databases related to tree planting, tree inventories, canopy cover, grants, and other Division of Lands and Forests Programs.
• Collect, manage and analyze a variety of geospatial data, including but not limited to tree planting and tree inventory projects, tree canopy, and grants, and drawing on existing data layers such as NYS Disadvantaged Communities, air pollution data, extreme heat, and canopy data.
• Create information management, map and spatial analysis products.
• Interface with the 25 Million Trees Tracker and other planting and stewardship platforms to create efficient and effective data sharing products to support urban forestry
• Assist in the preparation of reports, especially information relating to communicating how to use publicly available GIS and other platforms and tools available to urban forest practitioners.
• Assist in the development, review and program execution of Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) grants and programs as needed in a timely manner and consistent with state and federal grant requirements.
• Work independently and as a supportive and productive member of a cohesive team. Must be detail oriented, highly organized and a good communicator.
• Utilize various tools and technologies including various webinar software, ArcGIS Pro/ArcGIS Online (AGOL), Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
• The position may require travel and outdoor work as needed.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's or higher degree in Forest Management, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Natural Resources Planning, Geography, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and two years of professional experience in local and/or regional natural resource planning and analysis.
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Three (3) years of experience with desktop GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS, or other) for data creation, editing, management, and analysis.
• Experience with data management and manipulation (using software such as Excel, Access, M365 tools, and/or other database query tools).
• Experience developing grant tracking systems.
• Experience utilizing ArcGIS Online tools to design, create, update and publish communication products based upon geospatial and other datasets.
• Experience in the creation of digital dashboards and visualization tools, using AGOL Dashboards, Experience Builder, StoryMaps, Tableau, R Shiny Apps.
• Familiarity with tree and canopy data collection technologies, including LiDAR and/or field-based collection tools like Field Maps/Survey123.
• Experience in establishing data schema and managing a digital library of geospatial datasets created by multiple staff and organizations.
• Proficiency using R, python, Arcade, SQL, and/or JavaScript.

How to Apply:

Please submit resume and cover letter via email: urbanforestry@dec.ny.gov, noting “UCF Specialist: GIS Tools and Technologies Position” in subject line of email by close of business, Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Additional Comments:

NHT is committed to building and encouraging an inclusive workplace that strives for respect and promotes and values diversity. We believe that organizations that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective, or any other trait that makes an individual unique, are proven to be better organizations. Please consider joining the team as we work together to build a welcoming workplace where employees recognize their unique characteristics, skills, and experiences are respected, valued, and celebrated.

To support our employees, NHT provides a generous benefits package similar to what is offered to New York State employees. Our total compensation package includes, but is not limited to, leave benefits (14 paid holidays as well as paid vacation, sick, and personal leave); a comprehensive health insurance program including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plans; and membership in the NYS Employees Retirement System. Additionally, employees may be eligible for partial remote work schedules.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

• Albany, NY 12207: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Albany, NY 12207

Salary : $65,000