Student Opportunity – Fall 2026

Job Status: Contract, Full-Time (Approximately September 8, 2026 – December 11, 2026) Compensation: Grade 3 – $20.23 (starting) to $24.80 per hour (plus 4% in vacation pay) Number of Positions: 1 new vacancy Hours of Work: 35 hours per week Location: Watershed Conservation Centre, 1424 Clarke Road London ON, N5V 5B9 Application Closing Date: August 3, 2026 The GIS Assistant Co-op Student supports agricultural conservation and environmental stewardship initiatives by conducting GIS analysis, managing spatial data, and creating engaging mapping products. This position will play a key role in maintaining GIS and field data collection systems, supporting data quality and reporting, and helping integrate geographic information into conservation planning and decision-making processes. This position is funded through the Eco Canada wage subsidy program. Applicants must meet Eco Canada participant eligibility requirements, including being a Canadian citizen, Canadian permanent resident, or person with refugee status in Canada.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and implementation of an Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF) pilot project through GIS analysis, mapping, and data management activities.
• Assist with the creation, maintenance, and updating of spatial datasets to support agricultural conservation planning and environmental initiatives, including in-field data collection/ground truthing.
• Update existing GIS databases through the interpretation of current data sources, including air photography and field validation of data.
• Develop and maintain field data collection forms and processes for GPS enabled mobile devices.
• Create interactive mapping visuals for presentations and outreach programs.
• Perform data entry into Authority databases requiring data manipulation and quality control.
• Support digital file management, organization, and documentation for stewardship and natural heritage projects.
• Collaborate with staff to integrate spatial information into agricultural conservation planning, decision-making, and reporting processes used in stewardship programs.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a post secondary program in Geography, GIS/Geomatics and Cartography.
• Experience with Esri ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Survey123, StoryMaps and QGIS considered an asset.

Training and Benefits

• On the job health and safety training to ensure every team member has the support, resources, and knowledge they need to perform their role effectively and safely.
• You’ll receive complimentary access to UTRCA Conservation Areas, supporting your well-being, connection to nature, and opportunities for recreation. Apply Now! To be considered, please submit your cover letter and resume to the UTRCA, in confidence, via: E-mail: jobs@thamesriver.ca Mail: 1424 Clarke Road, London, ON, N5V 5B9 Please indicate the position title in the subject line of your email. We thank all individuals who expressed interest in this role. Please note, only those selected to move forward in the interview process with be contacted. We are committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment that is free from discrimination and fosters belonging. We encourage and welcome applications from qualified members of the four designated groups, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Accommodation is available and will be provided in all aspects of the hiring process as required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation and as request by applicants. Should you require accommodation in making an application, please contact UTRCA by phone at 519-451-2800 or at the email address above. Personal information collected in relation to the recruitment process is collected under the authority outlined in the Conservation Authorities Act R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27, s. 18 (1) and will be used to determine eligibility for employment. Questions about this collection of personal information should be directed to: General Manager, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, 1424 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 5B9, 519-451-2800.