Conservation Planner/GIS Specialist

Conservation Planner/GIS Specialist Location: Western or Central New York (Hybrid)* Employment Type: Full-time (Part-time considered)Compensation: $65,000-$75,000 based on experience, plus benefitsPreferred Start Date: October 5, 2026 *Candidates located within reasonable driving distance of Rochester NY, including Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Ithaca, Auburn, and surrounding areas, are encouraged to apply. Regular virtual collaboration is expected, along with periodic in-person meetings, project site visits, community meetings, and team events. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Priority will be given to applications received by September 18th. See below for how to apply. About the Role CC Environment & Planning is seeking a Conservation Planner to support our growing portfolio of conservation, environmental, and community planning projects across New York State. The Conservation Planner will work at the intersection of ecology, land-use planning, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), helping communities and project partners understand natural resources, identify conservation priorities, and develop practical strategies that balance environmental protection with land-use and community needs. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in ecology and natural resource management who enjoys applying science and spatial analysis to real-world planning decisions. The position will include GIS analysis and spatial modeling, interactive and web-based mapping, research, technical writing, conservation planning, and collaboration with municipalities, agencies, conservation organizations, and other project partners. Key Responsibilities Conservation & Environmental Planning Support the preparation of Natural Resource Inventories, Open Space Plans, Comprehensive Plans, conservation plans, climate resilience plans, and related planning documentsAssist in identifying conservation priorities, important natural areas, ecological corridors, and opportunities for resource protectionHelp translate ecological and natural resource information into practical planning recommendations and implementation strategiesSupport development of conservation goals, policies, priority actions, and planning recommendations GIS & Spatial Analysis Conduct GIS-based natural resource, conservation, and land-use analyses using ArcGIS Pro and related toolsCompile, organize, evaluate, and maintain spatial datasets from federal, state, regional, and local sourcesPrepare clear and accurate GIS maps, figures, and other visual materials for technical reports and public presentationsAssist with management and quality control of project GIS databasesDevelop interactive web maps, ArcGIS StoryMaps, and other web-based GIS products to communicate natural resource, conservation, and planning information to clients, stakeholders, and the public. Conduct GIS-based suitability, prioritization, and weighted-overlay analyses to support conservation planning, including development of Open Space Indices, conservation priority areas, and recommended conservation actions. Translate multiple ecological, land-use, and community datasets into clear spatial models and decision-support tools. Ecological & Natural Resource Analysis Evaluate resources including wetlands, streams, riparian corridors, forests, wildlife habitat, soils, floodplains, water resources, and other ecological featuresReview available environmental studies, natural resource datasets, and technical informationAssist with integrating field observations and ecological data into GIS analyses and planning recommendations Research, Writing, and Community Engagement Prepare technical summaries, planning documents, reports, tables, figures, and public-facing materials Support community workshops, stakeholder meetings, advisory committees, and public presentations Coordinate with municipal officials, planning boards, conservation advisory councils, agencies, nonprofit organizations, consultants, and other project partners Assist project managers with research, project coordination, meeting preparation, and deliverable development Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental science, natural resources, or related field Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and Microsoft 365 Experience using GIS for spatial analysis beyond basic map production, including suitability, prioritization, weighted-overlay, or other multi-criteria analysesExperience communicating directly with clients, partners, and agencies Ability to locate, evaluate, manage, and interpret environmental and land-use datasetsAbility to manage multiple assignments and work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary project teamStrong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills Understanding of land-use practices and the relationship between development, conservation, and natural resource protectionStrong technical writing, research, and communication skillsAbility to interpret scientific and technical information and communicate it clearly to non-technical audiences PreferredStrong working knowledge of: Aquatic resource delineation and permittingEcological surveys and habitat assessment Restoration and natural resource management Experience preparing Natural Resource Inventories, Open Space Plans, Comprehensive Plans, watershed plans, climate resilience plans, or similar planning documentsExperience with public outreach, stakeholder engagement, or municipal committee meetings Familiarity with New York State GIS and environmental datasets, including information available from NYSDEC, NYS GIS Clearinghouse, NY Natural Heritage Program, FEMA, USGS, USDA NRCS, and other agenciesExperience with ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS StoryMaps, web maps, dashboards, or similar interactive GIS communication toolsExperience developing conservation prioritization models, Open Space Indices, suitability analyses, or other GIS-based decision-support tools What We’re Looking For This role is best suited for someone who is curious, analytical, organized, and interested in how ecological science can inform better land-use and conservation decisions. You are comfortable moving between GIS analysis, ecological research, technical writing, and community planning. You enjoy working with maps and data but can also step back and understand the larger landscape and planning context. The successful candidate will be able to recognize important ecological relationships, organize complex information, communicate technical concepts clearly, and help turn natural resource information into realistic recommendations that communities and decision-makers can use. What It’s Like to Work at CC Environment & Planning At CC Environment & Planning, we’re a small, mission-driven consulting firm doing big things. In partnership with North Country Ecological Services (NCES), we’ve expanded our ecological capacity to take on a growing portfolio of restoration, permitting, and planning projects across New York State and beyond. Our team thrives on collaboration, curiosity, and action. We work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where flexibility, resourcefulness, and a positive attitude go a long way. No two days are the same — and that’s exactly how we like it. When you join us, you’ll be part of a nimble, supportive team that values diverse perspectives, trusts its people, and invests in their growth. We’re looking for team members who are not only technically strong, but also adaptable, proactive, and energized by meaningful work that makes a difference. Flexible work schedules and a mix of remote, hybrid, and in-person collaborationFull benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and generous PTOOpportunities to cross-train and grow in new skills and leadershipA culture that supports autonomy, creativity, and professional developmentDirect engagement with projects that restore landscapes, support communities, and shape a more resilient futureIf you love rolling up your sleeves, solving real-world problems, and working with people who are passionate about the environment — you’ll fit right in. How to Apply: Send a cover letter, resume, and any relevant work samples to Angelina White, Senior Planner at awhite@ccenvironment.com. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Work Sample (Required): Please include a relevant work sample that demonstrates your GIS, conservation planning, ecological analysis, or technical communication skills. Examples appropriate for this role include: A GIS map or spatial analysis you developedA Natural Resource Inventory, Open Space Plan, conservation plan, or similar planning document you contributed toA technical memorandum, report, or planning document you authoredA conservation prioritization, suitability, or land-use analysisA research or academic project demonstrating applied ecology, conservation biology, or natural resource planningAn interactive web map, ArcGIS StoryMap, dashboard, or similar GIS-based public communication productA conservation prioritization, suitability, weighted-overlay, Open Space Index, or other spatial decision-support analysisApplicants may redact confidential or proprietary information from work samples. Equal Opportunity Employer CC Environment & Planning is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. Company Information – www.ccenvironment.com CC Environment & Planning - 23 Jackson Street, Batavia, NY 14020North Country Ecological Services - 25 West Fulton Street, Gloversville, NY 12078