Science & Planning Program Associate

About the Open Space Institute

The Open Space Institute (OSI) is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all. Since 1974, OSI has partnered in the protection of more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern U.S. OSI’s land protection promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities, and combats the devastating impacts of extreme weather.

Position Summary

The Science & Planning Program Associate supports OSI’s conservation and climate initiatives through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, data analysis, and project coordination. This role will provide responsive support to staff concerning mapping and data requests. The Associate will also contribute to written and visual communications materials, as well as coordinate meetings, track deadlines, and review reports to ensure timely progress on major Science & Planning projects.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

Map development and data management

• Produce presentation quality hard copy maps and web map applications consistent with established map templates.
• Perform basic data analysis and mapping to support various Program initiatives.
• Maintain authoritative organizational datasets.
• Remain “on-call” for mapping and data requests for use in meetings and presentations.
• Provide assistance to field staff with regards to mobile data-collection applications.

Data analysis and communication

• With guidance, analyze and interpret datasets to elucidate climate, water quality, community resilience or other relevant trends for program design and reports.
• Support coordination of OSI’s initiative to reduce forest loss and related emissions with the Forest Carbon Data Partnership. Track deadlines, organize files, edit and review reports.
• Support communication of data trends in written and visual form and develop presentations as needed.

Administrative

• Schedule and track meetings and deliverables with external and internal partners to advance projects and ensure timely completion of large-scale efforts.
• Support overall Science and Planning program functions, meetings and coordination with other OSI programs.

Shared Programmatic Commitments

• Highlight and promote datasets (demographics, under-resourced communities, opportunity zones, etc.) and assist staff to analyze their work to incorporate datasets in alignment with OSI's equity priorities.
• Lead (and support as needed) efforts to provide access to geospatial information and tools for all staff.
• Support the integration of equity as a consideration for project selection/evaluation, fundraising, and OSI programming.
• Bring awareness of group identity and how potential bias or favoritism can influence interpersonal behavior or result in inequitable treatment or sharing of communications resources across the organization.
• Cultivate a network and pipeline targeting group identities currently underrepresented at OSI to draw from when a position is open.

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Technical Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of ESRI software including ArcGIS Pro, and relevant extensions (Spatial Analyst, etc), as well as ArcGIS Online
• Experience with Geodatabase and relational database design and management including data migration and integration of tabular data into a centralized geodatabase.
• Demonstrated knowledge of spatial analysis.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with other parties (internal and external) to obtain necessary data sources.
• Knowledge of and experience with the development of interactive web mapping applications
• Knowledge of and experience with mobile data collection applications (ArcGIS Collector, Field Maps, Survey123, etc.)
• Commitment to environmental justice and equity that supports conservation planning, climate change, and water quality efforts.

General Skills and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and analytical skills.
• Attention to detail, organization, diligence and commitment to excellence.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively, with a proactive approach to learning and problem-solving.

Qualifications

• Degree or certification in related field and 1-3 years related experience (internships accepted), or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently sits for long periods of time.
• Frequently speaks, reads, writes and uses a computer keyboard.
• May require occasional standing, walking, lifting, stooping, bending.

How to Apply

Apply at https://www.openspaceinstitute.org/careers. Attach a cover letter that includes where you learned of the job posting along with your resume. Applications without a cover letter are not likely to be considered.

Applications will be actively reviewed on a rolling basis from the time of posting in March 2026 with earlier submissions receiving priority consideration. If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your application as soon as possible. You will receive an acknowledgment once your application has been submitted, and we will contact you if we would like to schedule an interview.

This is a full-time position requiring 37.5 hours per week within regular business hours; typically 9:30am-5:30pm. The role involves working onsite at our midtown Manhattan office at least three days per week.

Pay for this position is $65,000 – $73,000, commensurate with the candidate’s skill level and experience. OSI also offers comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits, a 403(b) plan, paid time off, and more. The recruiting team is committed to sharing details regarding compensation based on the candidate's qualifications and OSI’s benefits during the interview process.

Equal Opportunity Statement

OSI is an equal opportunity employer. We recognize that our conservation mission is best advanced by the contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, beliefs, and cultures. We are committed to cultivating and retaining a diverse and inclusive work environment that fosters belonging.

OSI offers accommodations for individuals with disabilities in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please email resumes@osiny.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

Consistent with New York State law, OSI does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, height, weight, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.