GIS Technologist

The Role

Provides GIS services related to data creation, maintenance, analysis, and cartographic products for staff and the public. Works with clients and participates on project teams to incorporate GIS best practices for data, requests, and products.
 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Creates and maintains GIS data collected from internal and external stakeholders, including registered and condo plans. Digitizes, scans, and geo-references hardcopy and digital images. Assists to develop and document workflows and processes for quality assurance and integrity.
• Edits datasets, and creates map layer files; adds and edits fields, combines layers, adds attributes, and defines metadata.
• Liaises with stakeholders to confirm accuracy of layers and duplication of features. Verifies accuracy and completeness of spatial data. Performs quality control checks. Assesses quality of attribute data and edits, as required.
• Conducts analysis, creates reports, maintains map documents (.mxd’s), and produces cartographic products. Develops custom maps as requested.  
• Prepares and delivers data to partner agencies, consultants, and other external stakeholders, per specifications. Assists supervisor by documenting, tracking delivery, and ensuring licensing agreements are in place. Provides collection and invoicing details to supervisor.
• Liaises with other staff and participates on GIS project teams to create and provide data for integration with GIS applications, including with other municipalities.         
• Liaises with internal and external stakeholders to administer road related datasets to ensure data adheres to best practices for emergency services.
• Assists supervisor to create presentations and demonstrations for Council, area municipal councils, staff, external agencies, and the public to promote and explain the Region’s GIS. Prepares graphic materials for reports, brochure covers, and generic design drawings. Designs mapping layouts and formats. Ensures map presentation complies with standards.
• Develops specialized maps using corporate databases, including sourcing data availability. Produces custom maps for public and corporate needs.
• Maintains plotter (e.g., orders supplies, arranges servicing, replaces components).
• Sells cartographic goods and services to internal and external customers.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skill acquired through a 3-year degree or diploma in a related field (e.g., Environmental Studies, Geography, Planning, Computer Science, GIS), plus 3 years of related experience.
• Knowledge and skill in spatial data management and analysis, cartography, geomatics/remote sensing, land registration process, and GIS software.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, standards and conventions for database management, the Regional Official Plan, and related legislation (e.g., Planning Act, privacy and freedom of information). 
• Knowledge of current GIS industry standards and technologies to provide technical support and troubleshooting, and recommend improvements to existing GIS spatially-enabled systems. Ability to define and resolve GIS technical problems in a diverse technology environment.
• Knowledge of relational database management best practices and concepts.
• Analytical, research, organizational, and problem solving skills to plan work; review data and documents; identify deficiencies; solve system problems; and investigate, analyze, and evaluate appropriateness of GIS spatial data and related tabular data for use by clients.
• Communication skills to relate effectively and consult with clients regarding projects; deliver information sessions; promote and demonstrate systems; discuss problems and user requests for data and analysis; exchange technical information with staff; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to understand related literature including construction drawings and subdivision plans, publications, and trade journals to keep knowledge current. Ability to read and understand software documentation and hardware manuals. Ability to write reports, workflow documentation, work structure breakdowns, and provide input to and assist to write project plans and statements of work.
• Computer skills using software such as ESRI suite of GIS software, Microsoft Office (Office, Access, Excel) and desktop publishing (e.g., CorelDraw). 
• Ability to occasionally alter hours to meet deadlines imposed by project work, application and system errors, or to work on systems when they are not in use.
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.