geographic information systems specialist - Owen Sound, Canada - County of Grey

Description

Join us and help make a difference At Grey County we work together to deliver essential public services that meet the needs of our communities. Grey County isnt just a great place to live; its also a great place to work

We are proud to offer competitive wages and an attractive total compensation package. We support learning and continuous employee development, and champion career progression for our employees. We value work-life balance, so you can make the most of your career at Grey County, while making the most of your life in Grey County

Apply now to join our team

Candidates who demonstrate a high level of responsibility, self-discipline, and effective communication skills may be eligible for remote work arrangements. However, due to occasional in-office requirements, candidates must reside within a reasonable driving distance of the County Administration office in Owen Sound. The specific distance and commuting expectations will be discussed during the onboarding process.

Applications for this position will be accepted until May 31, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

Purpose

To develop, produce, maintain and implement the delivery of information management activities, geographic information systems (GIS) products and services for the County of Greys internal departments, lower tier municipalities and other public sector bodies and private sector clients.

Responsibilities

GIS Mapping & Analysis

• Creates, maintains, and manages spatial data used in the Countys geographic information system (GIS), and documents the processes used to create those datasets.
• Installs, configures, tests, evaluates and maintains GIS software and other associated software and applications in conjunction with GIS Coordinator and with Technology & Infrastructure team.
• Provides quality assurance and quality control of source documents used in the ongoing development and maintenance of the GIS database.
• Establish mapping standards for cartographic design including three dimensional maps and drapes for specialized map products, data models, formats, and templates for the County.
• Provide thematic maps, spatial data analysis, and presentation materials for County departments, local Municipalities, and external agencies as required.
• Maintains current GIS knowledge base within a technological field that is rapidly and constantly evolving (e.g. GIS software, satellite imagery, object oriented programming, data integration, GPS and Internet technologies). Analyses and determines how new GIS and Internet technologies can be best utilized to further enhance GIS capabilities and information representation within the County of Grey.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Occasionally may be required to be in the field to collect data and information, as necessary.
• Compile data for statistics to incorporate into documents and reports
• Determine ways to automate repetitive processes
• Provide real time support during times of emergency.
• Identify needs and situations where GIS can be used to simplify problems

GIS Training

• Provides end user training on ArcGIS Desktop to internal staff and lower tier staff.
• Provides end user training on County GIS web site to internal staff, lower tier staff and end users
• Advocates for use on GIS for appropriate business problems. Advises staff on use and methodology for specific GIS tools.

Provide GIS Services to Lower Tier Municipalities

Provide high quality GIS services including:

• Data creation and maintenance.
• Conversion of Municipalitys needs studies to GIS format
• Publish data to County GIS website via ArcGIS web services
• Provide spatial decision support
• Assist in maintain/creating a data standard across municipalities and provincially
• Provide consulting on data models for Municipalitys projects

GIS Web Site Support

• Publish services as required to ArcGIS Server for consumption by web applications and remote clients.
• Provide technical support to County staff, public users of the County GIS web site via email, telephone and in person.
• Configure and troubleshoot ArcGIS Server.
• Optimize web map services.
• Maintain documentation for public web site.
• Create and test web applications.
• Knowledge of Geocortex and Geocortex Workflow software required to develop web applications and support existing applications.

Other Duties

• Promote and educate County staff, municipal staff, and external partners on the application and value of GIS.
• Responsible, as an employee, for occupational health and safety practices.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
• Track and maintain records of work completed.

Working Conditions

Usual hours of work are thirty-five (35) per week, Monday to Friday. Overtime can be expected to deal with normal operational and statutory deadlines and peak periods. Must have personal auto available for travel.

Contacts
Internal Working Relationships

Works with all members of the organization.

External Working Relationships

Works extensively with staff from lower tier municipalities, conservation authorities, etc. Works extensively with the public to help with corporate GIS website.

Knowledge and Skill

• In-depth knowledge of the functionality, operation and specifications of municipal government standards as it pertains to GIS, including knowledge of business processes of front line County departments.
• Job requires sound technical knowledge of GIS and its application including ESRI based products (e.g. ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Server, 3D Analyst) and imagery software.
• Understanding of survey grade GPS systems.
• Basic understanding of emergency procedures.
• Extensive skills with ESRI ArcGIS Desktop software for map creation and data analysis
• Maintains knowledge of civil design and AutoCAD software.
• Knowledge of Microsoft SQL server and administration tools. Basic knowledge of other database platforms (MySQL, PostGres).
• Job requires an expert knowledge of applied geography, projections, coordinate systems, datums, surveying principles, primary and secondary data, satellite imagery, remote sensing, aerial photographs, image and coverage registration, cartographic principles, documentation of applications, metadata, digital elevation models, data quality and error propagation in raster and vector spatial date, methods of spatial interpolation, and methods of data and image classification.
• Job requires comprehensive knowledge of Windows based software; Word, Excel, Power Point, and HTML editors, E-mail (Outlook) and sequential and relational data bases.
• Job requires knowledge of Land Information Ontario (LIO) mandate, the Ontario land use planning system; related provincial geographic databases, and Ontario cadastral.
• Work is occasionally reviewed by supervisor for soundness of approach and technical decisions. Job requires referring problems in conflicts in data management requirements to project leader, supervisor or manager.
• Job requires analytical and evaluative skills to develop and deliver user instruction for accessing databases and customized geospatial software use.
• Human relations, communication, facilitation, and presentation skills in order to relate effectively with and form consultative relationships with clients.
• Communication skills to deliver GIS technical training and information seminars to Regional GIS users. Ability to train users, and discuss problems and user requests for data and analysis. Ability to demonstrate new features, functions, and benefits of software changes to users; demonstrate various applications, data, and system capabilities to staff; and verbally exchange technical information with staff. Capacity to think critically and solve technical problems individually and in a group setting.
• Understanding municipal bylaws and federal regulations and the ability to comprehend complex contracts.
• Three (3) or four (4) year Community College Diploma or University Degree and a one (1) year post graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems, with a minimum of 2 years experience in similar duties.
• Fulfilling knowledge requirements set out by transport Canada in order to safely operate a UAV.

Impact of Error

Publishing data incorrectly to Internet could expose private data and expose County to legal issues.

Errors in digitizing/plotting of maps for such purposes as Ontario Municipal Board Hearings could cause a loss of credibility on the part of the County.

Grey County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and promotes a culture of respect where all team members are valued for their unique talents, knowledge and lived experiences.

Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants are encouraged to outline accommodation needs when submitting their application. If alternate methods of application are required, candidates can email

While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Any personal information submitted will be managed in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and will be used only to determine eligibility for employment.

Based on the nature of the position, pre-employment screening may be required including but not limited to; Criminal Record Searches, Financial Credit Inquiries; Educational and Credential Verification; Drivers Abstracts; Drug/Alcohol Testing; Pre-Medical Testing and Investigative Employment References.

Posting Closing Date of May 31st, 2024.