Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician

JOB PROFILE

TITLE: GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) TECHNICIAN CLASSIFICATION: SCIENTIFIC/TECHNICAL OFFICER 18

JOB OVERVIEW To create digital, graphic and descriptive products to support resource planning through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS).

ACCOUNTABILITIES  Creates, develops and maintains spatial and attribute data bases used in Geographic Information System (GIS) applications, relational database management (RDBM) systems and other corporate business systems.  Translates, integrates and manipulates data from various sources and formats to government standards.  Conducts quality assurance on input data, digital products and deliverables to ensure continuity, integrity and compliance with standards.  Compiles and enhances source information to create spatial analysis products including various resource themes, descriptive statistics and cartographic outputs.  Writes technical reports and manuals related to project methodology, business requirements and the management of spatial and attribute data.  Works with other government agencies and geo-spatial data providers, industry, clients and stakeholders to ensure the provision of technical products that meet the needs of clients and users.  Reviews published maps and other data sources, inspecting for content, cartographic design and quality; identifies and resolves conflicts.  Conducts testing, evaluation, and documentation of GIS related hardware and software.  Assists with data preparation, development, design and publication of web applications related to the collection, analysis, and presentation of spatially-related data.

Optional:  Maintains awareness of and/or researches emerging issues, technologies and approaches related to spatial data and analysis methodologies and applications.  Completes land status, performs adjudication and makes recommendations based on knowledge of business practices, legislation and policy.  Uses programming languages and other GIS tools to design, develop and create custom program code, databases, customized geospatial tools, or applications that are used by government and/or public clients and stakeholders. Custom applications/tools may also facilitate collection, management, analysis and reporting of spatial and attribute data. JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience:  Degree or Diploma in geographic information systems or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.  A minimum of 1 year of experience capturing, converting, creating, editing and maintaining digital information in a GIS environment.  Experience using ESRI GIS products, in particular ArcGIS

Preference may be given to applicants who have training and/or experience with:  A variety of natural resource, economic, and/or social data sets, in particular for BC  Delivering spatial analysis projects in support of client's business needs  Creating a variety of digital, geographical and descriptive products such as spatial data files, thematic maps and associated descriptive statistics  Python and/or other programming languages (e.g. JAVA)  SQL  FME

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.  Knowledge of ESRI GIS products, in particular ArcGIS

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES  Analytical Thinking is the ability to comprehend a situation by breaking it down into its components and identifying key or underlying complex issues. It implies the ability to systematically organize and compare the various aspects of a problem or situation, and determine cause-and- effect relationships ("if...then…") to resolve problems in a sound, decisive manner. Checks to ensure the validity or accuracy of all information.  Concern for Order reflects an underlying drive to reduce uncertainty in the surrounding environment. It is expressed as monitoring and checking work or information, insisting on clarity of roles and functions, etc.  Planning, Organizing and Coordinating involves proactively planning, establishing priorities and allocating resources. It is expressed by developing and implementing increasingly complex plans. It also involves monitoring and adjusting work to accomplish goals and deliver to the organization's mandate.  Teamwork and Co-operation is the ability to work co-operatively within diverse teams, work groups and across the organization to achieve group and organizational goals. It includes the desire and ability to understand and respond effectively to other people from diverse backgrounds with diverse views.  Problem Solving/Judgement is the ability to analyze problems systematically, organize information, identify key factors, identify underlying causes and generate solutions.  Results Orientation is a concern for surpassing a standard of excellence. The standard may be one’s own past performance (striving for improvement); an objective measure (achievement orientation); challenging goals that one has set; or even improving or surpassing what has already been done (continuous improvement).

For more information about behavioural interviews, competency definitions, and to watch interview videos please visit: Competencies and the BC Public Service