GIS Officer 1(A)-(B)-2(A)-(C) (Designated)

Designation Status

This opportunity is designated to applicants that identify as Indigenous Person, African/Black Nova Scotian and other Racialized Persons, and/or Person with a Disability.

See the Nova Scotia Government’s Employment Equity Policy for more information, including additional details on the designated groups.

About Us

GeoNOVA is the provincial mapping program, providing geomatics solutions for departments and agencies across provincial government. GeoNOVA’s vision is to ensure geographic information supports the Government of Nova Scotia in achieving excellence in decision making and service delivery.

Located in Amherst, NS the Nova Scotia Geomatics Centre was established in the 1990s as a centre of excellence in the geomatics sciences.  Join our leading-edge team of geomatics professionals as the Geomatics Program Administrator responsible for geographic naming in Nova Scotia.  

Find more about GeoNOVA here.

About Our Opportunity

This client-focused, problem-solving role offers an excellent opportunity to build your analytical skills and advance your career through hands-on experience and professional development. You’ll work alongside a dedicated team of geomatics professionals committed to improving provincial GIS datasets and refining maintenance strategies and quality control programs.

Reporting to GIS Coordinators at the Nova Scotia Geomatics Centre in Amherst, the Geographic Information System (GIS 1-2) Specialist is responsible for the collection, manipulation, analysis, development, maintenance, and mapping of government-related spatial datasets. Documenting processes and procedures is a key part of the role.

Collaboration with stakeholders and data providers, along with the use of remotely sensed data such as aerial photography, satellite imagery, LiDAR, and Pictometry) is essential to maintaining the foundational provincial datasets. Digitizing source materials and integrating GPS data are also necessary for this work.

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled, detail-oriented geomatics professional with technical expertise in the latest GIS technologies and practices. This includes experience with GIS platforms such as ArcGIS Online (AGOL), Esri Enterprise/Portal, and ArcGIS Pro, as well as a solid understanding of cartographic principles, spatial analysis tools, relational and file-based databases, and geographic data methodologies.

Primary Accountabilities

The GIS Specialist is responsible for:

• Maintaining and promoting GIS best practices and quality control standards
• Managing and maintaining geospatial databases
• Creating and maintaining digital geospatial data and products
• Developing and publishing GIS applications for provincial government partners using ArcGIS Online (AGOL) and/or Esri Enterprise/Portal
• Producing cartographic products that adhere to standards and prioritize accessibility
• Researching and developing new geospatial products and solutions
• Utilizing remote sensing data such as aerial photography, orthophotos, and LiDAR, including the creation of derived products such as DEMs
• Supporting and maintaining databases, distributable datasets, map services, and mapping applications, including the creation of technical documentation
• Providing technical support and training to other provincial departments, municipalities, and First Nation communities on spatial information needs
• Assisting clients in locating and accessing the geospatial data and products they require
• Enhancing the client experience by exploring and testing self-serve data distribution solutions
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate must have one of the following education levels:
 

• Graduation from an approved Geomatics program at a recognized GIS technical school and/or
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant Geomatics field

 
The ideal candidate will have knowledge and/or experience in the following:
 

• Experience with geographic information systems and related database applications;
• Self-starter with a positive attitude who applies a regular application of independent, sound judgment to solve problems in relation to the quality assurance of geographic databases;
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, good organizational and strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Ability to exercise a logical approach to analyzing problems, interpret client needs while building relationships, adapt to new methodologies and software applications, interact with outside organizations and the public in a professional manner;
• Work cooperatively and collectively in a team environment;
• Attention to detail and strong time management skills;
• Ability to embrace changing technology and innovate internal processes to make the most of changes in technology
• Manage multiple tasks with conflicting priorities while meeting deadlines.
  
  

Assets

The following qualifications will be considered assets. Please clearly state and demonstrate any of the following:

• Experience working with province-wide datasets maintained by our section, including:
  
  • Nova Scotia Civic Address File
  • Nova Scotia Road Network
  • Nova Scotia Topographic Database
  • Nova Scotia Orthophotography Database
  • Nova Scotia Geographic Names Database
  • Nova Scotia Aerial Photography Database
  • Nova Scotia LiDAR and derivative products
• Proficiency with Structured Query Language (SQL), Arcade, and Python
• Experience with geocoding techniques and network datasets
• Experience using ArcGIS Online and Portal for ArcGIS
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop
• Experience using 3D modelling tools to digitize topographic features and capture x, y, and z data from imagery or LiDAR using a heads-up interface
• Understanding of data-use licenses and disclaimers, particularly in support of client data orders
  
  

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules