GIS Technician

The Opportunity:

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment has an exciting GIS Technician opportunity in the Forest Service Branch, located in Prince Albert. The ministry takes a team-based approach to protect Saskatchewan’s environment for the wellbeing of the province, its people, and its future. We use science-based solutions and environmental laws to help safeguard communities, protect our air, land, water, and habitat. We are committed to providing superior citizen and client satisfaction through workplace excellence, continuous improvement, and innovation.

As the GIS Technician you will:

• Manage data capture activities for GIS applications ensuring appropriate technology and protocols are used for data capture (e.g., digitizing, attribute entry) to create custom maps and other spatial data products for a wide variety of project applications;
• Design and develop workflow models for business processes that use multiple spatial and business datasets to produce output datasets and maps using various tools (e.g. ArcGIS software and extensions);
• Utilize GIS tools and data to spatially analyze and audit datasets to identify potential data gaps, overlaps and other errors;
• Analyze data from online systems by constructing SQL queries to extract data and prepare statistical reports and maps as required;
• Design and develop scripts and routines to automate the process of creating spatial datasets (e.g., shapefiles and geodatabase feature classes) from information stored in business databases and to automate repetitive geoprocessing tasks used in GIS analysis and the production of maps;
• Develop processes and documented procedures for the transfer, conversion, import and management of spatial and attribute data;
• Ensure that spatial data and map products created by the branch/ministry adheres to applicable standards; and
• Foster a productive, effective, healthy, and respectful work environment.
• The ideal candidate will have:
• Knowledge of the principles of geographic information systems;
• Ability to manage multiple projects by prioritizing work, multi-tasking and adapting to changing priorities; and
• Ability to use Microsoft software - Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Typically, the knowledge required for this position would be acquired through a technical diploma or undergraduate degree in Geographic Information Systems.

What we offer:

• Dynamic, challenging work for talented individuals;
• A competitive salary;
• Comprehensive benefits package including pension;
• Vacation, earned days off (EDO) and other types of leave (maternity/paternity/adoption, family/personal leave, sick leave);
• An inclusive work environment;
• Professional development opportunities.

About Prince Albert:

The beautiful City of Prince Albert is the third largest city in the province and is situated on the North Saskatchewan River in Central Saskatchewan. The City rests on the south bank of the river, which divides the province's aspen parkland from the boreal forest on the north bank. To learn more about Prince Albert visit: Move to Prince Albert! - City of Prince Albert (citypa.ca)

• Manage and maintain databases and large datasets, ensuring integrity, accuracy, and efficient access to information.
• Compile, analyze, and report data to support decision-making, while developing automated tools and applications to streamline tasks.
• Provide system administration, troubleshooting, and technical support, including preparing training and procedural materials for staff and clients.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to assess project needs and deliver effective GIS and data solutions.
• Capture, edit, and integrate data using established standards, operating GIS software to produce maps, graphics, spatial models, and statistical outputs.
• Customize applications, generate cartographic products from diverse sources, and integrate external software to enhance analysis.
• Deliver data, solutions, and applications in digital or hardcopy formats, along with training and ongoing user support.  

Job Capabilities:  

As a public servant, we are seeking someone who:

• Is accountable, takes ownership of their work by contributing to organizational outcomes and demonstrates the corporate values in our Commitment to Excellence.
• Is innovative and seeks out ways for improvement by thinking creatively, identifying new ideas and taking responsible risks.
• Works collaboratively with others to understand, engage and have meaningful dialogue to achieve work outcomes.
• Is inclusive, identifies and is aware of personal bias, and readily seeks out and appreciates diverse perspectives.
• Is adaptable, continuously learns from experience and applies those learnings to new situations.
• Focuses on achieving public service excellence. 

Technical Knowledge and Skills:  

You will have knowledge of:

• Geographic Information Systems supporting natural resource management;
• programming languages for quality assurance, editing, maintenance, archiving, and analysis; and
• implementing a project with an information management component.

You will have the demonstrated ability to:

• Work independently, or as a contributing team member;
• Verbally and in writing relay technical information through presentations, reports and memos to promote understanding and educate a wide and varied audience;
• Write a variety of detailed, accurate and clear reports and manuals that provide technical documentation of procedures and methodologies;
• Develop and/or deliver accurate presentations to promote understanding and to educate both technical and non-technical audiences;
• Independently and/or in collaboration with others, plan, prioritize and schedule work assignments to meet unit, branch and ministry objectives;
• Manage multiple projects by prioritizing work, multi-tasking, and adapting to changing priorities;
• Consult and collaborating with subject matter experts within the Forest Service to influence, negotiate, persuade or to provide advice in a wide variety of matters pertaining to data integrity;
• Create, convert, assess and manage geo-spatial data;
• Create and document workflow and design cartographically appealing and effective maps;
• Identify data quality issues, provide alternative options and make recommendations that support the development of the ministry’s enterprise-wide data model; and
• Create, document, and execute workflows in python or other programming languages.

You will be:

• Self-motivated in order to solve problems and accomplish tasks using innovative methods with little or no supervision;
• Committed to workplace health and safety in order to maintain a healthy, productive, respectful and safe work environment; and
• Committed to the Government of Saskatchewan’s Commitment to Excellence.

Job Skills:

• Communication (Level B)  
• Critical Thinking (Level B)  
• Digital Skills (Level B)  
• Interacting with Others (Level C)  
• Navigating Ambiguity (Level B)  
• Managing Self (Level B)  
• Health, Safety and Wellness (Level A)
• Data Literacy (Level B)  
• Influence (Level B)  
• Political and Organizational Awareness (Level A)  

Learn more about the Government of Saskatchewan’s Capabilities and Skills Framework here. 

What We Offer:

• Dynamic and challenging work
• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including pension
• Vacation, scheduled days off, and other types of leave
• Inclusive work environments
• Career growth, development, and advancement opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements

Our Commitment to Excellence:

The Government of Saskatchewan upholds deep-rooted values of Respect and Integrity, Serving Citizens, Excellence and Innovation, and Acting as One Team.