Forest Technician - GIS

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Director, Forest Resource Information Management, the Forest Technician (GIS) will assist with and provide technical support to field officers involved in the implementation and monitoring of forest management activities. This position will also include providing technical assistance for users of ArcGIS Mobile and Terrasync platforms on commercial and professional grade GPS units across Forestry Department regions. In addition, he/she will assist with data collection and verification efforts, GIS database maintenance, map production as well as public awareness and education initiatives. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS:

Administrative Responsibilities 

• Provides inputs for the operational plans, budget and the setting of priorities for the Branch;
• Develop individual work plans that are aligned to organisational goals and objectives;
• Prepares and submits progress reports in accordance with agreed work plan;
• Performs standard level professional work compiling, verifying, maintaining hardcopy dta/maps and inputting & updating information into multiple GIS databases; 

Technical Responsibilities 

• Utilizes in-house Geographic Information System (GIS) software and hardware to digitize and enter data; 
• Scans, georeferences and digitizes information and creates, maintains, updates, queries GIS data to provide easier access and retrieval of processed information on multiple databases to support valid statistical analysis; 
• Creates accurate grid references utilizing appropriate GIS software, coordinate geometry and graphics to correspond with the information and/or design drawing, legal surveys, maps and addresses needed to update information for infrastructure mapping; 
• Compares field and office mapping to resolve incongruous information issues, and utilize Global Positioning System (GPS) or wireless GIS systems to collect or verify the accuracy of the GIS data; 
• Creates and updates various map types using planimetric and thematic mapping techniques and aerial and satellite data;
• Performs quality assurance on GIS data and processes; 
• Maintains data and map request log; 
• Prepare reports as required; 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

The post-holder will be able to demonstrate: 

Technical 

• Ability to use office productivity tools efficiently and effectively (Excel, Word etc.).
• Ability to read and interpret plans, drawings, maps, surveys and other technical documents and drawings 
• Experience with both scanning/on-screen and tablet digitizing. 
• Knowledge of rectification techniques. 
• Experience working with vegetation and/or wildlife datasets and must be physically fit to navigate remote forest terrains 
• Knowledge of GIS analysis and map preparation 
• Knowledge of GIS data upload/download 

Behavioural 

• Ability to build partnership in achieving operational goals; 
• Strong customer orientation skills; 
• Ability to work independently with general supervision and direction. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; 
• Strong interpersonal skills; 
• Ability to work under time constraints and deadlines; 
• Ability to work cooperatively with other employees; 
• Ability to accomplish complex project tasks in cooperation with other employees; 

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A Diploma in GIS or closely related fields 
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a GIS-related position 

PLUS 

• Knowledge and proficiency to utilize ESRI’s Arc Info and ArcView software products
• Competent in data collection, the use of GPS technology and the integration with GIS software 
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Windows operating systems and MS Office software suite.
• Having a knowledge of remote sensing and natural resource/forest management would be an asset. 

OR

• Any other acceptable combination of academic qualification and field experience 

We thank all persons who express an interest; however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.