About Musqueam
We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people. Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit www.musqueam.bc.ca
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Lands Governance, the GIS Specialist provides the technical and personal skills needed to participate in the organization and provide both high quality GIS services and technical support to the Musqueam Indian Band (MIB) Administration. The GIS Specialist works primarily with the Musqueam Lands Governance Office, and with various departments within the administrative structure, to initiate and support research and develop digital cartographic resources. The GIS Specialist is responsible for the development, deployment, and training of MIB staff on Administrative web-based (internal) mapping solutions and the Musqueam community on web-based (external) mapping applications. The GIS Specialist works to document, create, and attribute data to be utilized in GIS applications and may work collaboratively with staff on all MIB mapping projects.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Participates in the research, design and production of digital and paper map products for negotiations, comprehensive community planning, traditional use mapping, infrastructure mapping, and other related activities.
- Oversees, manage, and update GIS applications development, GIS data repository, GIS IT infrastructure, and software acquisition.
- Creates cartographic products using GIS software while maintaining a high level of map consistency and attention to detail.
- Performs spatial analysis (e.g. 3d modelling, data aggregation, statistical analysis).
- Consults and responds to MIB administration wide requests for digital and paper mapping products and provide end-user support on spatial and technical matters.
- Works with departments and provide support relating to research direction, data entry, and provide infrastructure to store and access research products.
- Works in your GIS team to assist with ad-hoc map requests and geographic data editing, and capture.
- Researches, acquires, and interprets historical maps and aerial photos.
- Collects GPS data in the field and provide GPS training for staff where field work is needed.
- Liaises with external engineering contractors, municipal, provincial, and federal governments regarding MIB spatial data matters.
- Remains current on job specific knowledge by attending training courses and professional organizational meetings and reading job-related professional journals/publications.
- Prepares IT acquisition budgets and apply for funding opportunities that relates directly to the GIS unit functions. Report writing as needed.
- Maintains equipment used in creating and revising of data and maps such as a large format scanner/plotter, GPS handheld, and other GIS related equipment.
- Troubleshoot GIS IT hardware and software issues.
- Other related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Bachelor’s degree in Geography or Natural Resource Sciences, or a degree in another field with a Technical College Certificate in Geographic Information Systems. Master’s degree or GISP certification is an asset.
- 3-5 years’ experience; preference given to candidates with senior level GIS experience in application development and delivery of training sessions.
- Experience in GIS programming, modeling, and relational database is required.
- Experience and proficiency with GIS, GPS, and database software and concepts.
- Preference given to candidates with experience in open source technologies, image processing, GPS field inventory, database creation and maintenance, cartographic design, graphic design, and production.
- Extensive knowledge of a variety of GIS software programs, including ArcGIS, QGIS, PostGIS, MapGuide, TileMill, Mapnik.
- Experience using CAD an asset.
- Experience reading and programming with one or more of the following for GIS and/or web applications: PHP, Python, XML, HTML/CSS, Java, and Javascript
- Experience working with the following databases: PostgreSQL/PostGIS and MySQL.
- Experience working with a variety of spatial data formats, projection systems and metadata, and an ability to QA/QC the integrity of GIS datasets and metadata.
- Knowledge and skills working with raster data (scanned documents, aerial imagery and Digital Elevation Models).
- Knowledge or experience with RPAS (“drones”) an asset.
- Knowledge or experience of land surveying or interpreting land survey maps an asset.
- Knowledge of Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP) or equivalent data sovereignty training an asset.
- Ability to work independently.
- Experience working in a First Nations community is strong asset.
- Excellent interpersonal and team participation skills are essential.
- The ability to communicate complex ideas to a variety of individuals with differing technical backgrounds.
- Criminal record check.
Working Conditions
- The work is performed in an office environment and outside as needed.
Why work for Musqueam?
Our success as a leader as a First Nations Government is built on the traditional teachings of our people, initiative and dedication of the Musqueam Indian Band. Providing a highly engaged traditional government that is member focused.
- Competitive salary
- Training and career development
- Business casual environment
- Community fitness and gym access
- Comprehensive group benefits plan and pension plan
- Located on Musqueam Indian Reserve #2 with free parking; close to nature trails at UBC and along the Fraser River, with shops, restaurants and services along Dunbar and 41st
