Western EcoSystems Technology (WEST) is looking for a full-time GIS Specialist. Location of the position is flexible depending on the qualified applicant; however, preference may be given to an applicant based out of one of WEST’s existing North America offices.

WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data. Since its founding in 1990, the WEST team has shaped the foundation of what we do, and what we believe in through our core values and key principles. Our work matters to our clients, communities, and the environment. Join WEST and discover a company of passionate, committed, and highly motivated individuals.

Key Benefits:

• Competitive salary and bonus structure
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• RRSP (100% employer contributions, after initial eligibility requirements are met)
• Life insurance, Long Term Disability and AD&D

The minimum base salary is $67,000 CAD, and the maximum base salary is $87,000 CAD, plus an annual bonus. Salary may vary based on education, knowledge and experience.

Job Description:

The ideal candidate will have experience in GIS as it applies to the environment and natural resources. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining spatial data, producing professional maps, and performing spatial analyses for a wide range of environmentally focused projects.

While job duties may change over time based on individual skills and expertise, the initial primary job duties for this position typically include:

• 30% cartography/data presentation for field surveys, memos, and reports,
• 30% data management, including data formatting, conversion, and directory maintenance,
• 30% data analysis and creation, including spatial modeling, digitizing, and data mining,
• 5% technical support for other GIS users within the organization,
• 5% quality review of other GIS users’ report maps and data deliverables.

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of the duties which may be associated with this position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Geography or GIS, or a related field, such as Geomatics, Remote Sensing, Information Technology, Biology, or Environmental Sciences AND 1 or more years of professional GIS experience. OR Master’s degree in Geography or GIS, or a related field, such as Geomatics, Remote Sensing, Information Technology, Biology, or Environmental Science.
• Proficient with Esri ArcGIS Pro and Desktop Suite.
• Experience with QGIS and Google Earth.
• Experience with ArcGIS ModelBuilder and some Python scripting.
• Knowledge of spatial modeling and complex analyses.
• Strong understanding of cartographic principles.
• Strong understanding of spatial file formats.
• Great attention to detail.
• Strong problem solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of team.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to work with team members in remote offices.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficient with one or more programming languages (Python, JavaScript, R, etc.).
• Experience with GPS technologies and software such as ArcGIS Field Maps, Trimble, Garmin, Trimble, and Pathfinder Office.
• Experience procuring and working with publicly available administrative and environmental data from Canada sources.
• Experience with web-based applications such as ArcGIS Online, Geoserver, and GeoNode.
• Experience providing real-time support and data solutions to field technicians using a variety of spatial data collection technologies.
• Experience working with remotely sensed data (imagery, LiDAR, etc.).
• Experience working with environmental data at various scales for constraints mapping.
• Knowledge of SQL and database administration.

Additional Desirable Experience & Skills:

• Project management.
• Writing proposals/grants.
• Written fluency in Spanish language.

Successful candidates must be able to provide a driver’s abstract that meets WEST’s minimum criteria to operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company. Successful candidates must also be able to pass a periodic drug and alcohol test that meets the minimum criteria of WEST and our clients. Candidates must be capable of adhering to all health and safety requirements outlined by WEST and our clients, for the duration of their employment.

WEST provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, mental or physical disability, marital status, family status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law.