GIS Specialist I

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is inviting applications for the temporary, full time (up to 16 months) position of GIS Specialist I in Information Technology. 

Applicants who previously applied for this position do not need to reapply.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons.  Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is one of HRM’s enterprise applications. The software is used extensively by various business units throughout the organization including the CAO’s office (Elections), PW (Project Planning & Design), Community & Recreation Services (Trails), Environment & Climate Change and Public Safety (EMO, Fire, Police).

Under the direction of the Manager, GIS, the GIS Specialist I requires a broad technical knowledge of:

• Geography and geographic concepts
• Experience creating solutions leveraging Esri's ArcGIS Online, Field Map and Web App Builder tools
• Experience editing enterprise GIS data in a versioned environment using ArcGIS Pro

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with HRM business unit staff to design, develop and support mapping solutions for both field and office use by staff and citizens.
• Generate reports and products from geographic databases and related systems, to meet the needs of the organization and its business units.
• Assist in developing procedures and standards for data collection and integration, as well as methods to reduce duplication and data entry errors.
• Assist in performing, processing, and integrating acquired infrastructure field data into GIS.
• Develop and execute quality assurance checks and quality control procedures.
• Ensure data meets corporate standards as well as client needs and that appropriate metadata is captured against the corporate databases.
• Implement, modify, and execute procedures for data integrity and security.
• Ensure integration and compatibility with other IT system databases, programs, and initiatives.
• Work pro-actively and cooperatively with the IT and business unit resources to recommend tasks for work plan development and implementation purposes.
• Assist in the design, development, and creation of workflows and processes.
• Develop database queries, application scripts, and customized routines of varying complexity.
• Enter and update the geometry and attribute values of GIS data from source documents.
• Use project management skills and practices to effectively manage and deliver projects within strict deadlines.
• Perform spatial queries and analyses using a variety of GIS programs and relational databases.
• Conduct research to find and verify GIS data from source documents.
• Interpret and analyze aerial photography, making comparisons to other spatial data sources.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; deal courteously, tactfully, and diplomatically with elected officials, co-workers and clients.
• Prepare training materials and system documentation; organize and provide group and one-on-one training and support.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:

• 2-year diploma in geomatics from a recognized institution, or suitable combination of education and experience in geomatics.
• Minimum two years work experience in a technical position in a geomatics environment, preferably in a municipal setting.
• Minimum two years work experience with Esri's ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Web App Builder, and ArcGIS field data capture tools.
• Minimum two years work experience with scripting tools automating data.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Enterprise ArcGIS Server environment and associated tools.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of ESRI products such as ArcGIS Pro, AGOL, Field Maps and Web App Builder.
• Thorough knowledge of cartographic concepts, design and layout. Strong database management and analysis skills.
• Strong data maintenance skills.
• Knowledge of remote sensing and remote sensing techniques.
• Ability to interpret aerial photography and integrate scanned images into GIS.
• Familiar with other GIS, CAD (Computer Aided Design) and database software.
• Extensive interpretation skills with respect to municipal information (i.e. road and water networks, property information, building information, parks and open spaces, etc.).

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.
 
Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.  Interviews, testing, and in-person recruitment activities are being conducted in adherence with current COVID-19 Public Health protocols.  

COMPETENCIES: Analytical Thinking, Communication, Customer Service, Organizational Awareness, Organization and Planning, Teamwork and Cooperation, Valuing Diversity, Values and Ethics, Risk Management, Conflict Management.
 
WORK STATUS: Temporary, full-time (up to 16 months)

HOURS OF WORK: 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday; 35 hours per week. (Flex options to work outside these hours under a hybrid work model may be available). Some overtime hours may be required.

SALARY: $39.63 per hour; Level 8 as per hour as per the Agreement between the Halifax Regional Municipality and NSGEU Local 222

WORK LOCATION: Barrington Tower, Scotia Square - Halifax, NS

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm on Wednesday, July 9, 2025
 
This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration. 

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link: Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax
 
(position # 78604485)