Wildfire Geospatial Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Do you want to be a part of the most technologically advanced Fire Incident Mapping program in Canada? Have you done Fire Incident Mapping in Alberta? Then we encourage you to apply!

Organization and planning are a huge component of this position where you will be reporting to the Wildfire Geospatial Team Lead. Primarily, this position will be supporting the Program Coordinator, and as a small team you will provide all necessary services to support the effective operation of the Fire Incident Mapping program and help maintain and develop web maps as well as other tools used for operational decision making. 

You would also provide essential geospatial solutions to support the Forestry Division in providing wildfire predictive services, wildfire planning, wildfire operations and forestry initiatives.  This includes the assurance of dynamic data update processes including the creation and updating of scripted processes using python, the provision of digital and/or hard copy cartographic products to support decision making, the provision of GIS web services, and of advanced data analysis.

Your responsibilities are, but not limited to: 

Supporting Fire Incident Mapping Program by:
•    Providing solutions and expertise with respect to fire incident mapping to specialists working fires who are needing support on a variety of issues.  This requires experience and knowledge of procedures, tools, software, and hardware used for fire incident mapping, as well as a calm and helpful demeanor.  
•    Creating, managing, and maintaining the fire incident mapping roster of professionals sourced from multiple ministries.  This also includes adjusting to unexpected circumstances that require quick resourcing solutions.

Supporting the Forestry Division in wildfire related business by:
•    Supporting wildfire geospatial information consumers throughout the Government of Alberta, industry, academics, and public with making geospatial data and services available through the Alberta Geospatial Services Platform (AGSP).
•    Creating, updating, and maintaining dynamic spatial data update processes using python and the ESRI python libraries, and creation of tools to run the processes, or scheduled automation, to keep the databases current.
•    Providing maps, statistics, and analytics, often in extremely short timelines for the Forestry Division management group.

Please click on this link to view the job description.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Creative problem Solving: Works in open teams to share ideas and process issues using a wide range of techniques to solve problems.

Systems Thinking: Takes a long-term view towards organization’s objectives and how to achieve them.

Agility: Identifies and manages required change and the associated risks as well as proactively explaining impact of changes. 

Develops Networks: Leverages relationships to build input and perspective as well as actively seeks input for change initiatives.

Build Collaborative Environments: Collaborates across functional areas to strengthen commitment to delivering outcomes.

Qualifications

Minimum requirement: 
Two-year technical diploma in a related field such as Geographic Information Systems plus six years related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related experience or education considered on one year of experience for one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience. 

Additional Requirements:
•    Advanced knowledge of GIS concepts and processes.
•    High proficiency in ESRI desktop GIS products.
•    Some experience in scripting with python and the ESRI libraries such as arcpy.
 

Assets:
•    Trained on the Alberta Wildfire Tools (AWT) add-on for ArcGIS.
•    Experience of being deployed as a GIS or Mapping Specialist at a minimum of 2 large (Type 1) fires. 
•    Experience with providing geospatial information through web based ESRI products via ArcGIS Online and/or enterprise portal.
•    Certification in the Incident Command System to a minimum of ICS-100.
•    Understanding of the basics of fire behaviour.
•    Experience with creating and managing GIS datasets in enterprise geodatabases.
•    Experience with Microsoft SQL Server tools and query creation, such as with building database views.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This position is a temporary full-time role with the standard weekly work hours of 36.25, Monday to Friday. The incumbent may be requested to work overtime, evening, and weekends due to the emergency nature of wildfires.
 

Travel may be required for this position.

For internal applicants, temporary assignment (secondment) may be possible at the discretion of your Ministry and dependent upon approval from your supervisor.  

Candidates may be required to complete a written assignment as part of the interview process.

Application Information:
•    In your application, please a include cover letter detailing your interest, and role related experience. In your resume include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part time, or full time. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three, 8 hour shifts/week).
•    Three (3) work-related references are required for those selected for an interview.
•    Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

What we offer:
•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
•    Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs