GIS Analyst

Overview

GIS Analyst
Job Posting

Salary:                $70,000 – $90,000 (commensurate with experience).

Status:                Full-time, 1-year contract (possibility of extension dependent on subsequent funding).

Reports to:         Director, EMRPC.

Location:             Montréal and surrounding area (additional information below).

Closing Date:     August 14, 2026. Prospective candidate expected to start as soon as possible.

 

Core Functions

Established under the Eeyou Marine Region Land Claims Agreement (EMRLCA), the Eeyou Marine Region Planning Commission (EMRPC) has a mandate to develop and implement a land use plan that guides development and resource use in the Eeyou Marine Region (EMR).

Reporting to the Director, the GIS Analyst serves as the technical lead for the Commission’s geospatial database infrastructure, spatial modeling and analysis, and web GIS deployment. Serving as the primary spatial data contact for Cree communities, government agencies, and partner organizations, the Analyst supports the delivery of community mapping tools and data collection initiatives to ensure environmental, cultural, and land-use data are accurately integrated into regional planning. The Analyst’s spatial analysis provides the technical foundation for drafting plan policies, land-use designations, and specific development requirements.

Functional Responsibilities

• Establishing a centralized, well-structured spatial database, harmonizing key data collection initiatives, and facilitating collaboration between organizations to enhance data accessibility and usability for planning purposes.
• Developing systems, procedures, and parameters for collecting and verifying data.
  Implementing data communication systems to ensure access and compatibility with other sources of land and environmental data.
• Maintaining databases, spatial layers, and metadata.
• Identifying gaps in existing datasets and supporting the Director of the EMRPC in requesting access to relevant data to ensure a complete and reliable foundation for spatial planning.
• Developing analytical frameworks and spatial models that integrate best practices, Cree decision-making, cultural knowledge, environmental stewardship, economic potential, and community priorities.
• Conducting advanced spatial analysis, such as multi-criteria evaluation, density analysis, cumulative impact assessments, and use-conflict modeling, to provide the evidence base for establishing land-use designations, zoning boundaries, plan policies, and development requirements in the EMR.
• Communicating spatial data effectively by designing visually impactful maps and preparing reports and presentations that summarize analysis and recommendations for Cree communities and land users, as well as Government and other stakeholders.

Other Responsibilities

• Preparing a GIS program design, including a plan and budget for review by the EMRPC’s Director.

Qualifications

Education

• University Degree (Master’s preferred) with a specialization in GIS, Geomatics, Geography, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of professional GIS experience, preferably within resource management, marine spatial planning, or working alongside Indigenous organizations and communities.
• Experience with community-based data collection or participatory mapping initiatives is a strong asset.
• A combination of education, knowledge, skills, and practical experience equal in worth to the formal requirements will be considered.

Language

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in French is an asset.
• Fluency in Cree is an asset.

Knowledge and Abilities

Technical experience and knowledge of:

• GIS software (specifically the ESRI suite, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online), Experience Builder, and mobile field data collection tools (e.g., ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123).
• Proven knowledge of advanced geo-spatial analysis methods, including density, home-range, multi-criteria overlay, least-cost path analyses, and spatial modelling.
• Strong digital cartography and map design skills to present complex environmental and cultural spatial data clearly.
• Practical understanding of spatial metadata standards, data management protocols, and Indigenous Data Sovereignty frameworks (e.g., OCAP principles).
• Ability to independently manage and conduct concurrent mapping projects and workflows.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to translate technical spatial concepts for Cree communities, government partners, and non-technical stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the concepts of marine spatial planning, traditional land use, and Northern co-management contexts is a significant asset.

Additional Requirements

• Be willing to travel to remote communities.

Additional information

The head office of the EMRPC is located in Waskaganish, Eeyou Istchee.  The GIS Analyst will work remotely from their home location; however they will be expected to work occasionally, on an as needed basis, in person at the head office in Waskaganish or other coastal Cree communities.
Qualified applicants from the surrounding areas of Montreal, Ottawa/Gatineau, Val d’Or and Eeyou Istchee will be given preference, due to logistical considerations related to air and land travel to Eeyou Istchee.

As this is a contract position, limited benefits are provided.

Application Process

Please e-mail your cover letter and resume to: cv@eeyoumarineregion.ca

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

The EMRPC may, at its discretion, waive certain aforementioned requirements if a suitable candidate who is a Cree James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) beneficiary accepts to follow a training plan determined by the EMRPC as a condition of employment.