GIS Specialist

Overview

Maitland Conservation is a community-based organization dedicated to providing leadership to protect and enhance local water, forests and soil. Our area of jurisdiction covers the watersheds of the Maitland, Nine Mile and Eighteen Mile Rivers, along with smaller watersheds on the Lake Huron shoreline. Maitland Conservation is currently accepting applications for a full time, permanent position of GIS Specialist.

Location: Maitland Conservation Administration Office – Wroxeter, ON

Desired starting Date: June 29, 2026

Job Description: This position is responsible for maintaining and evolving Maitland Conservation’s GIS; acquiring and creating spatial data, models and databases; producing cartographic products and reports; analyzing spatial data relationships and implementing GIS applications for Maitland Conservation services and projects.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Recommend and implement appropriate approaches for the development of GIS and data management services.
• Manage and maintain GIS mapping layers and manage data inventory.
• Organize and integrate various types of information into GIS including, spatial and non-spatial data, hard copy and electronic files and environmental data such as floodplain maps, DTMs/DEMs, water quality and quantity, and stewardship project data.
• Provide technical and mentoring support to all staff, current and new, for assistance with GIS tasks.
• Create static (downloadable) maps for website and social media. Responsible for developing and implementing interactive mapping and downloadable data.
• Create on-line mapping for staff to use in the field, update and maintain datasets via ArcGIS Online.
• Develop queries, models and cartographic products as requested to achieve the objectives of various Maitland Conservation services and projects:
  • Use GIS for hydrological analysis to support Flood and Erosion Safety Services projects.
  • Support Stewardship Services via mapping for reports, external partners and landowners. Oversee data management of project specific data. Periodically update watercourses and natural heritage data.
  • Assist Planning and Regulations Services with DEM edits, regulations boundaries edits (and share with local municipalities and counties), support the team with any GIS related issues and requests that require assistance.
  • Develop ArcGIS StoryMaps and Dashboards to convey key messages and research results to target audiences.
• Maintain Conservation Areas mapping and data for public use (trail maps, property maps, campground maps). Assist with developing infographics to promote these areas.
• Coordinate data acquisition and management with partner agencies.
• Manage and fulfill requests from consultants, agencies and municipalities for GIS products.
• Acquire, maintain and upgrade necessary hardware, software and legal licenses to fulfill Maitland Conservation’s GIS needs.
• Assist with watershed flood response tasks as required.

Qualifications

A degree or diploma with specialization in Geomatics Technology, Information Management, Geography, Computer Technology, or GIS Certification.

A minimum of 3-years full time GIS work experience.

Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of GIS principles, methods, and techniques using ESRI ArcGIS technology, specifically ArcPro and ArcGIS Online. Ability to manage geospatial datasets, perform spatial analysis and produce map products.
• Familiarity with QGIS is an asset.
• Ability to create and edit digital terrain/earth models (DTMs; DEMs) including TIN, terrains and raster surface editing to support Flood and Erosion Safety Services hydrological models.
• Ability to implement and monitor information gathering standards and practices (e.g data models, data collection, data entry, metadata, data security and data quality control).
• Experience using web-based technologies (e.g. ArcGIS Online, Geocortex, MapServer).
• Familiarity with data collection using GNSS. Maintain GNSS equipment and provide technical support to staff relating to its use.
• Ability to create standard themed maps for staff requirements.
• Capacity to undertake analyses using GIS resource data for distribution to target audiences.
• Familiarity with relational database properties, specifically Microsoft Access. Ability to provide support for the Maitland Conservation’s property database (identify data entry errors, create custom queries and summaries).
• Ability to communication complex GIS concepts and workflows to non-expert audiences.
• Must be highly organized and adhere to data management protocols.
• Understanding of watershed hydrology.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a group environment.
• Familiarity with Conservation Authorities and rural communities is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to work on tight deadlines with multiple competing workload pressures.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver good customer service.
• Valid driving license.
• Willingness to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions when required.

Working Circumstances:

• Normal working hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• A hybrid option incorporating a mixture of in-office and remote work is available.
• May be required to adjust working hours to meet workplan and Authority needs.
• May require limited evening and weekend work for flood related emergencies and special events

Wage Range: $34.92 to $40.14 per hour (based on 37.5 hours/week) plus benefits and pension plan.

Application Deadline: June 3, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and your resume in a single PDF(.pdf) file with GIS Specialist in the subject line to:

Jayne Thompson, Communications & GIS-IT Coordinator
Maitland Conservation
Box 127, 1093 Marietta Street
Wroxeter, Ontario. N0G 2X0
Email: jthompson@mvca.on.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Personal information provided is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. Applicants are asked to make their needs known in advance.

JOB PERKS: hybrid schedule available