Source: BC Hydro
Job Title: Mapping & GIS Specialist
Job Location: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Annual Salary: $ 70,800.00 – 76,300.00
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Providing clean electricity to 4 million customers takes a diverse workforce and that’s where you come in. We need your talent to help us build major projects to meet growing demand. To help our customers find clean energy solutions for their homes and businesses and to be ready to respond during storms and outages to keep our system reliable.
Working for BC Hydro is meaningful. And now, the stakes have been raised as we work towards a solution to climate change while safely providing clean, affordable electricity to our customers.
We offer a healthy work life balance, training opportunities and career progression. We’re proud to be ranked as one of B.C.’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. Join us as we build an even cleaner B.C.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Duties:
To provide advanced mapping services and geographic information science (GIS) products to managers, engineers and technologists in multiple disciplines throughout BC Hydro.
* Performs a variety of GIS tasks to complete mapping/geospatial projects, including: researching, selecting and evaluating map source data for use in the preparation or revision of maps or analysis; preparing and revising maps, charts or drawings; georeferencing airphotos and non-digital map media; digitizing aerial photographs; applying GIS tools and scripts to manipulate vector and raster datasets; editing and cleaning geospatial datasets based on topological rules; developing scripts and macros to improve efficiency of GIS tasks; following corporate filing conventions and departmental archiving system to organize both digital and hard; copying files and tracking changes/revisions to drawings and data.
* Liaises with internal BC Hydro staff (engineers, project managers, technologists etc.) and external team members to determine their mapping and GIS requirements, advising on options for data and type of analysis to best meet their objectives. Responds to email, telephone and in-person requests for mapping and geospatial information from BC Hydro clients by determining which mapping products will best suit the clients’ needs (paper or digital map, large or small scale, coarse or fine detail, etc.), and discussing timelines for delivery.
* Performs spatial analyses and queries by: researching, selecting and evaluating source data; confirming a solid understanding of the input data’s architecture to ensure that any decisions made during analysis are applied appropriately; applying combinations of scripts and GIS tools to input data in order execute spatial analyses and generate new information; calculating volumes of water within a reservoir; determining the spatial relationships between datasets by performing extraction, overlay and proximity analyses; reclassifying data to demonstrate a spatial function; applying mathematical and statistical functions to datasets to model geographic relationships.
* Designs, develops and manages 2D and 3D database models of BC Hydro Infrastructure. Generates the database schema for storing generation and environmental assets; collects and records data sources, accuracy values and validity dates; updates data as new information becomes available ensuring topological rules are applied and that attributes are filled in and complete; designs workflows to convert data from historic CAD drawings in local coordinate systems to UTM coordinates using rotation and scale and shift factors; secures confidential data layers; disseminates information as appropriate in the form of layer files, pdf maps, published map documents.
* Act as GIS expert for the team by: advising the department and other BC Hydro staff members about the capabilities and limitations of GIS applications and data formats; providing advice to clients putting together RFPs or contract documents regarding the use of GIS terminology to define GIS tasks and requirements; acting as the Subject Matter Expert resource person for the IT Helpdesk’s trouble calls regarding ESRI software products. Works with ESRI support to resolve technical issues.
* Performs quality control and assurance checks on incoming geographic datasets to ensure it meets BC Hydro specifications and/or standards. Reads, interprets and understands contract or project specifications for GIS datasets; analyzes the schema of incoming data to ensure that datasets follow topological requirements; utilizes GIS scripts and design workflows to identify ‘bad geometry’ (slivers, over/under shoots, zingers etc.); checks to ensure the correct number of features have been recorded; documents the QA/QC process and supplies client with a report outlining the findings and recommendations.
* Performs site visits to conduct field checks of GIS data. Ensures adequate safety training is completed; participates in tailboard on site; locates site features and ensures that database information is filled in correctly; investigates site modifications and records field notes; operates GPS and/or field GIS units.
* Participates in the development and presentation of the department’s technical innovations, products and services to internal and external groups. Develops presentation materials showcasing BC Hydro technological GIS innovations. Present materials to internal groups of various knowledge levels of GIS and geospatial theories, as well as to GIS industry peers.
* Performs duties of a minor nature related to the above duties that do not affect the rating of the job.
Qualifications:
* Advanced Diploma in GIS from an institute of technology, plus three (3) years of progressively complex GIS experience within a utilities and/or natural resource environment.
* Must possess a valid BC driver’s license.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This position is affiliated with the Movement of United Professionals union (MoveUP/COPE). http://moveuptogether.ca
* This is a 5 year FTT opportunity under the MOU#15 agreement.
* This position will be focused on supporting North Coast Transmission Projects.
* This position will be part of the Geomatics Services team which includes GIS and Photogrammetry.
* Our services include preparing data and loading data into 3D dam models, compiling digital terrain models, undertaking spatial analysis for engineering and environmental studies, compiling data to facilitate route location studies, compiling pertinent topographic data for engineering and environmental studies, data loading into the enterprise GIS, preparing electronic drawings and general mapping and drafting duties.
* As part of the selection process, applicants will be required to take a written test/assessment.
* Please submit a cover letter with your application.
* Majority of time is spent in a normal office environment.
* Requires occasional travel and field trips to other sites, which may require carrying equipment and walking over rough terrain.
Desired Technical Skills & Experience:
* Excellent working knowledge of ESRI software (ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Enterprise) and other related platforms.
* Advanced working knowledge of data transformation software (i.e. FME).
* Experience with relational database systems (specifically SQL Server).
* Experience working with AutoCAD files.
* Working knowledge of 3D surface modeling and 3D visualization concepts.
* Experience developing web maps and/or web mapping applications using ArcGIS Portal.
* Knowledge of programming/scripting languages.
* Experience applying GIS to a variety of engineering, environment and natural resource projects.
* Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
* Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and prioritize multiple tasks and projects to complete job functions in an orderly and efficient manner.
Location: Burnaby, BC, Canada V3N 4X8
Before you apply, please confirm you meet BC Hydro’s time in role requirement. M&P employees must meet the time in role requirement specified in their most recent offer letter. For MoveUP and IBEW employees, the current time in role as outlined in the Collective Agreements will apply.
Don’t forget to update your Candidate Profile with your current resume and copies of your certifications. If applicable, include your Trades Qualification. This will ensure we have all the necessary information to assess your application without any delays.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications online at https://app.bchydro.com/careers/current_opp.html by 2026-02-17.
Click here to access the job posting or visit the BC Hydro “Current Opportunities” Careers page to view and apply for jobs.
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On the BC Hydro Careers site, click on the Apply button in order to complete the steps to apply for this job. Please be sure to update your Candidate Profile with your current resume and include copies of your certifications, if applicable.
We’re always looking for exceptional people to bring new ideas, fresh thinking and the motivation to help shape the electricity system in B.C. It’s an exciting time to be a part of our team as we invest in our system and prepare to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Our values guide our work. Want to join us?
We are safe.
We are here for our customers.
We are one team.
We include everyone.
We act with integrity and respect.
We are forward thinking.
BC Hydro is an equal opportunity employer.
We include everyone. We welcome applications from anyone, including members of visible minorities, women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.
We are also happy to provide reasonable accommodations throughout the selection process and while working at BC Hydro. If you require support applying online because you are a person with a disability, please contact us at [email protected]
Flexible work model role definitions
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Our four role types identify the degree of flexibility an employee could have to work from home based on the type of work they do. The flexibility for an individual job is up to the manager for each position and the operational requirements. Employees also have the right to work full-time from the office if they prefer. All of our roles require at least some in-person time.
IBEW/Field – No option to work from home
Resident – Works primarily (4+ days per week) in the office.
Hybrid – May be able to work from home up to 3 days per week.
Remote – Works from home 4+ days per week
To apply for this job please visit app.bchydro.com.