GIS Data Technologist

NAIT’s Centre for Data Management and Visualization (CDMV) is seeking a technically skilled Geospatial Database Specialist to lead the design, development, and optimization of geospatial data infrastructure for our organization and collaborators. This position requires a strong foundation in computer science and GIS, with the ability to architect scalable geospatial databases, implement automation pipelines, and ensure secure, sovereignty-focused data management.

As a key contributor to the Indigenous Community-led Atlas (ICA) projects, this role will drive the creation of robust hybrid data environments that combine relational geospatial databases with unstructured media content. You will enable advanced workflows for mapping, analysis, and visualization by integrating spatial data, automating processes, and supporting custom GIS tool development. Through this work, you will help build a modern, ethical, and accessible geospatial infrastructure that strengthens capacity in Indigenous communities.

Key Responsibilities:

Geospatial Database Design & Management

• Consult with internal staff and community partners to assess spatial data needs and availability
• Collect, clean, convert, and format spatial data from various sources, including GPS, remote sensing, and open data portals
• Architect and maintain relational geospatial databases (e.g., PostgreSQL/PostGIS) for large-scale spatial datasets.
• Implement data models and indexing strategies to optimize performance for gigabyte-to-terabyte-scale data lakes.
• Design and maintain a geospatial library in standard formats (e.g., GeoJSON, Shapefile, GDB, KML)
• Ensure compliance with data sovereignty principles through secure, remote-access solutions without web connectivity.

 

 

Automation & Workflow Development

• Develop scripts and tools (Python and SQL inside and outside of the Esri software suite; ArcGIS Arcade, within the Esri suite) to automate ETL processes and streamline data pipelines from database to GIS platforms in either Esri or Open-source platforms (QGIS).
• Integrate workflows with desktop and open-source GIS software for analysis and visualization.
• Create documentation and training resources to support the adoption of automated processes for both NAIT’s internal data lake, and our Indigenous Community Partners.

Data Integration & Quality Assurance

• Design and enforce metadata standards and QA protocols for geospatial datasets.
• Manage interoperability between structured geospatial data and unstructured media/document repositories.

Collaboration & Innovation

• Support knowledge transfer through internal training and documentation
• Consult with internal teams and community partners to align database architecture with project needs.
• Evaluate emerging open-source geospatial technologies and recommend solutions for ongoing scalability and security.

Skills & Abilities:

• Experience with Esri and Open-source GIS software
• Knowledge of PostgreSQL/PostGIS and relational database design for spatial data.
• Proficiency in Python, SQL, and scripting for automation and ETL workflows.
• Experience with geospatial data formats (GeoJSON, Shapefile, raster/DEM) and standards.
• Familiarity with metadata standards and data quality assurance processes
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex spatial data.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to translate present complex technical concepts recommendations to diverse audiences.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of Indigenous data governance frameworks (e.g., OCAP®, CARE)
• Experience working with Indigenous organizations or in intercultural GIS contexts
• Familiarity with cloud-based GIS services or APIs (e.g., ArcGIS REST, Leaflet, Mapbox)
• Knowledge of UI/UX for geospatial application interfaces

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in GIS, Geomatics, Computer Science, Spatial Data Analytics, or a related technical field
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, MS Teams is required
• Minimum 12 months of related experience
• Equivalencies may be considered

Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services (WES), International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) or the Comparative Education Services (CES).

Remuneration: $49,161.84 – $69,092.14 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package. (Classification – Research Technologist II).

This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.

About NAIT

We are known as one of Alberta’s top employers. Being part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff, industry clients and partners, NAIT’s culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability.

People are what make NAIT great, and we prioritize the employee experience. We offer benefits and unique perks focusing on health and wellness, work-life balance, recognition, and professional and personal growth. In addition to excellent vacation time, we offer paid time off between Christmas and New Year’s.

NAIT supports a flexible work environment, enabling staff to request approval for on-campus, off-site, or hybrid work arrangements based on the nature of the role. Please note that remote positions require employees to reside within Canada.

NAIT is committed to fostering a safe environment that supports equity and cultivates inclusion through our Centre for Community and Belonging (CCB) and our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. We are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. While we encourage all qualified applicants to apply, only those being considered will be contacted. If you require any accommodations, please connect with us at [email protected].