Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To lead, supervise and coordinate Geographic Information System (GIS) activities within the Region. To assist in the development and implementation of Ministry policy, standards and procedures related to GIS to ensure a consistent approach across the Ministry. To provide a regional point of contact for specialized GIS expertise, client support, services and technical direction on the planning, design, use and acquisition of spatial business data and databases for GIS.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Under the direction of the Head of the Geomatics Section, the Regional GIS Coordinator will:

1. Provide GIS leadership to the Region by:
- recommending priorities, assigning responsibilities and monitoring performance of GIS projects within Geomatics
- leading the delivery of thematic map products and services in response to client requests
- providing support such as advice and technical guidance on the use of GIS applications and data
- coordinating access to and dissemination of geographic information
- coordinating the maintenance of spatial data including metadata
- providing input on business unit needs and priorities and consolidating this information for the purpose of developing ministry application priority, standards, policy recommendations and annual plans.
- recommending, developing and delivering training as required

2. Acts as member of the Geomatics GIS Services Teams, Geomatics GIS Coordinating Team (GGCT), Working Groups and Regional GIS Community of Practice (CoP) by:
- representing regional needs on local and ministry work groups and teams and liaising with Head Office Geomatics to ensure consistent delivery and continual improvement of the GIS program
- leading a regional GIS Community of Practice (CoP) and serving as Secretary

3. Manage GIS projects by:
- developing individual project plans and timetables, defining project scope, monitoring/controlling the progress of multiple projects, and resolving project issues/problems
- managing regional consultant assignments/service providers or participating as a team member for acquisition of GIS services by preparing terms of reference and evaluating, selecting and administering tender documents or consultant assignments
- analyzing, creating, converting, translating and manipulating multiple digital data files from internal/external sources and systems
- monitoring consultant performance, conducting/assisting with quality assurance reviews on products and services delivered by consultants, ensuring contract deliverables conform to ministry/client standards and specifications

4. Coordinate the acquisition and development of GIS databases and applications by:
- analyzing business user needs and developing custom databases and GIS applications
- defining data preparation and compilation requirements for local data in accordance with provincial and ministry data standards and implementing them in a local context
- promoting integration of data across business areas to minimize duplication
- ensuring proper procedures are in place for data maintenance to achieve the integrity of local data or other acquired data
- conducting client demonstrations and trial projects to facilitate implementation of advanced technologies to meet emerging ministry and client needs

Knowledge :

Job requires knowledge of:
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) principles, practices, Ministry policy, spatial standards and procedures to provide regional leadership, technical direction and support, and to assist in the development of standards and procedures
- GIS application technology such as ArcGIS; spatial database application software such as Spatial Data Engine (SDE); database management systems such as Access, SQL and Oracle; and document management systems such as Product Center to support business user needs
- the principles and practices of Geomatics specialties including remote sensing, photogrammetry, cartography and geo-referencing techniques and tools such as GPS receivers and data collectors to identify, acquire and integrate spatial data
- Microsoft Office Suite to communicate with clients and prepare reports and presentations
- external data sources (e.g. Land Information Ontario, GeoConnections and digital imagery providers), related standards and policies to facilitate the efficient use and exchange of data and adherence to Government policy (e.g. metadata standards)
- project management processes to lead GIS projects and manage consultant assignments
- MTO business functions and their relationships to support regional business users in the use of GIS technologies and procedures Job requires:
- Leadership, planning, supervising, organizing and project management skills are required to provide direction/guidance to staff related to multiple projects and GIS activities
- Planning skills to provide input on Geomatics and other business areas needs and priorities, future direction and annual work plans
- Oral communication skills to present formal and informal training sessions to GIS users and make presentations on potential application of existing and new GIS technologies
- Consulting and interpersonal skills to determine client needs, facilitate discussion with clients about GIS issues, promote adherence to standards and to foster positive working relationships with all contacts
- Written communication skills to prepare consultant assignment documentation, reports, correspondence and training materials
- Sound analytical and problem solving abilities to resolve complex problems and develop innovative solutions such as developing a spatial data layer to accommodate multiple business users needs

Judgement :

Work is performed independently under the general guidance of the Head, Geomatics Section. The position collaborates with regional counterparts and Geomatics Head Office to assist with the planning and implementation of GIS products, services and solutions to meet ministry requirements, future directions and individual client needs.

Judgement is required to:
- interpret and assess industry and provincial best practices, policy and standards to assist with the development of internal GIS policies, procedures, guidelines, products and services
- resolve complex technical problems, provide guidance to ministry staff and clients and assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of various GIS procedures and technologies and implement solutions
- coordinate the development of geographic information databases and accessible information/mapping products and services
- collect the spatial information at an accuracy level that is cost effective while meeting clients' needs
- plan, organize and direct project resources and manage conflicting demands to meet changes in priorities
- manage perceptions and expectations of clients, assess and manage resistance to change, and acquire consensus between clients with different needs and interests
- determine client access to sensitive data, maintain the confidentiality of data, and adhere to data licensing agreements
- determine client knowledge level, assess client needs and prepare relevant training materials and programs to enhance client understanding and adoption of GIS
- evaluate contract deliverables and determine compliance with ministry standards and procedures

Accountability - Programs :

The position is accountable for:
- developing and coordinating the ongoing implementation and use of GIS, procedures, guidelines and standards across business areas in the Region
- providing input to ministry policies and strategic/business plans
- managing GIS projects by collaborating with colleagues, prioritizing activities, and implementing work plans/schedules within time lines and budgets

Accountability – Personnel :

The position provides ongoing technical leadership and direction to staff (15 Geomatics Section staff), guidance to any number of other business area staff working on GIS, and manages consultants. The position recommends or provides training for regional staff to improve their GIS skills and to ensure currency with GIS advances.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

The position provides input and makes recommendations to Geomatics Section Heads for the purchase of equipment and administration of consultant assignments

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Inappropriate management of GIS activities and projects could lead to increases in costs when acquiring external resources such as consultants, failure of GIS projects, delays in implementing GIS within the ministry, project results that do not meet Ministry needs or minimum standards and wasted effort by internal resources

Contact - Internal :

Regular contact with Regional management and technical staff to collaborate and provide advice on spatial data and GIS needs and opportunities, recommend new policies/technologies, gain acceptance of innovative GIS solutions, and deliver products and services. Acts as a member on Geomatics GIS Services Team, Geomatics GIS Coordinating Team (GGCT), Working Groups and leads the Regional GIS Community of Practice. Frequent meetings with counterparts in other regions and Geomatics Head Office to co-ordinate related projects and advise on ministry policies, standards and techniques.

Contact - External :

Regular contact with consultants to explain project terms of reference and deliverables, monitor performance and ensure quality and soundness of project results. Occasional contact with other ministries, Land Information Ontario (LIO), officials in municipalities, federal agencies, other jurisdictions and the geomatics industry to discuss current or emerging GIS technologies, industry standards and gain support for ministry policies, standards and technologies.