Geospatial Data Analyst (Computer Programmer/Analyst)

Requisition ID: 40651 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, decolonization, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

The goal of the GIS & CADD Services Branch at the City of Vancouver is to empower City staff and citizens to effectively use geospatial information to improve decision making, analysis, city services and overall operations. We are currently implementing a strategic plan to renew the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) platforms and related applications. Major objectives are to create a robust governance and support model, strengthen and renew the geospatial technology platform, maintain high quality geospatial data, provide data discovery and access, and develop high value geospatial applications.

The Geospatial Data Analyst will perform complex analytical and programming work mostly focused on database modeling and geodata management but may include all phases of computer projects including computer programming, testing and implementation; systems analysis and feasibility analysis; documentation and training. The incumbent analyzes existing and proposed data, systems and procedures, designs and develops complex scripts to create and maintain sophisticated data models and data loading procedures. The position requires developing in a networked environment using a variety of programming languages, operating systems, database and other technologies.

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

• Consults with user department staff in analyzing existing and proposed data model, system procedures and requirements; recommends, designs and develops computer system solutions for problems of varying complexity
• Prepares detailed specifications for and writes new geodata management process and programs and revises existing data models and programs utilizing all available and applicable software aids and languages
• Provides technical assistance for and coordinates the development and integration of data and programs; prepares test data and conducts program testing and debugs programs; identifies the need for additional testing
• Prepares and maintains detailed user, systems and operations documentation; prepares and provides presentations, staff orientation, training and practical guidance on the use of new or changed computer systems and software
• Evaluates the need for and develops general purpose, reusable data models, programs and processes to facilitate computer system and technology implementations
• Estimates time and cost of system development activities based on prevailing project management standards and reports progress against those estimates
• Manages and administers databases, data, software and technical platforms such as servers and operating systems.  This could include advising staff on functionality, assisting staff to locate and extract needed data, developing appropriate queries, creating SQL execution plans and creating custom programs for more complex analysis needs
• Participates in planning and implementations of enterprise data management and data custodianship modeling  
• Provides spatial data management required to support Business Intelligence, Open Data and data analytics programs and processes
• Provides technical recommendation and direction to managers, programmers or junior technical staff, clients or consultants as the course of business requires
• Assists in the development of computer systems standards for system support and maintenance of various business functions
• Keeps up-to-date with developments in programming techniques and languages, operating systems, database management, software, computing hardware, the current state of the Information Technology industry and industry trends, and related matters
• Conducts technical and Information Technology industry research.  Advises on industry trends; feasibility of technologies, products and technology alternatives relevant to the Engineering Services Department
• Leverages industry best practices to design, test, implement and support solutions 
• Assures quality, security and compliance requirements including privacy impact assessment requirements are met 
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Position Requirements
Education and Experience:

• Completion of a two year diploma course in computer programming, database administration, or systems development at a technical institute or community college plus considerable related work experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Completion of ESRI certification (Enterprise Geodata Management Professional) or an equivalent combination of training and experience preferred
• A minimum of 3 years experience (preferably in a municipal and/or GIS environment) in the development and maintenance of computer systems in a networked environment; integration of applications and databases across platforms; using a variety of the programming languages, DBMS and other software tools

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of information technology specifically web, client-server, relational, object-oriented, database and network concepts; Microsoft operating systems; office productivity software
• Thorough knowledge of relational database concepts preferably related to Oracle 19c and above and SQL Server 2019 and above, and their integrations 
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the use of an ESRI Geodatabase v 10.x and above with the demonstrated ability to perform the following duties:   
  • Create and configure a geodatabase
  • Design a geodatabase based on business requirements
  • Understand the use of workflows and the impact of each on the database
  • Manage the data within a geodatabase or database
  • Metadata management
  • Perform geodatabase maintenance
  • Design versioning workflows
  • Troubleshoot geodatabase related issues
  • Implement distributed data workflows
  • Manage the ArcGIS Data Store
  • Create views and SQL statements to access databases directly
  • Implement and manage geodatabase archiving
• Perform migrations and/or upgrades to a geodatabase
• Strong working knowledge of Python 2.x and 3.x
• Considerable knowledge of the programming languages and software development tools in prevailing use of the GIS and CADD Services Branch
• Considerable knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and/or Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD), their use in a municipal environment and of their interaction with business processes and other systems
• Working knowledge of Business Intelligence, cloud storage and integration, Open Data and data analytics concepts and practices
• Some knowledge of the operations, procedures and policies of various city departments
• Excellent organizational, time management and self-starting skills
• Ability to collect, analyze and evaluate information required for analysis and programming purposes, to develop logical solutions for assigned problems and implement them
• Excellent leadership skills and ability to develop and mentor others
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing on technical and non-technical matters with all levels in the organization, and with external clients
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships at all levels in the organization, and with external clients
• Ability to work effectively with changing and competing priorities with frequent interruptions within a multiple task environment

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite.  At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: IT, Digital Strategy & 311 (1070) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: May, 2024  

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-027: $47.62 to $56.27 per hour

Application Close: March 29, 2024

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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