Gis Technician

**Archaeological Research Associates Ltd**. **is currently seeking a GIS Technician.

**About Archaeological Research Associates Ltd.**

Established in 1972, **Archaeological Research Associates Ltd.** (ARA) is Ontario’s oldest archaeological and heritage consulting firm. The breadth of knowledge from over 49 years of experience allows ARA to confidently investigate a diverse variety of cultural heritage contexts in accordance with a number of legislative frameworks. ARA’s head office is in the City of Kitchener. Three smaller satellite offices are maintained in the City of Hamilton (Flamborough and Stoney Creek) and Owen Sound.

**General Purpose**:
Provides GIS services related to data creation, maintenance, analysis, and cartographic products for staff and clients in the archaeology and cultural heritage industries. Works with project archaeologists and other internal teams and participates on special focus project teams to incorporate GIS best practices for data, requests, and products.

**Duties/Responsibilities**:
Creates and maintains GIS data collected from internal and external stakeholders, including GPS data, survey plans, and other technical drawings. Digitizes, scans, and geo-references hardcopy and digital images.

Assists to develop and document workflows and processes for quality assurance and integrity.

Edits datasets, and creates map layer files; adds and edits fields, combines layers, adds attributes,

and defines metadata.

Liaises with stakeholders to confirm accuracy and completeness of spatial data. Performs quality control checks. Assesses quality of attribute data and edits, as required.

Conducts analysis, creates data summaries, maintains map documents (.mxd’s), and produces cartographic products. Develops custom maps as requested.

Prepares and delivers data to internal and external stakeholders, per specifications.

Develops specialized maps using available databases, including sourcing data availability from clients, municipalities, and other stakeholders.

Produces custom maps for public and corporate needs.

Performs related duties as assigned.

**Knowledge, Skills & Abilities**:
Knowledge of spatial data management and analysis, cartography, geomatics/remote sensing, and GIS software, acquired through a 3-year degree or diploma in a related field (e.g., Archaeology, Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Geography, Computer Science, GIS), plus 3 years of related experience.

Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, standards and conventions for database management, and the current Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists issued by the MHSTCI and associated Technical Bulletins, and any related legislation (e.g., Ontario Heritage Act). Knowledge of current GIS industry standards and technologies to provide technical support and troubleshooting and recommend improvements to existing GIS spatially enabled systems. Ability to define and resolve GIS technical problems in a diverse technology environment.

Analytical, research, organizational, and problem-solving skills to plan work; review data and documents; identify deficiencies; solve system problems; and investigate, analyze, and evaluate appropriateness of GIS spatial data and related tabular data for use by staff and clients.

Communication skills to relate effectively and consult with staff and clients regarding projects; deliver information sessions; promote and demonstrate systems; discuss problems and user requests for data and analysis; exchange technical information with clients; and participate as an effective team member.

Ability to understand related literature including archaeological terminology, excavation and survey plans, publications, and trade journals to keep knowledge current. Ability to read and understand software documentation and procedural manuals. Ability to write workflow documentation, work structure breakdowns and provide input to project planning.

Computer skills using software such as ESRI suite of GIS software including ArcGIS Online, and associated Apps (e.g., ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Dashboard, Survey123), AutoCAD, Google Earth Pro, QGIS, Microsoft Office (Access, Excel, Word), and desktop publishing (e.g., CorelDraw, Inkscape).

**Working Conditions**:
Currently remote with possibility of hybrid work model.

Occasionally travels to attend meetings and conferences.

**Mental, Sensory & Physical Effort**:
Plans work to meet overall schedule planned by Team Lead and daily/weekly requirements. Solves most problems independently and uses judgment to determine solutions. Discusses complex problems with Team Lead or directly with staff. Work is monitored periodically and upon completion by Team Leads.

Uses a computer approximately 90% of the time. Spends 10% of time meeting with others.

**Responsibility for Supervision of Staff & Others**:
**Nature & Impact of Decision-making Errors**:
Improper GIS data entry, verification, and quality control could resul