GIS Analyst

THE OPPORTUNITY

Western Forest Products is hiring for a GIS Analyst to join our Office team based in Campbell River, BC.

What You’ll Do: The GIS Analyst plays a key role in operational, strategic, and tactical planning initiatives by managing and analyzing spatial information to provide accurate summaries, reports and required visualizations of their work to facilitate and inform decision making.

Developing technology-based solutions to advance business performance in information management is also a responsibility of the GIS Analyst. The GIS Analyst is often required to work closely with planners and management to improve efficiencies in the management of data and information flow.

Who You Are: You are an experienced GIS professional with a post-secondary degree or diploma in GIS and documented training in current GIS software and programming languages. You bring advanced skills in geomatics - editing, mapping, geo-processing, querying, and reporting - and you’re proficient with the ESRI suite of products, GPS data processing, and LiDAR data. You can confidently carry out projects to completion, review them with clients, and document your processes along the way.

Your strengths include automating tasks using Model Builder and Python scripts, and you are familiar with JavaScript and/or SQL. Experience managing SQL Server or Oracle databases is preferred. You’re capable of completing projects with minimal assistance, taking the lead, and delegating meaningful tasks to junior team members while mentoring them effectively. Ideally, you have a strong understanding of forestry requirements and forest management systems. You are detail-oriented, organized, and customer-focused, with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

What We Offer:

• Salary range of $80,000 - $90,000 based on skill level, qualifications, and experience
• Annual incentive plan
• Pension plan contributions - WFP contributes 7% towards a pension plan, no matching required
• Extended health and dental benefits - WFP pays for 100% of the employee monthly premiums
• 3 weeks’ vacation to start
• Employee family assistance program
• Financial support for learning and development opportunities

Work Environment: This role is to be performed in person at our Campbell River Office.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities

• Geospatial: Capture and/or import spatial features, convert data into appropriate formats, undertake advanced geoprocessing and editing tasks, and manage operational feature datasets;
• Programming: Automate processes using Model Builder, Python, or other programming languages;
• Mapping: Produce and maintain operational maps from standard map templates, produce maps for operational and planning tactical initiatives. Undertake Visual Landscape Design as required;
• Forestry Systems: Perform advanced editing, spatial queries, and mapping, prepare and implement data quality checks, author and edit map templates, analyze and document business processes, and assist in developing standards and procedures;
• Ensure that skills and knowledge necessary for the effective performance of the role remain current.

Safety & Environmental Performance

• Demonstrate adherence to company safety and environmental processes and procedures.

Financial Performance

• Understand corporate financial goals and develop innovative technology-based solutions to drive cost efficiencies in the operation.

Leadership

• Manage projects involving multiple stakeholders and delegate tasks as required;
• Participate effectively in programs designed to improve safety, reduce operational costs, and maximize value and margins while meeting customer requirements;
• Participate in a culture of accountability and continuous improvement;
• Provide training/mentoring for GIS Technicians and GIS interns / co-op students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

The GIS Analyst in forestry brings advanced skills and proficiency to the position. The GIS Analyst is a refined GIS professional with the following credentials:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in GIS from a recognized and accredited institution;
• Proven and recurring success in skills, knowledge and competencies directly related to the position responsibilities;
• Documented training with current GIS software and programming languages;
• Demonstrated forest management acumen specific to forestry requirements and challenges;
• Registration or eligibility for professional accreditation is preferred.

Skills, Knowledge and Required Competencies

Required:

• Advanced skills in geomatics including editing, mapping, geo-processing, querying, and reporting;
• Advanced automation and programming skills using Model Builder and developing expertise in Python, JavaScript and/or SQL;
• Expertise using the ESRI software suite of tools;
• Expertise with LiDAR point cloud and raster data, ortho imagery;
• Expertise with GPS data processing, loading and storage;
• Advanced skills in database management using SQL Server and/or Oracle;
• Demonstrated skills in project management, problem solving and organization;
• Refined communication skills both written and oral;
• Developed understanding of business drivers and performance measures;
• Ability to lead, mentor and motivate junior staff;
• Customer service-oriented disposition.

Preferred:

• Solid understanding of forest management and land use planning, including uploading, editing, and querying data from Forest Management Systems such as Trimble Resources, TFM or LRM;
• Previous experience in using GIS in Natural Resources sector.

YOUR CAREER

At Western Forest Products, we believe our most significant asset is our people. Investing in our people brings value and success to our business, ensuring a safe, engaged, productive and continuously improving workplace. We offer challenging opportunities working alongside the best in the industry to meet your career and professional development goals while providing competitive total rewards and recognition.

We provide a variety of on-the-job training and continuing education in many areas at Western to ensure you have the skills you need to succeed. Our promote-from-within culture recognizes high performance and we offer diverse career paths across the organization for those with the talent and will to advance.

WESTERN OVERVIEW

Western Forest Products is a leading forest products company that sustainably manages forests and manufactures high-quality wood products. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia with operations in the coastal region of BC and Washington State, Western meets the needs of customers worldwide with a specialty wood products focus and diverse product offering.

Our commitment to health and safety, environmental stewardship and community engagement is core to how we do business at Western Forest Products.

Our approach to responsible business practices in all aspects of our business is multi-faceted. We adhere to and employ the most stringent environmental practices in the world. The steps we take to ensure the forests in which we operate are renewed and remain healthy and viable for future generations are mirrored in the care we take to make certain our communities continue to grow and prosper. This includes investing in communities where we operate and continuing to forge mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations in respect of their local and cultural interests.