Geomatics Technician

Canadian Armed Forces; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking Geomatics Technicians to join their ranks. In this pivotal role, you will collect and analyze geospatial data using cutting-edge technology to support military operations. Your work will involve producing detailed maps and visualizations that aid military leaders in strategic decision-making. Opportunities for international postings and diverse work environments await you, from high-tech offices to field operations. If you are passionate about geospatial technology and want to make an impact in the military, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Requires Grade 11 education with a focus on applied math.
• Expertise in geospatial data collection and analysis is essential.

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze geospatial data from various sources.
• Produce digital and hard-copy maps and visualizations.
• Provide geomatics advice to military personnel.

Skills

Geospatial Data Collection

Data Analysis

Surveying

Geospatial Product Management

Expert Geomatics Advice

Education

Completion of Grade 11 or Quebec Secondary 5

Tools

Global Positioning System (GPS)

LiDAR

Electronic Total Stations

Advanced Geomatics Information Systems

Job description

As a member of the military, Geomatics Technicians collect geospatial data using imagery and Global Positioning System devices and survey equipment. They capture, analyze, process, present, disseminate and manage this data to support the operations of the Navy, the Army and the Air Force.

Geomatics Technicians are members of the Military Engineering Branch of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Their primary responsibilities are to:

• Collect geospatial data from satellite, aerial and photo imagery, Global Positioning System devices and survey equipment.
• Manage and fuse digital geospatial data and products from a wide range of sources.
• Produce digital and hard-copy maps, charts, three-dimensional visualizations and other geospatial products to help military leaders understand and move in the battle space.
• Generate and reproduce digital geospatial products.
• Distribute geospatial products from the CAF Map Depot to units in garrison and on operations.
• Provide expert geomatics advice and liaison to CAF personnel at all levels of command.

Work environment

Geomatics Technicians are members of the Army, but they may be called upon to support all CAF exercises and operations, including those led by the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Most work at a base or station is done in an office environment in a major headquarters within Canada, using high-tech computer workstations and software designed for geomatics. Geomatics Technicians are also employed aboard ships, on survey duties, and in Army units that train in the field and deploy on operations. Over the course of their career, they may be offered international postings, including exchanges with the United States Army.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part-time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Geomatics Technicians use the most advanced IT equipment and cutting-edge geospatial technology to create a virtual view of the landscape that’s used to plan and conduct important operations in Canada and around the world. They collect and analyze geospatial data from different sources to produce digital or paper maps using Advanced Geomatics Information Systems.

Geomatics Technicians are directly involved in the military planning process and can influence decisions at the highest levels. They must regularly complete ground surveys to ensure the accuracy in all mapping products. This can include surveys of military airports, runways, remote sites in the North, or foreign cities overseas using highly accurate GPS receivers and other survey instruments such as LiDAR and Electronic Total Stations.

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 11 or Quebec Secondary 5 including Grade 11 Applied Math or Math 426 in Quebec.