Job Description

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.


This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).


This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day with the strong possibility of renewal, and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location -

This position offers a flexible work arrangement, allowing for a combination of remote and/or in-office work based on work preferences. We welcome applicants from across Alberta. In the event that you need to work on-site, you may have the flexibility to attend either the Edmonton or Calgary offices based on your location and convenience. Preference will be discussed during the recruitment process.

Position Summary

The GIS Technician is a key member of ABMI's longstanding Human Footprint team. Working in the ABMI's Geospatial Centre, the Human Footprint team is tasked with monitoring the spatial and temporal shifts in land disturbance across Alberta, producing various deliverables such as the Human Footprint Inventory (HFI), the Enhanced Human Footprint Inventory for the Oil Sands Region, as well as HFI datasets for the 1980s, 1950s, and others. These high-quality, province-wide products track agriculture, energy, forestry, transportation, urban/industrial and human-created waterbodies in Alberta. We report both the total human footprint as well as disturbances separated into 20 sub-layers and 114 feature types. The Human Footprint data are used by many stakeholders from ENGOs to industry, and within ABMI to support core functions such as species modelling or habitat intactness reporting.


Working within the ABMI's Geospatial Centre, the GIS Technician is responsible for documenting annual changes in land use practices in Alberta. The GIS Technician conducts photo interpretation, delineation, mapping of human footprint from satellite imagery and GIS data, editing of existing spatial data layers, and QA/QC. This role also involves organizing existing GIS layers to ensure the data can be effectively used for scientific analysis and reporting.


The Faculty of Science is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education. Through pioneering discovery and innovation, the faculty addresses global challenges across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computing science, physics, mathematics, and earth sciences. Its work positions the university at the forefront of technological, environmental, and scientific advancement.
1. Undertake Project Work

Interpret and map human footprint from satellite imagery and GIS layers Assist in dating features using reference data and aerial imagery Edit existing spatial data layers Implement and track quality assurance and quality control on work Effectively apply reference data from a multitude of sources Deliver work independently or within project teams of various sizes

2. Provide GIS Technical Support

Summarize and export GIS information as required for analyses and distributing output information Contribute to documenting Standard Operating Procedures, metadata and writing reports Investigate and apply emerging GIS-based approaches to improve work quality and solutions Assist with geospatial data management and record-keeping

3. Support Knowledge Dissemination

Assists with the development of outreach materials such as maps and information summaries for different ABMI audiences Document best practice methodologies to support in writing of reports.

Minimum Qualifications:

Diploma or undergraduate degree in GIS, remote sensing, natural resource science, or related discipline Minimum one year with ArcGIS experience and hands-on experience with geospatial analysis and applied GIS-based tools Proficient and thorough understanding of GIS and spatial analysis principles and applications Demonstrated proficiency in GIS digitization techniques and best practices Ability to analyze and interpret geographic features, land cover and land use patterns Education and experience equivalencies may be considered.

Qualifications Considered an Asset:

Experience with or knowledge of geospatial tools such as QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, Python, and R Ability to troubleshoot technical issues related to GIS software Capability to address challenges related to data quality, spatial accuracy and interpretation High level of attention to detail Familiarity with environmental monitoring, land-use management, or biodiversity applications of geospatial data Ability to maintain focus and productivity while executing repetitive tasks, ensuring efficient task completion over time Strong organizational skills, including the ability to work independently or within
project teams of various sizes
Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to work independently and adapt to rapidly shifting priorities

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your cover letter and resume as one PDF document.


The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.




The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.




Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.




At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms--physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.




The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.




L'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identite et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.