Department of Human Resources
OPSEU Job Description
Job Title:
Job Number:
NOC:
Band:
Department:
Supervisor Title:
Data Technician - MaDGIC
L-070
2172
9
Bata Library
Librarian, MaDGIC
Last Reviewed:
August 15, 2012
Job Purpose
Reporting to the Maps, Data and Government Information Centre (MaDGIC) Librarian, the Data
Technician assumes a broad range of responsibilities associated to the promotion, development
and daily operations of the Library Data Centre. S/he assumes primary responsibility for
computing operations of the Data Centre analyzing user requirements and coordinating the
development and maintenance of servers and databases. The incumbent builds relational
databases for geospatial and statistical files and custom designs scripts. S/he consults widely
with appropriate vendors and interest groups on campus, ensuring logical systems architecture
and network compatibility of all products. S/he participates actively in data literacy and
numeracy initiatives organized by the Centre for the academic community. S/he serves as a
primary resource person for geomatics and statistical technologies on campus, meeting a variety
of research and teaching needs for geospatial and statistical information.
Key Activities
Server and Database Management and Design;
1. Develops, implements, and maintains the Data Center’s servers building geomatics
interfaces and ensures stable systems architecture.
2. Performs new system installations, system upgrades and migrations.
3. Builds and supports geospatial databases ensuring reliable, recoverable and scalable
databases.
4. Builds custom GIS applications/objects using ArcGIS, ArcIMS, ArcSDE and other ESRI
tools.
5. Develops and deploys end-user practices and tools for data extraction, queries, and data
manipulation in accordance with client requirements.
6. Ensures quality and timely resolution of issues related to custom GIS applications.
7. Diagnosis and resolves database access and performance issues, monitors database
systems details to identify inefficiencies, recommends changes, and implements
capacity and resource expansion.
8. Develops and maintains security controls for all databases.
Job Number: L-070
Page 1 of 5
Last updated: April 10, 2006
9. Researches and recommends new database products, services, protocols, and
standards.
10. Writes and updates web pages custom designing scripts and using appropriate mark-up
languages and software.
11. Monitors systems usage statistics and maintains logs.
12. Defines and documents best practises, creates and maintains technical manuals and
inventories; writes and maintains instructions and metadata for clients.
13. In consultation with supervisor, ensures timely and ongoing communication with Library
Systems Office, Trent IT, data producers and GIS software vendors, as appropriate.
Data Processing;
1. Processes microdata files; runs syntax command files; checks validity of output.
2. Processes vector and raster data sets; builds and joins attribute databases; clips files.
3. Investigates and resolves problems with data; documents problems to pass on to survey
investigator or to data provider.
4. Creates custom maps to display and publicize holdings.
5. Maintains holdings database of files and metadata.
6. Creates data archival solutions and ensures logical migration of legacy data.
7. Prepares files for clients as required for course assignments, classroom instruction,
thesis work, faculty research, labs on campus, and library workshops ensuring timely
and accurate delivery of information.
Client Support;
1. Serves as a primary resource person for geomatics and statistical technologies on
campus, meeting a variety of research and teaching needs for geospatial and statistical
information.
2. Conducts reference and research interviews.
3. Provides demonstrations of files and databases using diverse presentation methods and
technologies.
4. Monitors and responds to electronic requests providing technical responses for required
deadlines.
5. Assists clients with identifying, acquiring, importing and displaying data as well as
conceptualizing project options.
6. Maintains records of data requests; conducts required follow-up and follow-through,
advising clients of file releases, file updates, vendor notices of corrupted files and
corrections.
7. Participates in the MaDGIC Unit’s library instruction program. Prepares sample files and
databases, writes and adapts instruction materials to course content.
8. Advises clients of vendor licence agreements and maintains client records meeting
diverse vendor requirements.
9. Writes user documentation and guides.
Other;
1. Maintains inventory of ESRI software and makes recommendations regarding software
upgrades for university site licence.
2. Trains and supervises students associated to the Data Centre.
3. Maintains statistics and provides reports to supervisor as requested.
4. Provides reference assistance to maps and government publications collections.
Job Number: L-070
Page 2 of 5
Last updated: April 10, 2006
5. Performs other duties as required.
Analytical Reasoning
Indicate degree of complexity or difficulty of thinking and reasoning required by the job. Provide a
relevant work example that is typical of roles and responsibilities of the job (i.e. not an occasional duty).
Decision Making
Indicate the degree of freedom to exercise initiative or act independently in making day- to-day decisions.
Provide a relevant work example that is typical of roles and responsibilities of the job (i.e. not an
occasional duty).
Impact
Indicate the impact or consequence to the department or University of typical actions or decisions taken by
the job incumbent. Provide a relevant work example that is typical of roles and responsibilities of the job
(i.e. not an occasional duty).
Education
Joint College - University Degree Program in Geographic Information Systems (4 years) or
Honours University Degree (4 year) in Computer Science with some courses in Geomatics
required.
Experience Required










Five years of progressively more responsible experience related to IT and geomatics
technologies required.
Excellent knowledge of geomatics technologies and software: Proficiency in ESRI ArcGIS
(ArcInfo) and ArcIMS / Server software required. Working knowledge of PCI Geomatica,
FME and GIS Open Source software
Proven experience in operating and maintaining Windows Server, Apache,
Tomcat. Familiarity with Linux and Unix Operating Systems.
Proven experience with management and configuration of geospatial web servers using
a variety of GIS internet and database software.
Ability to develop, install, configure and support terabyte database environments.
Excellent knowledge of GIS relational database structures, their maintenance and
operation.
Working knowledge of current geodatabase software, protocols, and standards,
specifically SQL, Postgres/PostGIS.
Excellent knowledge of Web GIS programming and scripting. Proficiency using (X)HTML,
KML, CSS, JavaScript/AJAX, ColdFusion,PHP, Python, and other web mapping /
visualization APIs
Proficiency using a broad range of spatial data including raster and vector data, and
attribute databases.
Background in geostatistical processing and analysis techniques
Job Number: L-070
Page 3 of 5
Last updated: April 10, 2006







Solid understanding of client/server, networking, and internet technologies
fundamentals.
Experience with network problem-solving.
Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong research skills. Ability to apply analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills
to research problems and questions at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Excellent records management skills.
Ability to work in a team and independently balancing multiple projects.
Proven ability to meet aggressive deadlines.
Responsibility for the Work of Others
Indicate whether the incumbent is directly or indirectly responsible for the work of others. Provide the title
of the position(s) as well as an example of how the incumbent is responsible for the work of others on a
daily basis. Specifically, indicate whether the position has responsibility for hiring and supervision of
student workers.
Direct Responsibility
N/A
Indirect Responsibility
N/A
Communication
Indicate the title(s) of individuals internal and external to the University that the incumbent communicates
with on a regular basis. Provide a brief description of the purpose for communicating with these
individuals.
Internal
External
Motor/ Sensory Skills
Indicate the level of proficiency or precision in motor or sensory skills required by the job. Examples
include but are not limited to: small/large movement to operate machinery; coordinated movement;
equilibrium to maintain balance; dexterity to grasp, move, assemble objects or operate equipment;
hearing, sight, touch, smell, taste. Provide a brief description of tasks performed that require
motor/sensory skills.
Effort
Indicate the physical and/or mental demands of the position in the ordinary course of performing the role.
Examples include but are not limited to: lifting, moving, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, kneeling,
Job Number: L-070
Page 4 of 5
Last updated: April 10, 2006
remaining motionless, sustained concentration or focus. Provide a brief description of the tasks
performed that are physically and/or mentally demanding.
Mental
Physical
Working Conditions
Indicate any physical and psychological conditions of the position that make the job unpleasant,
disagreeable and/or hazardous to health and well-being. Describe the nature, frequency and duration of
exposure.
Physical
Psychological
Job Description Approved by Human Resources (as per Article 17.1):
Name (print):
Signature:
Date:
Signatures - indicating that the job description has been read and understood:
Incumbent
Name (print):
Signature:
Date:
Immediate Supervisor:
Name (print):
Signature:
Date:
Department Head/ Dean:
Name (print):
Signature:
Date:
Job Number: L-070
Page 5 of 5
Last updated: April 10, 2006