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Do you have an interest in GIS jobs in Canada? Worry no more, as this guide explains everything you need to know.
One of Canada’s in-demand and well-paying positions is geographic information systems (GIS), with the NOC number 2255.
Although it isn’t as well-known as other professions, if you have a passion for GIS jobs in Canada, it is still well worth the stress of arming yourself with everything related to this field.
Geographic information systems (GIS) technicians have various career options open to them based on where they are working, just like in other industries and professions.
Learn everything you need to know about GIS employment in Canada, including the necessary qualifications, the NOC code, the pay, advice on locating GIS jobs in Canada, and likely queries you need answers to.
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Employment requirements
Typically, this is what the job requires of its employees.
- The completion of secondary school is required for admission.
- To become a geomatics technician, you must complete a two- to three-year college program in cartography, photogrammetry, aerial survey, remote sensing, geographic information system, or geomatics.
- You must complete a one- to two-year college degree with a focus on geomatics, cartography, photogrammetry, aerial surveying, remote sensing, or geographic information systems to operate as a geomatics technician.
- One must be a member of the regulatory organization that regulates professional technologists to be qualified to use the title “Professional Technologist” in the province of Quebec.
- You must complete a year-long program offered by the Meteorological Service of Canada to operate as a meteorological technician in Canada.
- Meteorological technicians can pursue additional specialized training, and certain businesses may insist on it before hiring them.
READ ALSO: Entry Level CRA Jobs: Everything You Need to Know in 2023
Companies hiring for GIS jobs in Canada
The leading companies hiring now for GIS jobs are:
- Urban Asset Market Systems
- Cameco
- Canadian Natural
- Ana-Data Consulting Inc
- Emterra Group
- Vaco Lannick
- City of Fernie
- Region of Waterloo
- Interfor Corporation
Salary for GIS Jobs in Canada
The average yearly pay for a GIS specialist in Canada is $72,404, or $37.13 per hour. Entry-level positions typically start at $60,450 a year, with more experienced employees earning up to $80,363 annually.
Salary per region
- British Columbia $76,538
- Ontario $72,848
Source: istockphotos
The Top 15 highest paying GIS jobs in Canada
Jobs in the GIS sector are expanding quickly. There are several distinct types of GIS jobs, but they all require familiarity with the hardware and software solutions for geographic information systems to map and analyze data. Some of the GIS careers with the highest pay have been compiled by us.
- Geographic Information Systems Project Manager
Geographic information system project managers are in charge of organizing teams that gather and map geographic data. This is a crucial and essential component of their work.
You must have strong managerial and leadership abilities and extensive knowledge of the technical aspects of geographic information systems to succeed in this position.
Employing project managers for geographic information systems allows one or more companies to develop and use mapping data for a variety of tasks, including researching specific locations and evaluating the environment.
Consider applying if you wish to advance in your career by managing a team and making use of your technological expertise.
The Median Salary is $106,632
- Intelligence Officer
In Canada, an excellent GIS career for someone with a degree is working as an intelligence officer. You can obtain it by serving in the military or working for the government in intelligence.
To support intelligence and military operations, intelligence officers should possess a foundation in geographic information systems as well as expertise in photogrammetry and planning terrain analysis.
This specific type of information analysis has grown to be quite beneficial to governments when it comes to the planning of intelligence operations. Intelligence officers with a background in GIS might earn a premium price for their services due to their high level of utility within an intelligence agency.
The CIA, the FBI, the State Department, or any other government agency is a possibility for those who choose to pursue this line of work.
An intelligence officer in Canada gets an average salary of $69,365 per year, or $35.57 per hour, according to Talent.com. Most seasoned workers can expect to make up to $82,430 per year, while entry-level jobs start at $66,280.
- Health Geographer
A profession in health geography combines the study of medical and healthcare issues with geographic information systems.
Health geographers get a better understanding of how geography might affect the spread of various diseases and healthcare provision by utilizing photogrammetry and other geographical data to study health and disease.
This makes it easier for health geographers to comprehend how geography can help us understand health and disease.
This information is crucial for organizations in a particular area looking to improve healthcare and discover solutions to various health issues.
A health geographer in Canada makes an average salary of $49,959 per year, or $25.62 per hour, according to Talent.com. Entry-level jobs start at $49,959 a year, but most experienced workers make up to that amount.
- Climate Scientist
Climate scientists are crucial to our ability to comprehend the current status of our climate and how it is changing. GIS and photogrammetry are crucial components of climate science that shouldn’t be disregarded.
By providing data and images, GIS systems assist climate scientists in determining how the effects of climate change vary over time. They can observe many of the visible factors altering our planet’s climate, including ice cap melting and coastal erosion.
This is a fantastic job choice for GIS students who wish to utilize their expertise to stop or at least delay the course of climate change. Salary Median: $77,173
- Lead Geographic Information Systems Analyst
The main duties of a lead geographic information systems analyst fall into two categories. In addition to being entrusted with managing the geographic information systems databases, they are also in charge of analyzing the data that is generated from those databases.
For a variety of firms and organizations, lead geographic information systems analysts are in charge of overseeing the work of analyst teams. The aim is to aid analyst teams in their understanding of how to use the data provided by GIS software.
Lead geographic information systems analysts are in charge of understanding the data and learning how to alter it to better handle various geographic issues. Mapping of animals, contaminated areas, carbon emissions, and a variety of other things is required.
Median salary: $74,987
- Remote Sensing Analyst
The meaning of the data collected by remote sensing equipment is determined by a remote sensing analyst using their knowledge of geographic information systems. People in this field evaluate data gathered by satellites or aircraft using GIS software.
They are responsible for converting this image data into a simpler and more understandable format. Additionally, they attempt to take this data and ensure that it is not in any way altered. Working as a remote sensing analyst can lead to employment in various sectors.
A remote sensing analyst in Canada makes an average salary of $72,452 a year, or $37.16 an hour, according to Talent.com. Most experienced personnel earn up to $92,940 per year, while entry-level positions start at $61,993 annually.
- Cartographer
One of the most obvious careers you can pursue with a GIS degree is a cartographer. In the simplest terms possible, a cartographer is a person who creates maps. GIS technology is now available to cartographers, enabling them to create maps that are much more accurate than in the past.
To create better maps, cartographers must figure out how to exploit the data gathered by the dozens of satellites currently surveying the Earth’s surface. Cartographers must also map regions that humans, such as the deep ocean or far-off planets have not yet explored.
A cartographer in Canada makes an average yearly salary of $89,440, or $45.87 per hour, according to Talent.com. Entry-level earnings start at $78,003, while those with the most experience can make up to $360,750 a year.
- Law Enforcement
Geographic information systems (GIS) are now often used by organizations and law enforcement officials. Geographic information systems (GIS) graduates have greatly benefited law enforcement organizations in the modern era.
Geographic information systems (GIS) are utilized in modern law enforcement for surveillance to help lower crime and determine how frequently certain sorts of crime occur in various locations. This benefits both the general population and law enforcement.
GIS experts can assist law enforcement organizations by assisting them in using GIS systems and software to track and map out criminal behaviour in a specific area. Knowledge of this technology may lead to a reduction in unlawful activities.
A law enforcement officer in Canada makes $56,701 per year, or $29.08 per hour, according to Talent.com. Entry-level jobs start at $46,439 annually, while the highest-paid individuals can make up to $78,158 annually.
- Conservationist
The primary objective of environmentalists and conservationists is to contribute to the protection of the world’s diminishing natural resources. Geographic information systems (GIS) are useful in this area and have a variety of applications, including conservation and advocacy.
Conservationists can learn more about how certain locations are losing their species and what has to be done to safeguard the animals that dwell there by using remote sensing technologies and GIS software. Regarding making a case for it, one may also utilize this information as evidence to support their arguments for keeping certain wildlife places protected. Average salary: $61,310
- Surveyor
Geographic information systems (GIS) use the data they generate to create spatial data sets, maps, databases, and other related products. A GIS analyst can be thought of as someone who analyzes the unprocessed data gathered by satellites and other types of remote sensing technology. This is a useful way to imagine what a GIS analyst does.
A sizable amount of this activity involves the administration of data. These GIS platforms frequently generate enormous amounts of data. The data must be stored and made readily available in an understandable format for non-specialists by GIS analysts.
According to Talent.com, the average GIS analyst income in Canada is $38.72 per hour or $75,504 per year. Entry-level earnings start at $60,421; those with the greatest experience can make up to $91,124 a year.
- City Planner
Planning how to use land in cities requires various abilities and knowledge, including a working knowledge of GIS. City planners must consider many factors when developing plans for cities and urban areas, including anticipated population growth, available community resources, available living space, and more.
Geographic information systems have given city planners a whole new way to do their job. City planners with a GIS degree are prepared with a skill set that will allow them to map out and plan the cities of the future more accurately.
According to Talent.com, a city planner makes an average salary of $70,199 per year, or $36 an hour in Canada. Most experienced workers earn up to $107,718 annually, while entry-level occupations start at $54,791 annually.
- GIS Developer
GIS developers play a technical role in geographical information system-related professions. GIS developers make the software that GIS systems rely on to operate.
Writing code that communicates with the hardware platforms that power the remote sensing and photogrammetry platforms used in GIS will be one of your responsibilities as a GIS developer. Certain software solutions are required to convert the data produced by this technology into data that can be extrapolated and analyzed for various uses.
GIS developers need to have a strong foundation in coding and their knowledge of GIS to succeed in this industry.
The typical wage for a GIS developer in Canada is $44.75 an hour, or $87,263. The average yearly salary for experienced workers is up to $100,000, while the starting salary for entry-level jobs is $80,432.
- Geospatial Analyst
The most crucial position in environmental records is that of a geospatial analyst. Geospatial analysts monitor topography and landscapes’ evolution using various technical techniques and data sources.
This is incredibly significant information that applies to many different industries. Geospatial data analysts help people comprehend how the landscapes around us evolve and change. This information is crucial for various vocations, like building construction and urban planning. People need the help of geospatial analysts to understand how the land has changed over time.
The typical principal analyst in Canada makes $36.16 per hour, according to Talent.com, and makes $70,508 per year. The highest-paid employees can make up to $93,717 annually, while entry-level positions start at $65,210.
- GIS Technician
Making maps and GIS databases using GIS data is one of a GIS technician’s responsibilities. This is one of the most entry-level alternatives among GIS professions, and it is a great location to start your career after earning a degree in GIS.
GIS technicians develop information and maps that many sectors may use using several approaches, such as photogrammetry and GIS data acquisition. An individual who works closely with GIS data to create GIS systems that may be utilized to provide meaningful information about a specific location is known as a “geographic information system” (GIS) technician.
The average GIS technician in Canada makes $63,565 a year, or $32.60 an hour, according to Talent.com. While entry-level occupations start at $54,064 annually, the average yearly wage for experienced workers is $73,633.
What are the tips for Finding Entry-Level GIS Jobs in Canada?
It might be difficult for many fresh graduates to get entry-level GIS jobs in Canada in the first few months after graduation. In addition to giving the impression that there are limited employment opportunities, the industry could seem challenging to enter.
However, working with experts and utilizing temporary employment services will help you discover the ideal position. In this most recent piece, our team at GeoSearch will highlight some of the suggestions we have for locating entry-level jobs in the GIS business. Our team has a lot of experience in the field.
Research the local community groups in your area.
One of the best methods to network in the geospatial scientific community is to investigate the various local community groups. Establish relationships with influential community members and make an effort to stand out at any local geospatial science-related events.
This will prepare you to investigate other local options when they become available.
Think About Getting Your GIS Certification.
If you want to widen the scope of your job hunt, gaining certifications is one way to increase your chances of being hired. Earning a Geographic Information Systems Professional certificate is a smart approach to show prospective employers that you have a high degree of training and are knowledgeable about the software and best practices utilized in your sector.
Also, you can enrol in an ESRI certification program to demonstrate your proficiency with Arc GIS, the most widely used program in the industry.
Plan a lot of interviews.
It’s crucial to schedule work that will give you priceless, practical experience when looking for entry-level positions in the GIS sector.
Use the services of temporary staffing agencies.
If you are having trouble finding answers to the problems you are running into throughout your job hunt, set up a meeting with a provider of temporary staffing services.
Since we are a staffing firm in the GIS sector, we can help you review and improve your resume so that it stands out.
We can also assist you in developing relationships with key figures in the GIS industry, creating opportunities for you to seize quickly.
You may rely on the professional personnel in our recruiting department to assist you in obtaining the data you require for your GIS job hunt.
If you’re interested in finding out more about our company and the experience we have in the field, give us a call right away.
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GIS Jobs in Canada: What is the Job role?
As a GIS analyst, one of your primary responsibilities will be to manage location-based data, some of the most vital information in the world.
We can make better decisions and even save lives if geomatics scientists can help us make sense of all this data.
This can entail tracking customer shopping locations or determining where additional speed bumps are necessary.
Project workloads are managed by GIS technicians, drafters, and analysts. They do the demanding lifting. If they existed, they would offer a strong foundation for the data. However, the problem extends beyond merely financial remuneration.
Making a profession in geomatics can be done in various ways, from straightforward tasks like updating data and creating metadata to more complex ones like creating maps and displaying data sets. And at every tier between.
This group is in charge of some or all of the duties stated below:
- specialists and engineers with expertise in remote sensing and aerial surveys
- Create specialized, integrated methods for analogue and computer software-specific picture analysis.
- To create photos, data, and visual reports, maps, and charts from aerial or satellite data, one must operate analogue or digital airborne remote sensing equipment like survey film or digital cameras, laser or radar sensors, and scanners.
- Examine the captured photos for quality, confirm the accuracy and reliability of the data in the remote sensing image processing systems, and make any necessary equipment changes.
- Geographic Information Systems is a speciality of technicians and technologists (GIS).
- Geospatial data modelling, management, analysis, and visualization require specialized computer hardware, software, and add-on devices.
- Develop customized computer software routines, web-based GIS, database applications, and business tools to personalize geographic information.
- Work with organisations outside your company to resolve data transfer and system compatibility issues.
- Execute data entry and editing tasks and system maintenance tasks in line with preset calibration protocols.
- Connect external software like spreadsheets and statistics packages to the GIS platform.
- The two services offered to GIS users are technical support and training.
- Users of GIS can take advantage of two services: technical help and training, technicians and engineers with a focus on cartography.
- Plan out the specifics of the map’s content, structure, and design, and assemble the essential data using sources, including aerial photos, survey notes, records, reports, and other maps.
- Create maps and the graphs and charts that go with them using digital mapping techniques, computer interactive graphics, CAD software, conventional drafting procedures, and either a computer or traditional scribing equipment.
- Check completed compositions for accuracy and to make sure everything is there.
- Photogrammetry is a specialized field of technology.
- It is important to analyze and interpret aerial images to produce topographic maps, aerial photograph mosaics, and other related charts.
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Job titles
- surface weather observer
- weather station officer-in-charge
- remote sensing (RS) technician
- softcopy photogrammetrist
- photogrammetrist
- aerological technician
- photogrammetric technologist
- avalanche controller
- geographic information systems (GIS) technician
- climate data processor
- map editor
- climate service technician
- mapping technician
- meteorological inspector
- cartographer
- ice observer
- aerial survey technician
- officer-in-charge, weather station
- meteorological technician
- operations technician, weather station
Source: istockphotos
GIS Jobs in Canada: FAQs
Is pursuing a career in GIS analysis a good decision?
Consider working as a technician for a geographic information system (GIS) if you want a career that is both intriguing and in great demand. You will gain knowledge of mapping and spatial analysis, two abilities that can be applied to some different sectors, such as urban planning and epidemiology.
What does the job of a GIS analyst entail?
The maps you see on your smartphone, in your car’s navigation system, and even at the gas station in your neighbourhood were created by GIS experts.
They employ mapping software to analyze spatial data and create digital maps serving various functions.
One of their main duties is gathering information on land use, which they use to decide how to use the area most effectively.
GIS analysts can produce more than just digital maps; frequently, they can help firms create new workflow systems or develop the analysis tools they use personally.
Are Entry-Level GIS jobs in Canada in demand?
The GIS sector is vibrant, growing, and full of prospects for anyone interested in working in it. The demand for qualified GIS specialists is increasing as technology becomes more prevalent and a part of our daily lives.
There are now more than 100,000 unfilled posts in this sector that need to be filled. In the ensuing five years, this number is anticipated to increase by 50%.
Is it difficult to get GIS jobs?
In the first few months after graduation, it might be challenging for many fresh graduates to secure entry-level GIS work.
It could seem difficult to break into the field, and job openings are few and far between. However, you can find your ideal role by working with professionals and temporary staffing agencies.
Even if there is fierce competition, it demonstrates more options for GIS specialists. Illustrates the significant demand for GIS jobs.
Even if there is fierce competition, it demonstrates more options for GIS specialists.
What are the necessary qualifications to work as a GIS analyst?
To work as a GIS analyst, you must have a bachelor’s degree in geography or another subject closely linked to your line of work. Additionally, you must have at least two years of experience working with GIS applications like ArcGIS or QGIS.
Additionally, you should be familiar with several programming languages, such as Python or R.
GIS Jobs in Canada: Conclusion
Knowing how to use various tools and data formats, including CAD, rasters, BIM, and LiDAR, is crucial when dealing with GIS.
You should also be able to construct online apps, manage databases, integrate data, automate workflows, and create spatial datasets.
Any GIS team would be fortunate to have someone with even a few (or all!) of the skills above.
With all that has been explained above, you should have understood all that is required for GIS jobs in Canada. It’s not too late to start preparing or trying to gather the relevant documents and skills. Your seat awaits you whenever you are ready.
