Download Energy and Mines - BC Public Service

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Energy and Mines
POSITION TITLE:
Senior Digital Information Geoscientist
POSITION
NUMBER(S):
91274
DIVISION: (e.g., Division,
Region, Department)
UNIT: (e.g., Branch, Area,
District)
SUPERVISOR’S TITLE:
Mines and Mineral Resources Division
BC Geological Survey
LOCATION:
Victoria
Director, Cordilleran Geoscience
POSITION
NUMBER
PHONE
NUMBER:
NOC CODE:
34436
SUPERVISOR’S
CLASSIFICATION:
FOR AGENCY USE ONLY
Business Leadership
APPROVED CLASSIFICATION:
CLASS CODE:
ENTERED BY:
PHONE
NUMBER:
PROGRAM
The Ministry of Energy and Mines is the catalyst and facilitator for developing sustainable and competitive energy and
mineral resource sectors for British Columbians. The Ministry administers programs in oil and gas; mining and minerals;
and electricity and alternative energy.
The Province’s mineral exploration and mining industries provide thousands of long-term jobs, generate revenues to
support provincial and local government services, and are an important component of regional economies throughout
British Columbia. The mineral industry is a key economic activity in many communities across British Columbia. As one
of the largest industries in BC, mining generates more than $7 billion annually in production and sales with provincial
revenues in 2010 estimated at $400 million.
The Mines and Mineral Resources Division is responsible for developing, promoting and regulating a thriving globally
competitive, safe, and sustainable mining and mineral exploration industry that benefits all British Columbians. The BC
Geological Survey is responsible for generating new geoscience data and products including bedrock and surficial
geology maps, regional geochemical surveys, targeted mineral deposit studies, and resource information databases.
Rapid web-based publication of these data ensures that government, industry, and the general public can access the
most current information necessary to make informed decisions concerning the government's sustainable development
objectives.
The Geological Survey Branch is responsible for the inventory of the Province's mineral, coal and aggregate reserves and
resources. Information is gathered through geoscience field surveys and from industry assessment reports filed in
compliance with legislation. Key outputs for the Geological Survey Branch are hard copy and digital publications and
databases that are used by numerous clients and government. These publications require coordination within the Branch
to ensure timeliness and adherence to technical and professional standards.
BCGeologyMap: The province’s bedrock geology map for industry and government clients is a critical source of
information for deciding on areas for exploration and assessing mineral potential. Updating is an important, ongoing task
that is required to incorporate new data into the digital provincial product - the BCGeologyMap. The Senior Digital
Information Geoscientist, using advanced geospatial technology, works with mapping geologists and geomatics
specialists within the GSB to complete the implementation of a Geology Operational Database Environment (GODE) that
allows all future provincial geological mapping products to be available as digitally seamless geospatial databases
available online. A preliminary digital geology map of central BC has been developed and, upon completion, will be one of
the most advanced geospatial databases for any geological map in the world. Users of the BCGeologyMap will be able to
relate geology to the sister disciplines of geochemistry, geophysics, mineral deposits, and exploration activity.
PURPOSE OF POSITION
The most recent BC-wide geological map was compiled in 2005 at a scale of 1:250,000. It was based largely on map
compilation made between 1992 and 1996 in support of the BC Mineral Potential Project. Multiple versions of this 2005
map compilation exist on file servers and desktops in various formats. Other geoscience datasets such as the Regional
Geochemical Surveys (RGS), MINFILE, and ARIS are all managed by non-spatial databases such as Microsoft Access
and SQL Server 2005. This non-spatial environment, however, is unable to enforce common data standards, quality
assurance rules, or even consistent legends and styles required in publication of high quality digital maps. Moreover, data
volume limitations of desktop GIS and database processing capabilities make many of the more sophisticated tasks
Senior Digital Information Geoscientist, 23 June 2011
Page 1 of 6
impossible to complete. A fully functional BCGeologyMap will rectify this situation and unlock millions of dollars of data for
the benefit of the mineral exploration community and government decision-makers. In addition to leading and developing
the BCGeologyMap, the Senior Digital Information Geoscientist is the key geoscientist responsible for ensuring the
integrity and delivery of the Cordilleran Geoscience Section’s digital geoscience data over the internet. These digital
publications include Geological Fieldwork and a yearly stream of OpenFiles and GeoFiles. The delivery of digital media is
an increasingly important function as demand for GSB digital geoscience products from all clients continues to increase
annually.
NATURE OF WORK AND POSITION LINKS
This position requires an advanced university degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in geology or applied geomatics with relevant
experience (3 years with a doctorate, 4 years with a masters) OR a bachelor’s degree and at least 7 years of experience.
Applicants should be registered, or be eligible for registration, as a Professional Engineer/Geoscientist with the
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC). Expert knowledge of geospatial data systems,
geographic information systems, website development, and publications software is required. Experience with integration
of diverse 3-dimensional (3D) datasets including remote sensing, airborne geophysics, 3D resource modeling, and
computer programming environments is desirable. The position is responsible for the ongoing design and development of
the BCGeologyMap, which is the provincial digital geology map. The internet portal to the BCGeologyMap will provide
provincial geological maps that are dynamic, user-friendly, and updated regularly. The Senior Digital Information
Geoscientist is the key link between the mapping geologists of the Cordilleran Geoscience section and the Geomatics
Geoscientists of the Resource Information section, and also supports the delivery of digital GSB publications to the public.
To accomplish the assigned deliverables, the position develops and maintains productive working relationships with:
Industry Clients (mineral exploration and mining company representatives and individual prospectors): acts as the
primary government contact for queries regarding BCGeologyMap issues and requests; provides expert advice regarding
the interpretation of geoscience data; develops BCGeologyMap tools to accommodate the needs of industry;
disseminates information about BCGeologyMap tool enhancements through presentations at workshops; and develops
training tutorials for BCGeologyMap.
External Organizations (e.g. geological and mining organizations such as the Association for Mineral Exploration in BC,
Geoscience BC, Geological Survey of Canada, and the scientific and academic communities): responds to digital data
requests and exchanges information (e.g. receives non-GSB generated maps and incorporates them into the
BCGeologyMap).
Internal clients (e.g. managers and senior advisors in other Branches concerning aboriginal relations and land use
issues): provides expert advice regarding the digital geology available for specific areas of the Province to support
government planning and decision-making related to Treaty Negotiations, park development and other land use
processes.
Branch managers and staff: provides expert advice regarding Branch digital mapping products, data management
frameworks, standards, information systems; develops and manages GIS tools and applications to support government
decision-making; advises geologists on GIS queries; collaborates on the development and implementation of work
processes and methods to achieve efficiencies within the Cordilleran Geoscience section; and contributes to the activities
of project teams.
Senior Geomatics Geoscientist, Geomatics Geoscientist, and the MapPlace Geoscientist: collaborates on projects;
integrates data and data systems relevant to advancing the BCGeologyMap; and analyses geospatial data related to
geology, geochemistry, geophysics, remote sensing, mineral deposits, environmental impacts and other types of
information.
Ministry Management Services Division, Financial Services Branch: obtains support and guidance regarding contract
management policies and procedures to support the ongoing development of the BCGeologyMap..
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES / DELIVERABLES
1. BCGeologyMap System Management and Improvements (40%):
The Senior Digital Information Geoscientist’s main purpose and responsibility is the ongoing development of the
BCGeologyMap as a scientific data product, with a focus on the enhancement and modernization of the data
specifications. The BCGeologyMap acts as a bridge to facilitate streamlined map production, from the collection of field
data, digitization, data interrogation for quality assurance, collaboration amongst the mapping geologists, to final delivery
over the web.
In addition to knowledge about the geology and topographic base maps (TRIM and 1:50,000 NTS maps) in BC and
possessing superior skills in geological mapping, this person should be an expert on:
1) Data specification and data model
Standards for spatial data (e.g., OGC Simple Features Specifications, WMS, WFS, WPS, KML, ISO 19115, etc.) and
Senior Digital Information Geoscientist, 23 June 2011
Page 2 of 6
geology (GeoSciML).
Data modelling and CASE tools: object-oriented data modelling, UML, E-R.
2) Map Compilation and Data Integration
GIS: Manifold, ArcGIS, MapInfo, FME, OpenJUMP, Quantum GIS
Data processing: SQL, Java, Python, Perl, ENVI, R
Data quality assurance and data integrations: concepts, specifications, OCL, QA rules and policies, disciplines,
processes, best practices
Database: SQL Server 2008, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, Oracle, Microsoft Access
Database applications: triggers, constraints, partitioning, spatial indexing, materialized views, customized client GUI
to database
3) Data delivery
MapGuide Enterprise or open source, Maestro for MapGuide, FDO, GeoServer, MapServer, OpenLayer, Google
Earth API, Microsoft Bing Maps
Development of Web services: .ASP, Java, JavaScript, JavaFX, .ASP, PHP, Perl
2. Spatial Geoscience Database Integration (25%):
a. Provide leadership and expertise in geospatial data management, GIS, spatial and statistical analysis techniques.
b. Maintain current knowledge of computer applications and geoscience in British Columbia by literature research, and
attending and participating in workshops, training courses, conferences, etc.
c. Implement knowledge in software applications such as Autodesk MapGuide products (Author, Viewer, Server, SDF
Loader, Raster Workshop), FME, ENVI/IDL, ArcInfo, Open Source, Cold Fusion, MS Access, Oracle Spatial, SQL,
Web Development products (MS Sharepoint, HTML, ASP, Java), MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), FoxPro,
CorelDraw and Adobe Acrobat.
d. Interact and collaborate with GeoBC, Geoscience BC and Geological Survey of Canada to integrate spatial and
attribute databases.
e. Apply data conversion and transfer tools to upgrade systems; and to import and export data sets between
organizations (e.g., through scripted use of FME).
f. Develop and implement policies and procedures (including computer hardware/software and operational procedures)
to ensure the effective management and integrity of geoscience data relevant to the BCGeologyMap.
g. Conduct scientific analytical studies of geoscience data (e.g. create data models) to discover new spatial and
thematic relationships between geoscience data elements.
h. Publish project results in reports, on maps and in digital databases.
i. Develop geoscience applications (e.g. for field data collection and data manipulation).
j. Create thematic maps (e.g. to enable government executives to generate printed reports from existing mining activity
databases).
k. Manage the evaluation, selection and implementation of appropriate tools, software, applications and systems to
support mineral assessment evaluations, administrative processes and program goals.
l. Conduct remote sensing analytical studies.
m. Work with project teams to develop strategies to stimulate industry mineral exploration activity through the effective
dissemination of mineral potential/occurrence information (e.g. establish project charters, identify resource
requirements, delegate tasks, monitor performance, initiate remedial action when necessary and ensure results are
achieved within timelines).
n. Maintain currency with advances in geoscience data management, modeling, interpretation and mapping techniques
and technologies.
3. Act as Lead Digital Data Delivery Specialist for Geoscience Mapping Products Produced by Geoscientists in the
Cordilleran Geoscience section (25%)
(a) Provide technical leadership and expert advice regarding the scientific integrity, editing and compliance with standards, for
section and branch digital geoscience publications.
(b) Recommend acceptance or rejection of a digital geoscience product to the Chief Geologist due to technical issues
surrounding digital publication and client usage. Rejection of a product is a serious challenge to a scientist’s credibility and it
could result in the loss of months of work and delay the benefits of publishing the results
(c) Recommend the development and publication of new information products utilizing the results of geoscience research
generated by BCGeologyMap.
(d) Ensures compliance with scientific and editorial standards and provides quality control of geoscience research published
online, as it reflects on the professional reputation of the Branch and the Ministry.
(e) Develop and implement a framework (including timelines) to manage the annual production cycle for the Section’s
numerous digital outputs, including annual reports, applied research articles, and maps. Collaborate with partner
organizations to manage timelines
(f) Assist with managing and conducting technical editing of scientific documents to ensure compliance with standards,
Senior Digital Information Geoscientist, 23 June 2011
Page 3 of 6
technical accuracy and completeness.
(g) Lead initiatives to increase the number of digital products (e.g. published on the Internet).
(h) Work with industry clients to integrate ARIS databases (e.g., geophysical surveys) and other partners (e.g., GSC,
Goescience BC) datasets into BCGeologyMap.
(i)
Work with, and provide training to, the mapping geologists so that they are able to get their GIS mapping products into
formats that allow for seamless integration into the BCGeologyMap.
4. Administration, budgeting and other related duties (10%):
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
Preparation of project designs, budgets, and staffing proposals.
Select, train and supervise auxiliary and temporary staff to conduct applied research, complete projects and manipulate
data.
Negotiate contracts, and supervise contractors to complete data conversion and the analysis and interpretation of results.
Participate in branch peer review process by reviewing geological manuscripts drafted by colleagues and making
recommendations for improvement.
Maintain current knowledge of the science, techniques and technologies related to spatial data analysis and presentation.
Attend provincial, national and international on-line technical forums and professional meetings for presentation of research
and for acquisition and integration (e.g., OneMap) of new knowledge and information.
Participate on behalf of the Ministry and Branch on the Natural Resource Sector Information Council and other government
geomatics efforts as required to support the BCGeologyMap.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Manages procurement processes for contractors (e.g. negotiate contract terms; use standardized contracts; define
deliverables and timelines, and sign-off on completion) and certifies work completion
Responsible for project with operating and salary costs varying from $50,000 to $250,000 annually.
Leads the identification and monitoring of capital expenditures when developing (enhancing) new databases and systems
related to BCGeologyMap and digital data delivery within the Section.
DIRECT SUPERVISION (i.e., responsibility for signing the employee appraisal form)
# of Regular FTE’s
# of Auxiliary FTE’s
Directly supervises staff
1
<3
Supervises staff through subordinate supervisors
0
0
Role
PROJECT /TEAM LEADERSHIP OR TRAINING (Check the appropriate boxes)
Role
Supervises students or volunteers
# of
FTE’s
<3
Role
Provides formal training to other staff
Lead project teams
1 to 15
Assigns, monitors and examines the work of staff
# of
FTE’s
<20
15
TOOLS / EQUIPMENT
Geographic Information Systems (e.g. Manifold, Mapinfo, Arc GIS), database management software (Access, Oracle, SQL,
etc.), electronic drafting and illustration software, statistical analysis software, image management and analysis software,
programming (e.g. Visual Basic, script languages, Java, XML), office productivity software
WORKING CONDITIONS
Office environment.
Occasional overnight travel to meetings and conferences
Occasional fieldwork (in remote setting in all types of weather)
ORGANIZATION CHART
Deputy Minister, Energy and Mines
Assistant Deputy Minister, Mines and Mineral Resources Division
Chief Geologist / Executive Director, BC Geological Survey SL #34423
Director, Cordilleran Geoscience BL #34436
Senior Digital Information Geoscientist LSO4 #91274
Senior Digital Information Geoscientist, 23 June 2011
Page 4 of 6
STAFFING CRITERIA
Education and Experience:
 A doctorate or master’s degree in geoscience with relevant experience (3 years with a doctorate, 4 years with a masters)
OR
 A bachelor’s degree and at least 7 years of relevant experience.
 An advanced diploma or degree in geomatics would be advantageous.
 Registered or eligible for registration with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia
as a Professional Geoscientist.
 Experience in geospatial data systems work, such as data warehousing, image analysis and spatial information systems
development.
 Experience with integration of diverse corporate datasets, remote sensing and resource evaluation is desirable, and
expertise with Manifold GIS.
 Experience and a degree of expertise with commercially available 3D modelling and visualization software used in the
mining and mineral exploration industry would be a definite asset. Software includes, but is not limited to, Gocad, Leapfrog,
Oasis Montaj, Surpac, Medsys, and Gemcon.
 Experience leading project teams and managing projects.
Knowledge
 Geographic Information Systems and spatial data analysis applications (preferably Manifold GIS software) and geological
map production (data compilation, interpretation, computer drafting).
 Relational and object database management experience
 Data warehousing techniques and strategies (e.g. SQL Server 2008, Oracle, PostgresSQL/PostGIS)
 Corporate data exchange and standards
 Expertise in image analysis, spectral analysis of ASTER and hyperspectral platforms (e.g. Hyperion), LandSat, SAR,
including interpretation of landforms and surficial deposits
 Experience in writing technical documents and producing maps and other spatial products
 BC geology, economic geology, BC mineral deposits, Geological Survey internet geoscience resources and MapPlace
systems
 Open Source and scripting plus Javascript, ASP, PHP, and Perl
 Project management knowledge
Skills and Abilities
 Able to analyse and manage complex geoscience spatial and attribute data sets.
 Able to develop and implement geospatial information systems
 Interpersonal, oral and written communication and technical presentation skills.
 Ability to organize and prioritize own work and work cooperatively, as part of a team.
 Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines in a demanding work environment.
 Ability to assemble material and to organize, analyze and present data with scientific accuracy and completeness.
 Able to supervise employees.
 Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
Skills and Abilities:
 Technologically innovative and proven problem solver.
 Ability to plan, and conduct independent and innovative original research projects.
 Interpersonal, oral and written communication and presentation skills; and ability to produce succinct verbal and
written communications and technical reports, and perform technical editing.
 Ability to organize and prioritize work and lead project teams.
 Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines in a demanding work environment.
 Ability to review, analyze and present data with scientific accuracy and completeness and ability to apply judgement
based on scientific analysis and research results.
 Ability to use GIS/CAD, database management, computer graphics, and office productivity software (e.g. Manifold,
FME, ArcGIS, Autodesk MapGuide, ENVI/IDL, FoxPro, SQL Server 2008, Oracle, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, CorelDRAW,
Adobe Acrobat, MS Access, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.).
 Ability to deliver scientific and technical presentations.
 Able to conduct applied geosciences research and propose new projects utilizing Geographic Information Systems,
Remote Sensing and other analysis (e.g. scientific literature research; planning; and budgeting).
COMPETENCIES
Leadership is the desire to lead others, including diverse teams. Leadership is generally demonstrated from a position of
formal authority. The “team” here should be understood as any group with which the person interacts regularly.
Service Orientation is understanding the service needs of a client/customer and actively focusing on anticipating, meeting and
exceeding the needs in a timely and appropriate manner.
Senior Digital Information Geoscientist, 23 June 2011
Page 5 of 6
Teamwork and Cooperation is working cooperatively with diverse teams, work groups and across the organization to achieve
group and organizational goals. This includes communicating effectively and collaboratively with others.
Relationship Building and Teamwork is the development and management of credible and trusting relationships with
colleagues, management and clients.
Innovation and Change is supporting and encouraging new ideas and approaches to enhance performance and results. It is
embracing change, taking intelligent risks, and helping others to engage in the change process.
Strategic Orientation is the ability to link long-range visions and concepts to daily work and thinking and acting upon the big
picture. It is taking the broad-scale and long-term view and developing appropriate strategies or plans to meet goals.
Empowerment is conveying confidence in others ability to be successful and sharing responsibility to encourage commitment
and ownership.
Project and Process Management skills include the management of deliverables using sound project management
principles and processes; Consistently meets deadlines; Demonstrates initiative and focuses on outcomes; Develops
clear outcomes and measures of success; Moves beyond problem identification to focus on developing sustainable
solutions; Prioritizes competing demands for resources.
Improving Operations uses expertise and knowledge to modify current approaches, practices or procedures in order to create
a better fit with new situations or demands.
Analytical Thinking is the ability to comprehend a situation by breaking it down into its components and identifying key or
underlying complex issues.
Engaging External Partners identifies and involves external stakeholders in order to foster long term partnerships.
Senior Digital Information Geoscientist, 23 June 2011
Page 6 of 6