FIREFIGHTER INFO & COMM SYSTEMS (GIS Application Specialist)
City of Toronto · Toronto, ON
- On site
- Internship
- CA$105,604 / year
- Toronto, ON
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Job highlights
- Support critical GIS applications for Toronto Fire Services.
- Manage spatial data and enhance emergency response.
- Utilize SQL Server and Python for system optimization.
- Requires 3+ years of GIS and application support experience.
- Permanent, full-time role with on-call rotation.
About the role
GIS Application Specialist
Join the City of Toronto's Fire Services as a GIS Application Specialist and play a crucial role in supporting mission-critical GIS-enabled applications used for operational deployment. This permanent, full-time position offers a competitive hourly rate and involves supporting public safety technologies, spatial analysis, and database management.
About the Role
Reporting to the CAD/RMS Section Captain, you will be responsible for the direct operational support of CAD, Incident Records Management, and staffing systems. You'll maintain accurate spatial and geographic databases, address data discrepancies, and integrate address-based data with risk reduction applications. Your expertise will contribute to emergency response planning and the implementation of new GIS solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide direct operational support for CAD, Incident Records Management, and staffing systems.
- Participate in an after-hours on-call rotation for mission-critical systems and mobile devices.
- Develop and maintain expert knowledge of CAD and other public safety technologies.
- Maintain accurate spatial and geographic databases for GIS-enabled applications.
- Address spatial data discrepancies and refine emergency response plans.
- Connect/integrate address-based data with risk reduction applications for a comprehensive community risk view.
- Contribute to emergency response planning with GIS expertise and spatial analysis.
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams for GIS solutions and enhancements.
- Assist with building, testing, documenting, installing, and training for GIS applications.
- Document data dictionaries, metadata, and workflows for geospatial assets.
- Conduct quality assurance checks to ensure data reliability.
- Work independently and collaboratively in a public safety environment.
- Utilize Microsoft SQL Server for support, troubleshooting, and optimization of GIS, CAD, and operational data systems.
Additional Requirements
- Maintain a high standard of professionalism, integrity, reliability, and credibility.
- Align work with corporate values, policies, and the City’s vision and mission.
- Support Division-specific objectives related to emergency response readiness and operational effectiveness.
Minimum Qualifications
- Post-secondary degree or diploma in GIS, Data Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Urban Planning, or equivalent.
- At least three years of experience (within the last five years) in GIS, spatial analysis, and application support, preferably in a municipal or emergency services environment.
- Possess a valid Class 'G' Driver's License, or better, and maintain it.
Required Skills and Proficiencies
- Translate organizational needs into GIS-based solutions and measurable outcomes.
- Expert proficiency with enterprise GIS software (e.g., Esri ArcGIS Pro/Enterprise).
- Hands-on experience with Microsoft SQL Server (queries, stored procedures, optimization, SSIS/SSRS/SSAS).
- Proficiency in scripting languages like Python or Visual Basic for automation and analysis.
- Highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience using MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.).
- Experience in leading and documenting technical projects and communicating with stakeholders.
- Commitment to customer service, performance quality, and continuous improvement.
- Well-developed interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Ability to manage competing demands, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
Key skills/competency
- GIS Application Specialist
- Geospatial Analysis
- Database Management
- Spatial Data
- Emergency Response
- Public Safety Technology
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Python
- Esri ArcGIS
- Application Support
Skills & topics
- GIS Application Specialist
- Geospatial
- Spatial Analysis
- Database Management
- Application Support
- Public Safety
- Fire Services
- Toronto
- Esri ArcGIS
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Python
- Full-time
- Permanent
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Emphasize your experience in GIS, spatial analysis, and public safety technologies, matching keywords from the job description like 'Esri ArcGIS', 'Microsoft SQL Server', and 'Python'.
- Highlight relevant experience: Clearly detail your post-secondary education and at least three years of experience in GIS application support, ideally within municipal or emergency services environments.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss your expertise with enterprise GIS software, SQL Server, and scripting languages like Python during the interview process.
- Attend the info session: Participate in the virtual information session to gain insights and ask questions about the role and the City of Toronto's application process.
- Demonstrate problem-solving: Showcase your analytical and problem-solving skills by providing examples of how you've translated organizational needs into GIS-based solutions.
Technical preparation
Master Esri ArcGIS Pro/Enterprise for spatial analysis.,Practice Microsoft SQL Server queries and optimization.,Develop Python scripts for GIS automation tasks.,Prepare to discuss CAD/RMS system support experience.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex spatial data problem solved.,How do you handle urgent technical support requests?,Share an experience integrating disparate data sources.,How do you collaborate with diverse technical teams?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the salary for the GIS Application Specialist role at the City of Toronto?
- The GIS Application Specialist role at the City of Toronto offers an hourly rate of $50.77. This is a permanent, full-time position with a standard work week of 42 hours, Monday to Friday.
- What are the key technical skills required for the GIS Application Specialist position?
- Key technical skills include expert proficiency with enterprise GIS software (e.g., Esri ArcGIS Pro/Enterprise), hands-on experience with Microsoft SQL Server (queries, stored procedures, optimization), and proficiency in scripting languages such as Python or Visual Basic for automation and analysis.
- Is there an opportunity to ask questions about the GIS Application Specialist role?
- Yes, interested candidates can participate in a virtual Teams information session with Division Chief Bill Tsoukalas on April 24th from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM to ask questions about the position and the application process.
- What kind of experience is needed to be considered for the GIS Application Specialist role?
- You need at least three years of experience (within the last five years) in GIS, spatial analysis, and application support, ideally within a municipal or emergency services environment. A post-secondary degree or diploma in a related field like GIS, Data Science, or Computer Science is also required.
- What is the work arrangement for the GIS Application Specialist position?
- The work arrangement is full-time and permanent, based at the Fire / EMS Headquarters at 4330 Dufferin St, Toronto. The role includes a Monday to Friday work schedule and participation in an after-hours on-call rotation.
- How important is spatial analysis for the GIS Application Specialist role?
- Spatial analysis is a core responsibility for this role. You will be expected to have knowledge and expertise in spatial analysis, contribute to emergency response planning with spatial analysis, and maintain accurate spatial databases.
- What is the application deadline for the GIS Application Specialist job?
- The application period for the GIS Application Specialist position is from April 13, 2026, to May 4, 2026. Ensure your application is submitted by the closing date.
- Will I need a driver's license for the GIS Application Specialist job?
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