University of Alberta Looking for GIS Research Assistant at Edmonton, AB Full Time

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

This position has an end date of 6 months from the date of hire, with a possibility of renewal if funding is available.

Working for the University of Alberta

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

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people—from our students and stakeholders to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Position

Housing for Health is an initiative that aims to improve the health and well-being of community residents in Alberta and across Canada. The project focuses on the connection between “housing” and the neighbourhoods in which housing occur (or, the “built environment”) and healthy living outcomes especially active living, healthy eating and social connections (https://www.ualberta.ca/department-of-medicine/divisions/preventive-medicine/housing-for-health/index.html)

Duties

• Create and interpret GIS variables.
• Conduct geospatial data analysis and management using open-source geographic information and relational database management systems (ArcGIS, QGIS, PostgreSQL, PostGIS) with proprietary and open-source data sources (e.g., DMTI, Municipal Government, OSM) for academic research.
• Build and design cartographic/mapping visualizations as required.
• Compile and manage spatial and non-spatial data.
• Present or share findings to the Housing for Health team in required formats.
• Advise on research design as required.
• Prepare recommendations for project partners around real-world improvements to neighbourhood environments based on assessments.
• Dissemination of findings via conference presentations, reports, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Possibly assist with creating geographic variables using Global Positioning System (GPS), GIS, and accelerometer data using software such as ArcGIS and HABITUS, and/or complete built environment audits using observational methods.
• Other Housing for Health duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field such as Architecture, Urban Planning, Geography, Public Health, or a related field.
• University training in quantitative research methods is required.
• At least 2 years of experience creating GIS variables using software such as ArcGIS, QGIS, PostgreSQL, and/or PostGIS is required.
• Experience working creating geographic variables using GPS, GIS, and accelerometer data are considered an asset.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Travel to and overnight trips to nearby towns such as Whitecourt and Red Deer may be required.