MUSHKEGOWUK COUNCIL

Information Services Department

36 Birch Street South
Timmins, ON P4N 2A5
Tel: 705-268-3594
Fax: 705-268-3282
www.mushkegowuk.ca

JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION:

Geographic Information System (GIS) Education Specialist

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

Director, Information Services Department

LOCATION:

Timmins, Ontario (with extensive travel)

DURATION:

Full-Time until March 31, 2017

(with extension based on approved funding.)

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Geographic Information System- Education Specialist (GIS-ES) will enhance students learning through the
implementation of the provincial Geographic Information System (GIS) curriculum into various subjects and lessons
at Mushkegowuk schools. Through the development of collaborative relationships with Mushkegowuk Council,
communities, schools, educators, families, and Elders, the GIS-ES will provide leadership and assistance to staff at
participating schools in GIS curriculum implementation, lesson planning, and technology use in the classroom. The
GIS-ES will assist schools in the development of culturally relevant programs and lessons that are focused on local
needs.
The GIS-ES will:
Train teachers in the newest teaching techniques and methods using GIS technologies in order to stay
current with provincial and federal guidelines.
Design and conduct professional development, based on the principles of adult learning, for the purpose
of improved teacher capacity and student achievement.
As requested, the GIS-ES will teach students using new methods as a tool for teachers to observe how to
use GIS technology and implement it into their lessons.
Partner with teachers, Elders, and community members to create educational projects that enhance
cultural teachings, values, and history and could then be incorporated into community developments.
Facilitate the interpretation of the Ontario Elementary and Secondary School curriculum guidelines with
education groups

GIS Education Specialist

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DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supports the overall mission and goals of Mushkegowuk Council, as well as participating schools and
communities, by contributing to projects and activities that create positive learning environments for
students
Liaise among Mushkegowuk Council, schools, communities, and families to assure positive outcomes for
all learners
Provides educational leadership to Omushkego Education Department and teachers in the integration of
curriculum, instruction, assessment, and best practices in GIS
Integrates educational theory, research, and expertise into appropriate practices for local contexts, in a
service style that facilitates positive change and continuous improvement
Provides leadership in designing strategies that infuse curriculum standards, benchmarks, assessments,
media, and technology into teachers planning and practice
Develops teaching materials and other resources for program delivery
Pursues professional growth opportunities and relationships to keep current with educational directions
Ability to use and integrate technology appropriately in daily work which includes, but is not limited to,
efficient operation of telephone and voice mail systems and application of basic computer skills to
effectively use email, Internet, and word processing
Ability to communicate effectively and maintain effective working relationships
Demonstrates self-discipline and initiative to produce high-quality, organized, and dependable results
Handles information in a confidential manner in accordance with established policies and legal
requirements
Ability to access resources (print, electronic, personnel)
Ability to read and interpret documents, write reports and correspondence, and apply appropriate
mathematical concepts
Follows policies, procedures, standards, and rules in accordance with national and provincial laws, which
includes, but is not limited to, developing and maintaining proper and adequate records and
documentation
Monitors response to programs, and makes assessments of program effectiveness

QUALIFICATIONS:
College Diploma or University Degree in GIS, Geography, Environmental Studies, or related field
Ontario College of Teachers certification (preferred) or 2 years of experience teaching GIS
Advanced knowledge of GIS technology (ESRI ArcGIS) and GPS
Hands-on professional experience in K-12 education
Knowledge and skill using computer hardware, software, and printers
Organizational and problem solving skills, as well as attention to detail
Strong communication, presentation, and group facilitation skills.
Ability to work as part of a team, and communicate effectively with a diversity of people
including First Nation staff and members, school staff, teachers, and students (K-12)
Ability and willingness to be flexible in order to respond to the changing needs of communities
and teachers, and to adapt to flexible hours for training outside of regular classroom hours

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Knowledge of best practices in curriculum, instruction, and assessment

Knowledge of applicable rules and laws that govern educational decisions and those of the First

Nation communities
Ability to speak Cree is an asset
Willingness to travel extensively to Mushkegowuk First Nations
Knowledge of the culture of First Nations, along with an understanding of their aspirations,
socio-economic needs, stewardship values, and history

REQUIREMENTS:
Have a valid (class G) Ontario drivers licence
Willing to obtain a positive CPIC (Criminal Record Check, specifically Police Vulnerable Sector)

SALARY:
Competitive Salary (As per salary grid, based on experience)

GIS Education Specialist

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COMPENSABLE FACTORS:
1. Knowledge:
Post Secondary education in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related work
experience particularly. Candidate must possess strong communication skills including tact and
diplomacy.
2. Judgment:
Judgment on GIS / information accuracy and interpretation is necessary. Attention to detail and
consistency of work is essential. Confidentiality is required when using Mushkegowuk Traditional
Knowledge.
3. Accountability:
The incumbent is accountable for the quality of all services undertaken including delivery of Provincial
School Curriculum, reporting requirements and program assessments.
4. Consequences of Error:
Failure to analyze properly, diagnose correctly, and negotiate effectively, could result in poor
programming and development, including adverse criticism, and consequent lack of credibility for the
First Nations and Mushkegowuk Council.
5. Contacts:
Frequent contact with the GIS/Information Manager is required to set discuss work plans and objectives,
training and to share information. Contact with First Nation school staff to provide training and
classroom support.
Contact with Mushkegowuk Council Education department staff to identify projects, needs and goals.

Prepared by:

Feb 5, 2015
______________________________ Date: _____________________________

Executive Committee
Feb 27, 2015
Approved by: ______________________________ Date: _____________________________