Geomatics Technician

Overview

As a member of the military, Geomatics Technicians capture, analyze, process, present, disseminate and manage geospatial data to support the operations of the Canadian Government, especially the Navy, the Army, the Air Force, and Special Forces.

Geomatics Technicians are members of the Military Engineering Branch of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Their primary responsibilities are:

• Map Production
• Geospatial Analysis
• Web GIS
• Data Management
• GIS Development
• Geomatics Support to Operations
• Geomatics Support to Intelligence
• Geomatics Stewardship

Work environment

Geomatics Technicians are specialists, they are members of the Army, but may be called upon to support all CAF exercises and operations, including those lead by the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Canadian Air Force, and Canadian Special Forces. They also support other Government of Canada work and various Allies. Most work is done in an office environment within Canada, using high-tech computer workstations and task-tailored software. Geomatics Technicians are employed in Navy, Army, Air Force, and Special Forces units that train in garrison and in the field, and deploy on operations. Over the course of their career, they may be offered international postings, and chance to participate in national and international exercises and training.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force as a Geomatics Technician, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first posting. Postings for geotechs are available at most major bases across the country, all offering exciting and dynamic work supporting planning, exercises, operations and intelligence.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options
• Paid Education Options

No previous work experience or career related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you decide if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation.

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 11 or Quebec Secondary 5 including Grade 11 Applied Math or Math 426 in Quebec.

Foreign education may be accepted.

Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Program (NCMSTEP)

Because this position requires specialty training, the CAF will pay successful recruits to attend the diploma program at an approved Canadian college. NCMSTEP students attend basic training and on-the-job training during the summer months. They receive full-time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full pay in exchange for working with the CAF for a period of time. If you choose to apply to this program, you must apply both to the CAF and the appropriate college.

Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

After your BMQ, Geomatics Technicians will attend a CAF-approved college program on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). You will receive instruction from civilian instructors on the following topics:

• Principles of geodesy
• Principles of cartography
• Remote sensing software and data
• Object-oriented programming
• Web map/web GIS skills
• Producing core geospatial products
• Producing geospatial analysis
• Managing geospatial data

After successful completion of the college program, or if you already have a diploma from an approved institution, you will attend the Canadian Forces School of Military Mapping (CFSMM) in Ottawa, Ontario, for approximately 16 weeks. Using a combination of theory, demonstrations, practical work and simulation exercises, the CFSMM course will cover:

• Producing online services
• Operating in a military environment
• Providing geomatics input to the Intelligence Preparation of the Operation Environment

Geomatics Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• Geomatics Systems Integration
• Geographic Information Systems Specialist
• Geomatics Technologist

Related Civilian Occupations

• Geographic Information System Technician
• Cartographer
• Photogrammetrist