Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Executive
Permanent
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Executive Recruitment Campaign Booklet
About the WDC:
The Western Development Commission (WDC) is a statutory body whose role is to promote the social and economic development of the western region of Ireland. The WDC works with a range of stakeholders to support sustainable and inclusive growth in the region and has a strong track record of delivering impactful initiatives and programmes.
Culture of the WDC:
At the WDC, we are committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment where employees can thrive and make a difference. Our culture is defined by teamwork, innovation, and a deep sense of purpose. We value diversity, respect for different perspectives, and a willingness to learn and grow. If you are passionate about making a difference in the western region of Ireland and want to be part of a dynamic and collaborative team, we encourage you to apply for this role.
Purpose of Role:
The GIS Officer will play a critical role in fulfilling the obligations of both the Western Development Commission (WDC) and the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) under key national policy initiatives. This position is essential to the ongoing success and sustainability of the Connected Hubs Programme and the National Hub Network. The responsibilities associated with this role are continuous in nature and integral to the delivery of core strategic functions. Establishing this as a full-time, permanent position reflects the organisation’s long-term commitment to supporting evidence-based decision making, spatial analysis, and the development of national digital infrastructure.
In addition to supporting the Connected Hubs Programme, the post holder will have opportunities to contribute their GIS expertise more broadly across the WDC. With increasing volumes of spatial and non-spatial data being generated across departments, particularly within the Policy team, this role will be key to enhancing data integration, analysis, and insight across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
- Engage with relevant stakeholders to exploit the numerous Open Data sets available nationally, to help promote and market the National Hubs Network and other regional development projects, through a combination of images, videos, text, 3D scenes etc.
- Work with regional and national agencies to absorb, integrate and develop relevant data sets through the use of Open API’s.
- Work collaboratively with the team and stakeholders to understand emerging data metrics to create models and trend reporting for more informed decision making.
- The successful candidate will actively engage with other WDC teams to foster a collaborative environment. This responsibility is key to ensuring seamless communication and knowledge-sharing across projects, contributing to the WDC’s overarching goals through unified efforts and aligned strategies.
Spatial Analysis & Decision Support
- Provide a coordinated spatial analysis service for evidence-based decision making to support the work of the WDC, Department of Rural and Community Development, AEC Officer and Broadband Officer network and other relevant stakeholders.
- Perform analysis of data for the purposes of improving National Hubs Network and capacity across the country.
Digital Mapping & Portal Development
- Develop interactive mapping portals which will provide information in the form of map layers and datasets to view assets and amenities in the country relating to the National Hubs Network and regional development projects.
Data Management & Technical Expertise
- Manage and investigate all spatial data supply queries and progress accordingly.
- Manage metadata for spatial datasets.
- Test and validate enhancements and new features to systems, in a spatial data subject matter expert capacity.
- Carry out any other GIS and data analytics tasks required in support of the WDC and DRCD objectives.
Alignment with Governance and Strategic Initiatives
- Integration with Broader WDC Initiatives: Beyond the core responsibilities within the Connected Hubs initiative, the successful candidate will collaborate closely with other WDC departments to ensure alignment of spatial data activities with wider organisational objectives. By leveraging cross-departmental expertise and promoting integrated approaches to regional development, the role will enhance the effectiveness and impact of the WDC’s work across the western region.
The above is not, and does not purport to be, a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post.
This role requires occasional attendance at external events, including conferences, seminars, and stakeholder meetings.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Hold a minimum of a NFQ degree level 8 qualification in a relevant discipline, being computing, GIS, data analysis, systems engineering or software engineering
- Have a minimum of five years recent satisfactory experience with two of those years planning and leading projects with multiple dependencies and stakeholders
- Have at least three years of experience with GIS and spatial database management
- Experience in the use of Data Visualisation tools
- Have previous experience working in a GIS and data transformation / data management capacity including working with spatial databases, desktop GIS and other related applications
- Have scripting experience utilising a variety of spatial datatypes
- Competent in using Extract Transform Load (ETL) and an advanced level of surveying
Desirable
- Strong communications, interpersonal and leadership skills with proven experience in managing and motivating staff as well as contributing within a fast-paced team environment.
- Have proven experience of defining and understanding project requirements with a methodical and logical approach to problem solving.
Key Competencies:
For effective performance at this level, the candidate will need to demonstrate that they possess the key competencies for effective performance at Higher Executive Officer level:
- Team Leadership
- Judgment, Analysis & Decision Making
- Management & Delivery of Results
- Interpersonal & Communication Skills
- Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development
- Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values
Further details on the Civil Service Competency Framework is available here.
Conditions:
All appointments are subject to the Western Development Commission Act 1998 and staff must agree to the WDC Code of Business Conduct under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
The appointment will be for a full-time, permanent position, subject to a probationary period as specified in the employment contract. Candidates must satisfactorily complete a twelve-month probationary period before the permanent appointment can be confirmed. Notwithstanding the above, this will not preclude an extension of the probationary contract if performance dictates the same.
Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will hold a full driving license and have access to transport as this post will involve travel nationally in support of the seven county Western Region. When absent from home and your designated office location on official duty, you will be paid accordingly.
The salary scale for this post will be equivalent to that of the Civil Service Higher Executive Officer Standard Scale:
Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) Pay Rate: The salary for this position, with effect from 1st March 2025 is as follows: €58,264 €59,967 €61,668 €63,366 €65,072, €66,769 €68,472 €70,928¹ €73,378²
¹ After 3 years satisfactory service at the maximum.
² After 6 years satisfactory service at the maximum.
Please note: The starting salary for the person appointed to this post will be the first point on the above scale unless the successful application has previous public sector experience as per circular 08/2019.
Remote First:
At the WDC, we follow the Government’s / our parent Department’s guidance in extending remote working to all employees. In order to provide flexibility and opportunities for dynamic collaboration and work / life balance. We believe in harnessing technology to drive innovation and maximise efficiency, empowering our team to thrive in a flexible work environment. The successful candidate must adhere to the WDC’s Remote Working Policy. The WDC require in-person collaboration and attendance at our offices located in Sligo, Galway, Letterkenny and Ballaghaderreen, when it is required or warranted. New staff or those on probation may initially work on-site more frequently until completing role induction, as decided by their manager or the CEO
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
How to Apply:
- Please specify the position you are applying for in the email subject line (i.e. GIS Executive), if you are applying for multiple roles, list your preferences in the cover letter. If no preference is stated, we will decide the best fit based on the details supplied in your application.
- As part as of the application process, you will be required to submit the following documentation:
- a) A comprehensive CV detailed as relevant to the position (no longer than three pages)
- b) A short cover letter/ personal statement (no more than one page) outlining why you wish to be considered for the post and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements for the position.
- We request that both documents are submitted in a single Word document or PDF.
Please note that the omission of any or part of the two requested documents, as set out above, will render the application incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered for the next stage of the selection process.
Please email your application to careers@wdc.ie
If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application within two working days of applying, please email info@wdc.ie
Closing Date:
The closing date for applications is Tuesday 27th May 2025 at 5pm.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Executive Recruitment Campaign Booklet
The WDC is an equal opportunities employer
Canvassing will disqualify
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