Edmonton Catholic Schools is a large urban school division whose mission is to provide a Catholic education that inspires students to learn and that prepares them to live fully and to serve God in one another. The Division is comprised of over 50,000 students and over 5,500 employees in 95 schools plus other sites.
Requisition ID: 11675
Hours Per Week: 35
Department: Planning & Leases
No Months Per Year: 12
Position Status: Permanent
Employee Group: OOS
Rate of Pay: $91,700 - $107,600
Posting Closing Date: 8/21/26
The department of Educational Planning at Edmonton Catholic Schools is seeking a GIS Business Intelligence Specialist to join their team. The Business Intelligence Specialist (GIS) serves as the technical architect and data steward for the Educational Planning department. This role integrates geographic information systems (GIS), business intelligence (BI), and emerging technologies like AI to provide the analytical foundation for the department. By developing automated data pipelines and interactive visualizations, this position ensures that Senior Division Planners have access to high-fidelity, real-time insights to support capital planning, student accommodations, and strategic land-use strategies within the City of Edmonton.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Data Stewardship and Automation
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Serve as the primary technical steward for all planning-related datasets, ensuring data integrity, security, and consistent file structures ;
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Develop and maintain automated ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) pipelines using Python, SQL, or FME to integrate Student Information Systems (SIS) with municipal and provincial data ;
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Implement automated geocoding processes to support student enrolment analysis and ensure accurate student designations to their correct schools;
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Establish standardized data protocols and a "Source of Truth" framework for all infrastructure planning and data-driven decision-making.
Business Intelligence and Advanced Visualization
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Design and manage interactive dashboards (Power BI, ArcGIS Dashboards) to visualize enrollment trends, utilization rates, and facility conditions;
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Create self-service analytical tools that allow Senior Planners to perform real-time "What-If" scenario modeling for boundary reviews and student accommodations;
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Transition traditional static mapping into dynamic web-based applications and spatial intelligence tools to assist in directing students to their designated schools;
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Synthesize complex data into executive-ready formats, including maps, tables, and charts, for Senior Administration and the Board of Trustees;
Spatial Analytics and Technical Support
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Perform complex spatial analysis to support school site selection, land-use assessments, a development monitoring within the City of Edmonton;
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Execute technical modeling for student population projections, incorporating AI and the latest technology for enhanced predictive accuracy;
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Coordinate student data geocoding for the annual Social Vulnerability Index Budget and maintain base data for ongoing student mobility analysis;
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Maintain the internal address locator and school-find tools to ensure accurate public and internal queries
AI Integration and Research
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Research and incorporate AI-driven methodologies to refine demographic forecasting and identify emerging urban growth patterns;
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Leverage machine learning tools to analyze complex socio-economic factors and neighborhood coordinates updated on a regular basis;
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Monitor industry trends in GIS, BI, and AI to maintain the Division’s competitive edge in data management and reporting
Leadership and Networking
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Mentor staff on GIS capabilities, data processes, and the use of advanced analytical tools;
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Foster data-sharing relationships and agreements with external agencies, such as the City of Edmonton and the Government of Alberta;
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Lead the technical direction of the GIS Data Team in specialized projects and technology implementations.
QUALIFICATIONS
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Undergraduate degree in Science, GIS, Data Science, or a related field, and at least 5 years directly related experience;
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Deep understanding of relational databases and SQL;
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Familiarity with Python for data automation and spatial AI;
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Understanding of land use planning principles, municipal development processes, and educational infrastructure systems;
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Familiarity with research methodologies, statistical analysis, and data interpretation;
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Awareness of Alberta’s educational policies, capital planning frameworks, and municipal legislation;
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Understanding of project management principles and public consultation processes;
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General knowledge of the Division’s operations and business and general understanding of the Division’s mission and vision in a faith-based environment;
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Knowledge of records management principles, the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), and the Access to Information Act (ATIA);
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Knowledge of workplace safety and awareness of Occupational Health and Safety regulations;
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Knowledge and alignment with the Division's administrative procedures.
COMPETENCIES and SKILLS
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Advanced proficiency in ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, FME, and expert-level Power BI development (DAX, Power Query), with strong knowledge of relational databases, SQL, Python-based data automation, spatial AI, and student information/data platforms;
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Undergraduate degree in Science, GIS, Data Science, or a related field, combined with a minimum of 5 years of directly related experience;
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Strong understanding of land use planning principles, municipal development processes, educational infrastructure systems, Alberta educational policies, capital planning frameworks, municipal legislation, project management principles, and public consultation processes;
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Knowledge of research methodologies, statistical analysis, data interpretation, records management practices, the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), the Access to Information Act (ATIA), workplace safety requirements, Occupational Health and Safety regulations, and Division administrative procedures;
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare reports, communicate technical information effectively, deliver presentations, and translate complex data into accessible insights for diverse audiences;
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Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing demands, and proactively respond to emerging planning needs;
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Demonstrated analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex data, analyze planning issues, and develop data-informed recommendations that support organizational objectives;
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Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal teams, external stakeholders, and partners, while demonstrating accountability, initiative, continuous learning, and alignment with the Division's mission, vision, and faith-based values.
What we offer:
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Make a real difference: Your expertise directly impacts the success of the division’s administrators, teachers, students, and parents.
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Be part of a dynamic team: Be part of a collaborative team that works with many diverse groups and builds meaningful connections.
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Continuous learning: Embrace new technologies and challenges, growing your technical skillset through provided training opportunities.
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100% employer-paid benefits, including: Health, Vision, and Dental.
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A Health/Wellness Spending Account.
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EFAP – Employee and Family Assistance Program.
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Paid Time Off, including vacation time, personal days, and Christmas break.
- Additional Paid Time Off (PTO) – Personal Days.
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7-hour workdays, 35 hours per week for a 1.0 FTE.
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Competitive salary and pension.
Edmonton Catholic Schools is committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace that welcomes and values candidates from diverse backgrounds. We hire employees of all faiths for non-teacher positions.
As a Catholic School Division receiving public funding, our schools and departments are imbued with our Catholic Faith. Candidates are expected to exhibit respect and sensitivity towards our Catholic beliefs and practices embraced by both students and staff.
Edmonton Catholic Schools offers a comprehensive benefits program based on contract status as part of its total compensation package.
Before employment, successful candidates will be required to submit a Police Information Check and Intervention Record Check dated within six months of hiring.
Due to the high volume of applications received, only qualified candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted.
