7 replies to this topic

[Greg]

I am about to begin my career in the Industry, and am looking for some leads on Cartographic jobs in Canada. From what I have heard, the best opportunities are with the government, but I would much prefer working with a private firm.

Most of the resources listed on this site cover US jobs, I know there are quite a few Canadians on this site... are there any rocks I can turn over?

[Jimbo]

I am about to begin my career in the Industry, and am looking for some leads on Cartographic jobs in Canada. From what I have heard, the best opportunities are with the government, but I would much prefer working with a private firm.

Most of the resources listed on this site cover US jobs, I know there are quite a few Canadians on this site... are there any rocks I can turn over?

Be prepared to look at consultation services, most jobs in Canada want experienced cartographers. It's very difficult for entry level cartographers to get anywhere unless you have very good connections. Then again ignore me, that was my experience in 2004, & that was a bad year for public service jobs in our field. I wish you luck, jsut because I had a very negative experience doesn't mean you will have the same fate.

[François Goulet]

I am about to begin my career in the Industry, and am looking for some leads on Cartographic jobs in Canada. From what I have heard, the best opportunities are with the government, but I would much prefer working with a private firm.

Most of the resources listed on this site cover US jobs, I know there are quite a few Canadians on this site... are there any rocks I can turn over?

There's Geomatics Canada
Might find a few here on Geocomm website.
You may want to check some University GIS' Department websites. Most of them should have job listings.
McMaster University and Laurentian University also has a GIS Jobs page.

I just had to search for a new job and it took me about 2 weeks to find one. May not be a bad year

I found most of the job offers at Graphic designer firms. I find that often, cartography is one of the services they offer to their clients, who don't always think of hiring a cartographer for their maps. Even governments hire firms for their maps so you may have more opportunities in the private sector than in public.

Good luck!

[mike]

I am about to begin my career in the Industry, and am looking for some leads on Cartographic jobs in Canada. From what I have heard, the best opportunities are with the government, but I would much prefer working with a private firm.

Most of the resources listed on this site cover US jobs, I know there are quite a few Canadians on this site... are there any rocks I can turn over?

After school, I moved to the US for this job.
I couldn't find a decent job in Toronto area (where I'm from). I'll go back one day. But it's getting harder and harder to think about moving home from all the snow storms my mom keeps telling me about!

But yeah, definitely try and get your foot in the door, even if it's a contract job with the government or some consulting firm. From a few interviews that I've done and from reading job descriptions, a lot of companies want more of a GIS person, rather than pure cartography person (although if you can make nice maps, that is probably an asset). So be prepared to wear both hats... or maybe just the GIS tech hat.

[François Goulet]

From a few interviews that I've done and from reading job descriptions, a lot of companies want more of a GIS person, rather than pure cartography person (although if you can make nice maps, that is probably an asset). So be prepared to wear both hats... or maybe just the GIS tech hat.

Yeah. I found a 95% cartography job, but it was the only one I found. All the other offers wanted a GIS technician ou specialist. It's possible though to do only cartography.

[Greg]

I am definitely willing to "wear both hats", although my strong points are in visual and cartographic design. I am quite comfortable working with database and GIS, so I may have to bend my aspirations until I do some social networking and get more industry experience under my belt.

[mike]

I am definitely willing to "wear both hats", although my strong points are in visual and cartographic design. I am quite comfortable working with database and GIS, so I may have to bend my aspirations until I do some social networking and get more industry experience under my belt.

Yeah, definitely don't limit yourself.... especially when you are just starting out. I was in the same boat as you were when I was about to come out of school. I knew the GIS, but from past experiences and creating a lot of art and design in my life definitely influenced me for the more visual aspect... so a job leaning more towards cartography was my path. Actually, I'm doing a lot more GIS work than I would have thought, but a lot is for the development of educational content.

[Greg]

I have bitten the bullet and begun applying to larger GIS and Remote Sensing firms. As suggested, I am looking into the ins and outs of freelancing. A few cartographic projects on the side could sate me until I find that "perfect job".