Geospatial Information Specialist

We are recruiting a Geospatial Information Specialist for a permanent public-service position in the Eastern Finland rescue-services cooperation area (South Savo, Central Finland, North Karelia and North Savo). The workplace is at a rescue station in the cooperation area, taking the applicant’s preferences and a mutually agreed placement into account. Work starts on 1 January 2027 or by agreement. Who are we? The rescue departments in the Eastern Finland cooperation area (South Savo, Central Finland, North Karelia and North Savo) are responsible in their own areas for the duties assigned to rescue authorities under the Rescue Act 379/2011 and the Emergency Powers Act 1552/2011. Cooperation between the rescue departments is close, and the aim is to strengthen basic and special preparedness and overall operational capability through cooperation and mutual agreement. The North Savo Rescue Department provides high-quality rescue services to people, businesses and other communities in the region by preventing accidents and providing fast, professional assistance in accidents and emergencies in all conditions. The North Savo Rescue Department is committed to the rescue-services sector’s shared values: humanity, professionalism and reliability. What will the work involve? The Geospatial Information Specialist produces geospatial, risk-profile, operating-environment and situational-awareness products for rescue services across the Eastern Finland cooperation area, and supports the rescue departments in combining, analysing, visualising, planning and training with geospatial information. The specialist prepares maps, analyses, datasets and other information products needed to support the planning, resourcing and delivery of rescue services. Key customers include rescue-services management and specialists, risk management, rescue operations, civil protection, preparedness and contingency planning. The specialist acts as the superuser for the North Savo Rescue Department’s geospatial systems and participates in national cooperation networks to develop systems and practices. The duties also include expert work with rescue-services geospatial and map-engine systems and analysing data collected by the rescue department. The role promotes consistency and the currency of geospatial information, situational-awareness products, information-led management and information management across rescue departments in the Eastern Finland cooperation area. The specialist takes part in joint development tasks across the rescue departments and in developing local and regional geospatial and situational-awareness datasets in accordance with national guidelines. The role also supports the development of self-monitoring under section 16 of the Act on Organising Rescue Services (613/2021) to ensure the availability, quality and effectiveness of services. The specialist’s immediate supervisor is determined by the North Savo Rescue Department’s management and organisational structure. What do we offer? We offer you a good induction, training and networking opportunities, skilled colleagues and a pleasant multidisciplinary work community. Occupational healthcare services are also available to support your work. The specialist’s working hours are daytime office hours as defined in HYVTES Chapter III, Section 8. The specialist is not required to participate in informal on-call duty. What do we expect from you? The eligibility requirement for the position is the officer qualification specified in section 57 of the Rescue Act (379/2011) and section 6 of the Government Decree on Rescue Services (407/2011), or another suitable higher-education degree. A standard personnel security clearance under the Security Clearance Act (726/2014) and a valid Category B driving licence are required. Succeeding in the role requires sufficient work experience and familiarity with geospatial information, data analytics, databases and data visualisation. We expect proficiency in using geospatial systems and software, for example QGIS, ArcGIS, Esri and MapInfo, combining different data sources, and analysing and visualising geospatial datasets. Knowledge of databases and analytics tools such as SQL, Python, Power BI and Tableau, and an understanding of the rescue-services operating environment, are considered an advantage. We value an initiative-taking, self-directed and responsible approach, good problem-solving and analytical skills, and a desire to continuously develop your expertise. The role also requires flexibility, the ability to adapt to changing situations and readiness to make independent expert decisions. We also expect good interpersonal, cooperation and communication skills. The specialist can explain technical and analytical topics clearly to people without a background in geospatial information or analytics. Other matters to note Before the appointment is confirmed, the selected candidate must present proof of the eligibility required for the position, a drug test and a medical certificate regarding their state of health. The selected candidate must also consent to a standard personnel security clearance being requested before the position is filled, and must be found suitable on the basis of that clearance. The position has a six-month probationary period. For further information, contact Juha Kärkkäinen, Regional Service Director, tel. 044-717 4569, juha.karkkainen@pshyvinvointilalue.fi.