GIS & Knowledge Specialist – Maritime Heritage

What You’ll Do Synthesize fragmented information and knowledge on Dutch underwater heritage and make it accessible for research, management, and protection. Contribute to the Impulsprogramma Maritieme Archeologie by building a current, integrated national picture using your GIS and spatial data expertise. Coordinate regional knowledge development and quality assurance. Collect, analyze, and link spatial data from multiple sources, including MACHU, MaSS, Archis, and SONAREG. Improve file and registration quality, identify gaps and inconsistencies, and help develop practical workflows to ensure regional knowledge meets national quality standards. Support a clear, up-to-date, and usable national overview of underwater heritage to guide targeted research, management, and protection efforts. You do not need to be an archaeologist — we’re looking for someone proficient in GIS, geo-information, and complex datasets, eager to apply this expertise to maritime heritage. You’ll work closely with archaeologists and other subject matter experts within and outside the RCE. The program is dynamic, so each year you’ll jointly define with the program leader where your efforts are most needed. In the first year, the focus will be on inventory, updating, and unlocking data. What You’ll Get Salary: Scale 11 (€4,132 – €6,275 gross/month), depending on knowledge and experience (may be placed on entry scale 9 during onboarding). Contract: Fixed-term for one year, with option to extend. Hours: 32–36 hours/week. Additional Benefits Individual Choice Budget (IKB): 16.5% of your gross annual salary in money and/or time to customize your benefits (e.g., extra leave, payout, or tax-efficient investments). Personal growth and career development opportunities. Study facilities, company fitness, full reimbursement of commuting costs (home–work), and partially paid parental leave. What We’re Looking For A practical, hands-on specialist who can bring clarity to complex information. Passion for untangling data — especially ensuring it becomes usable for non-GIS colleagues. Accuracy, structure, initiative, and strong collaboration skills with diverse stakeholders (experts, organizations, local governments). Ability to switch between technical details and broader knowledge goals. Independent use of GIS and spatial datasets: combine, assess, and analyze large, heterogeneous datasets. Regular consultation and advice with external partners on GIS and spatial data. Proficiency in identifying patterns and trends in data using standard GIS tools and advanced analytical techniques. Strong communication skills (oral and written) to translate complex information into practical outcomes. As a GIS specialist, you’ll play a key role in optimizing and innovating our archaeological data infrastructure for maritime heritage management. Requirements HBO+ or WO level in GIS, geo-informatics, spatial data, archaeology, heritage, or a related field. Demonstrable experience with GIS and spatial datasets. In-depth knowledge and experience with standard GIS packages (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, MapInfo — QGIS is the RCE standard). Experience with geodatabase design and implementation in PostGIS/PostgreSQL, and with creating/consuming web services (e.g., GeoServer). Knowledge of archaeology, maritime archaeology, or underwater heritage is a plus. In Your Motivation Letter, Please Include Answers to: Describe a project where you integrated multiple spatial datasets. What was your role and what was the outcome? How do you ensure complex geo-information becomes usable for colleagues without GIS expertise? What knowledge or experience do you want to further develop in this role? We understand this role requires a specific mix of skills and experience. If you don’t meet all criteria, don’t hesitate to apply — we’re happy to invest in your development. Where You’ll Work You’ll join the Waterbodems (Aquatic Environments) team within the Impulsprogramma Maritieme Archeologie of the Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed (RCE). You’ll collaborate closely with archaeologists and other maritime heritage specialists at the RCE, as well as with regional partners active in the program. The position is temporary and runs until the end of 2029. The RCE’s Archaeology department (approx. 30 FTE) develops applied knowledge to enable effective, efficient, and targeted archaeological heritage care in the Netherlands — on land, in inland waters, and in the North Sea. The department also manages heritage abroad owned by the Dutch state. It operates Archis (the national archaeological information system), advances knowledge of archaeological remains and research methods, and supervises fieldwork on national projects. About the Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed (RCE) The RCE ensures the Dutch cultural heritage system functions well, so that heritage is passed on to future generations — giving the future a past and the past a future. As a knowledge institute and executive agency for the Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, we implement national legislation on monuments, archaeology, movable heritage, and landscapes. We also provide subsidies and advise national, provincial, and municipal governments, as well as monument owners. We work closely with the broader heritage sector — from market parties to volunteer organizations. We’re a professional organization with a rich and varied work field, dedicated colleagues, and an informal working atmosphere. The main office is in Amersfoort, with hybrid working (partially from home) possible. Application Details Submit your motivation letter (including answers to the three questions above) and CV by 8 November 2026. Interviews scheduled for weeks 46–48. We aim to respond within 5 working days after the closing date. Recruitment is conducted jointly with other government departments and externally. Candidates with ‘job-to-job’ status are prioritized over those who are voluntarily mobile. If applicable, include proof in your application. We serve the Netherlands and want to reflect the country’s diversity. We value diversity at all levels and encourage everyone to apply. We’re curious about you, your motivation, and how you’ll strengthen our team. After the closing date, the vacancy text and details will no longer be available online — please download and save this posting for your records. No recruitment or agency activity related to this advertisement will be appreciated.