GIS & Knowledge Specialist – Maritime Heritage

What You’ll Do Integrate fragmented knowledge and data on Dutch underwater heritage into a coherent, up-to-date national picture, making it usable for research, management, and protection. Collect, analyze, and link spatial data from multiple sources, including MACHU, MaSS, Archis, and SONAREG. Improve the quality and consistency of regional datasets, identify gaps and inconsistencies, and help develop practical workflows to ensure regional knowledge meets national standards. Contribute to a clear, current, and actionable overview of the underwater heritage inventory. Collaborate closely with archaeologists and other subject-matter experts inside and outside the RCE. Advise regional partners on GIS and spatial data matters. In year one, focus will be on inventory, updating, and unlocking heritage data. What You’ll Get Salary scale 11: €4,132 – €6,275 gross/month (depending on experience and qualifications). Contract: 1 year with possibility of extension (until end of 2029, aligned with program duration). Hours: 32–36 hours/week. Entry scale: May be placed in scale 9 on a trial basis, depending on experience. Additional Benefits Individual Choice Budget (IKB): 16.5% of gross annual salary in money and/or time, to customize your benefits (e.g., extra leave, payout, or tax-efficient investments). Personal development and career progression opportunities. Study facilities, company fitness, full reimbursement of commuting costs (public transport), and partially paid parental leave. What We’re Looking For A practical, hands-on specialist who can bring clarity to complex information. Strong skills in GIS, geospatial data, and spatial analysis, with experience using standard tools (QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, MapInfo) and advanced techniques (e.g., ModelBuilder, PostGIS). Experience setting up and managing geodatabases in PostGIS/PostgreSQL, and creating/delivering web services via GeoServer. Ability to work independently with heterogeneous datasets, analyze patterns and trends, and translate complex information into practical outcomes. Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal—to explain geospatial insights to non-GIS colleagues and stakeholders. Knowledge of archaeology, maritime archaeology, or underwater cultural heritage is a plus. HBO+ or WO level of working and thinking in GIS, geoinformation, spatial data, archaeology, heritage, or a related field. Demonstrated experience with GIS and spatial data projects. In Your Motivation Letter, Please Answer These Three Questions: Describe a project where you integrated multiple spatial datasets. What was your role, and what was the outcome? How do you ensure complex geospatial information becomes usable for colleagues without GIS expertise? Which 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, we still encourage you to apply—we’re happy to invest in your development. Note: Within RCE, QGIS is the standard GIS tool. ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, and MapInfo are also used. Where You’ll Work You’ll join the Waterbodems (Aquatic Environments) team within the Impulsprogramma Maritieme Archeologie at the Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed (RCE). You’ll work closely with maritime archaeologists and other specialists at RCE, as well as regional partners. The position is part of the Archaeology department (~30 FTE), which develops applied knowledge to support effective and efficient heritage care in the Netherlands—including on land, in inland waters, and in the North Sea. The department also manages heritage abroad owned by the Dutch state. The department operates Archis (the national archaeological information system), develops knowledge on the nature and distribution of archaeological remains, and oversees fieldwork in national projects. About the Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed (RCE) Our mission is to ensure cultural heritage care in the Netherlands 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 Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW), we implement national legislation on monuments, archaeology, movable heritage, and landscapes. We also provide subsidies and advice to heritage owners and stakeholders. We develop and share expertise at the intersection of policy, practice, and science—and work with a wide range of partners, from government to volunteers. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from everyone. Our office is in Amersfoort, with options for remote work. Application Details Deadline: 8 November 2026. Interviews: Weeks 46–48 (November/December 2026). Response time: Within 5 working days after the closing date. Recruitment: Conducted jointly with other government departments (Interdepartementaal) and externally. Priority: Candidates with "from-job-to-job" status are given preference over those who are voluntarily mobile. If applicable, include supporting documentation. Diversity: We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are curious about your personal motivation and how you can strengthen our team. Save the vacancy: The posting will be removed online after the deadline—please download and keep a copy. No recruitment agencies: Unsolicited solicitations will not be considered. About the Function Group: Researcher (Onderzoeksmedewerker) Through the Functiegebouw Rijk, employees and managers use performance and development discussions to set goals and explore career opportunities within the civil service. Have Questions? About the Vacancy Aant Jelle Soepboer, Program Leader Maritime Archaeology: +31 6 27302840 Bjørn Smit, Head of Archaeology: +31 6 11364813 About the Application Process Tanja Schouten, HR Advisor: +31 6 21700171