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 overview using your GIS and spatial data expertise. Coordinate knowledge development and quality across regions: collect, analyze, and link spatial data and diverse data sources—including MACHU, MaSS, Archis, and SONAREG. Improve file and registration quality, identify gaps and inconsistencies, and help develop practical workflows ensuring regional knowledge meets quality standards and feeds into the national picture. Support a clear, up-to-date, and usable understanding of underwater heritage to enable more targeted research, management, and protection. You do not need to be an archaeologist—but you should be comfortable working with GIS, geospatial data, and complex datasets, and eager to apply your expertise to maritime heritage. You’ll collaborate closely with archaeologists and other subject-matter experts within and beyond the RCE (Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed). As the program evolves, your role will be reviewed annually in consultation with the program leader. In the first year, emphasis will be on inventory, updating, and data accessibility. What We Offer Salary scale 11: €4,132 – €6,275 gross/month (depending on knowledge and experience). Fixed-term contract for one year, with option for extension. 32–36 hours/week. Potential for entry at scale 9 based on expertise. Additional Benefits Individual Choice Budget (IKB): 16.5% of your gross annual salary in money and time, allowing you to customize your employment conditions (e.g., extra leave, salary payout, or tax-efficient investments). Personal growth and career development opportunities. Study facilities, company fitness program. Full reimbursement of commuting costs (home–work transport by public transport). Partially paid parental leave. What We’re Looking For You are a pragmatic, hands-on specialist who can bring clarity to complex information. You enjoy untangling data—but even more, you ensure it becomes usable. You work accurately and structurally, take initiative, and collaborate well with diverse experts, organizations, and local governments. You can switch between technical detail and broader knowledge goals. Key Competencies & Requirements Independent use of GIS and spatial datasets; ability to combine, assess, and analyze large, heterogeneous datasets. Experience advising external partners on GIS and spatial data. Proficiency in recognizing patterns and trends in data using standard GIS packages [1] and advanced analytical tools. Ability to translate complex information into practical outputs. Strong written and verbal communication skills. As a GIS specialist, you’ll play a key role in optimizing and innovating our archaeological data infrastructure for maritime heritage. Education & Experience HBO+ or WO level in GIS, geoinformation, spatial data, archaeology, heritage, or a related field. Demonstrable experience with GIS and spatial datasets. In-depth knowledge and experience with standard GIS software and functions (e.g., ModelBuilder, PostGIS). Experience designing and managing geodatabases 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 Cover 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 who are not GIS specialists? What knowledge or experience do you want to further develop in this role? We recognize 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. [1] Within the RCE, QGIS is the standard. ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, and MapInfo are also used. Where You’ll Work You’ll join the Waterbodems (Aquatic Sites) team and work for 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 colleagues and partners. The position is temporary and aligned with the program’s timeline, ending in 2029. The role is part of the Archaeology Department (~30 FTE). This department develops applied knowledge to support effective, efficient, and targeted heritage care in the Netherlands—not only on land, but also in inland waters and the North Sea. It also manages the Netherlands’ maritime heritage abroad. The department operates Archis (the national archaeological information system), develops knowledge on the nature and distribution of archaeological remains, and advances archaeological research methods and techniques. It also supervises fieldwork on national projects. We’re looking for an enthusiastic and constructive colleague to contribute to the department’s mission. About the Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed (RCE) Our mission is to ensure the Dutch heritage care system functions well, so cultural heritage is passed on to future generations—to give the future a past, and the past a future. The RCE is 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, and provide subsidies to owners. We develop our extensive heritage expertise at the intersection of policy, practice, and science—and make it accessible for practical use and the public. We advise national, provincial, and municipal governments, as well as monument owners, and collaborate widely across the heritage sector—from market parties to volunteer organizations. The RCE is a professional organization with a dynamic work field, committed colleagues, and an informal working atmosphere. The main office is in Amersfoort, with hybrid working (partially remote) possible. Additional Information Submit your motivation letter and CV by 8 November 2026. Interviews are scheduled for weeks 46–48. We aim to respond within 5 working days after the closing date. Recruitment is conducted jointly across government departments and externally. Candidates with "from-job-to-job" status are prioritized over those who are voluntarily mobile. If applicable, include supporting documentation. We aim to reflect the diversity of the Dutch population and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We value diversity at all levels and encourage everyone to apply. After the closing date, the vacancy text and details will no longer be available online—please download and save it for your records. No recruitment or agency fees will be accepted in response to this advertisement. About the Job Family: Researcher (Onderzoeksmedewerker) Through the Functiegebouw Rijk, employees and managers receive support in setting performance and development goals during function reviews and gain insight into career opportunities within the civil service. More information: Functiegebouw Rijksoverheid (https://www.funcgebouwrijk.nl)