⬡ Geographer · Ottawa, Canada

Caelan
McLaurin

Wilderness Guide turned Geomatician

English Français Español

45°25′N 75°41′W · Ottawa, ON · Canadian Citizen

01 · About

Where geography meets grit.

I'm a Geography graduate from Carleton University, specializing in GIS, geomatics, hydrology, and spatial analysis. My relationship with landscapes didn't start in a classroom. It started on rivers, ski slopes, and wilderness canoe routes across Canada.

Ten-plus years guiding, instructing, and leading people through challenging terrain gave me something no map can teach: the judgment to read a situation and act decisively. I bring that same clarity to technical work.

I'm fluent in ArcGIS, Python, and the outdoors.

10+
Years Outdoors
5
Rivers Guided
3
Languages
2+
Years in Federal GIS Operations
02 · Skills
🗺️

Geospatial & GIS

Spatial analysis, cartographic design, and geomatics with industry-standard tooling.

Spatial Analysis Raster & Vector Hydrology Climatology Cartography Geocoding Remote Sensing OSM Contributor
💻

Technical

Programming, data analysis, and software tools applied to geospatial and operational problems.

Python GeoPandas ArcGIS QGIS HTML Microsoft Git Automation IoT Prompt Engineering
⛰️

Wilderness & Field

Certified and experienced in high-stakes outdoor environments — river, alpine, and urban.

Swiftwater Rescue WFR Avalanche AST-1 Rope Rescue First Aid & CPR-C
🧭

Leadership & Operations

Team management, collaboration, and logistical execution in dynamic environments.

Leadership Initiative Logistics Communication Integrity Respect
03 · Experience

A career built outside.

Sep 2024 — Present
Production Officer (EC-02) - Geomatics Analytics and Client Services
Statistics Canada · Ottawa, ON

Manage GeoHelp desk and provide bilingual support to internal clients across Canada on geospatial topics and products. Administer ESRI licenses, monitor ArcGIS Online organization, troubleshoot GIS issues. Produce custom geospatial solutions and products, including cartography, Python geoprocessing tools, spatial analysis, spatial data production and quality assurance. Coordinate cross-departmental meetings, outreach events, and spatial product education and training. Built and implemented an automated software license monitoring system that saves time and money, while quantitively assessing business needs to inform software license purchasing. Researched and proposed a method to convert ORNL’s raster data to vector format, allowing the client to create a spatially accurate distribution of at-risk populations for hate crimes in Toronto.

May 2024 — Sep 2024
GIS Operator
Statistics Canada · Ottawa, ON

Maintained and updated the Statistical Building Registry (SBgR) using ArcGIS Pro. Executed quality assurance processes to deliver an excellent product to the client. Trained new staff in GIS tools and workflows. Organized and encouraged staff social meetings. Developed and distributed automation scripts using Python and ArcPy. Delivered consistent production while meeting quality control standards. Developed a script tool to automate portions of the GIS workflow that saved 8 minutes on each assignment and QA process, which resulted in increased training efficiency and production rates. Appreciation Award for Noteworthy Service to the Agency

May 2021 — Sep 2023
Landscape Technician Lead Hand
Gemma Property Services Inc. · Ottawa, ON

Crew leader for high-profile properties across the National Capital Region including NCC and Government of Canada sites. Managed turf, garden, tree care, hardscape, and snow removal operations. Safety representative for the Joint Health & Safety Committee.

Nov 2019 — Mar 2020
Volunteer Ski Patrol & Retail Keyholder
Revelstoke Mountain Resort · Revelstoke, BC

Dual role: assisted professional ski patrollers with hazard assessment and patient transport, while managing retail operations including opening/closing, cash handling (USD & CAD), and merchandising.

Summers 2018 – 2020
River Guide
OWL Rafting Inc. · Forester's Falls, ON

Oar-guided 12-passenger rafts and paddle-guided 7-passenger rafts on the Ottawa River's Rochers Fondues section. Responsible for group management, emergency procedures, and first aid in challenging whitewater environments.

Summers 2018 – 2019
Canoe Instructor
Madawaska Kanu Centre Inc. · Barry's Bay, ON

Delivered Paddle Canada curriculum (Intro through Advanced) on the Middle Madawaska River. Responsible for trip planning, emergency procedures, and exceptional guest rapport.

Summers 2014 – 2017
Wilderness Canoe Guide
Camp YMCA Kanawana · St. Sauveur, QC

Co-guided multi-day canoe expeditions on the Rouge, Coulonge, Dumoine, Noire, and Missinaibi Rivers with youth aged 8–16.

04 · Education
B.A. in Geography
Carleton University · Ottawa, ON · Graduated December 2024

Specializing in hydrology, climatology, cultural geography, GIS, geomatics, and spatial analysis. Four-year program combining rigorous technical training with broad geographical understanding. Recipient of Claude Bissel Scholarship and Dean's List Award.

O.S.S.D. · Extended French Certificate
Lisgar Collegiate Institute · Ottawa, ON · 2010 – 2014

Ontario Secondary School Diploma with Extended French designation, reflecting early and sustained bilingual education.

05 · Contact

Let's work together.

Open to GIS, geomatics, and outdoor positions. Based in Ottawa — happy to discuss.