The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist plans, organizes, coordinates and directs the development and maintenance of the city’s geographic information system (GIS).  The position works extensively with city staff to create unique, customized, digital and presentation maps and exhibits, write programs to provide user access to digital information and maps, helps train other staff to use GIS, and develops long term work programs for GIS. This position is also responsible for continued development and maintenance to the City’s asset management and permitting programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, develop and manage the city’s geographic information system including the development and maintenance of the city’s GIS data, hardware and software; assess department needs; research technological advances and ensure the city’s geographic information system’s data and capabilities remain current.
• Work with data stewards and departments to interpret business needs into geospatial based data distribution and publication systems.
• Manage database development projects; develop and maintain systems to integrate new and existing databases.
• Prepare written reports of GIS activities; run statistical queries from the city’s GIS for various departments.
• Interpret plans, photos and maps; input, edit and verify data to the GIS system; prepare and maintain a variety of base and specialty maps, records and reports related to land use, public works and other data.
• Research office records and assist in field data collection to update GIS information for water, sewer, storm water utilities and streets department. Field inventories are conducted using GPS devices and survey equipment.
• Perform GIS assignments to assist with the maintenance and operation of Public Works department assets such as utilities and roadway infrastructure.
• Research, collect and interpret survey plats, deeds, as-builts, notes and other legal records from a variety of government records to produce data, map layers and the digital library.
• Configure ArcGIS maps and authoring dashboards for the City and the public.
• Prepare displays and exhibits for meetings and events using aerial photos, computer generated text, and other techniques.
• Prepare GIS features for use on the City’s website and create web and mobile applications.
• Participate in the process of creating and maintaining standard operating procedures for GIS, permitting, and asset management.
• Develop new and maintain existing work flows, tables, databases, and other features within the City’s asset management program.
• Develop new and maintain existing work flows, tables, databases, and other features within the City’s permitting program.
• Provide technical support of the permitting programs, to include monitoring system performance and troubleshooting issues.
• Perform data entry, manipulate database tables, and similar data structures.
• Provide technical support to a variety of engineering studies and data acquisition.
• Provide information and assistance to professional consultants, staff, and the public; respond to general inquiries.
• Maintain, disclose and destroy public records in accordance with the requirements of the WA Public Records Act and WA State Archives records retention guidelines.
• Timely and regular attendance.
• Follow/adhere to all city policies and procedures, and safety program regulations and requirements.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• PC based software including (but not limited to), the suite of Microsoft Office products, spreadsheets, databases, Esri’s online and desktop software, PowerPoint, CentralSquare Enterprise Asset Management, Tyler Technologies EnerGov, and other software, with an ability to use this knowledge in design, report writing, and communicating with the public.
• Principles and practices of GIS/CAD data designs, development, implementation and maintenance of GIS/CAD systems.
• Principles of relational database management design and development.
• Knowledge and understanding of database structures including fields, tables, views, database objects, etc.
• Procedures used to design, develop and maintain GIS databases.
• Operation of computer aided drafting and geographic information system software.
• Drafting and surveying concepts and terminology.
• Preparation of graphic visual aids including maps, data sets.
• PC based software including AutoCAD and Asset Management Systems.
• Engineering methods and techniques of construction and maintenance of municipal infrastructure.
• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of land and construction surveying.

Ability to:

• Accurately maintain manual and computer files and databases.
• Operate GPS and land surveying equipment.
• Maintain clear, concise and accurate records and report on items that need attention.
• Be able to receive comments and edits on work products and actions, and to document their resolution.
• Have a sense of direction, read, understand and interpret street and land use maps for others.
• Read construction plans and engineering drawings.
• Interpret and understand applicable laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Work independently, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, meet deadlines and effectively deal with stressful situations and working conditions.
• Follow verbal and written instructions and learn field operations and procedures.
• Work independently, be self-motivated, meet deadlines, highly detail oriented and highly productive.
• Communicate effectively and tactfully complex technical information, orally and in writing.
• Effectively analyze and problem solve with keen attention to detail.
• Coordinates and completes projects in an organized and goal-oriented manner.
• Perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships among co-workers and other City personnel, contractors, and the general public.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Duties are performed both in an office and field environment. Onsite work is an essential part of the job. Office duties involve using a personal computer and operating copiers, large-format printers and other standard office equipment.   Field duties involve walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, color differentiation, and the ability to adjust focus.

• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet while in the office or moderately loud when in the field.
• May routinely require the employee to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.
• May be required to work outside in all weather conditions, in hazardous work areas.
• The position may require travel to attend training or meetings at other city facilities and occasionally to areas outside the city.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Two (2) years of related technical or college work in Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Computer Science, or other related field.
• At least two (2) years of professional experience with GIS, preferably Esri in a municipal or utility setting.

Licenses, Certificates and Other Requirements:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Possession of or have the ability to obtain a Washington State Flagger Certification with six (6) months.
• Must successfully pass all phases of the pre-employment hiring process, including but not limited to, reference checks and a criminal background check.

Job descriptions are not intended, nor should they be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, tasks, skills, efforts, working conditions or similar behaviors, attributes or requirements associated with a job.