Job Description

SENIOR GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) TECHNICIAN

JOB CODE 09860

Effective Date:	11/99A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to supervise staff who develop and maintain the geographic information systems (GIS) databases, coverages, and linkages to various databases; to coordinate GIS application development; or to develop GIS applications. Duties vary depending on assignment and may include assigning and checking mapping work of GIS Technicians, Senior Drafting Technicians and interns; writing GIS programs; or coordinating development and implementation of GIS computer applications within a department. This classification is supervised by GIS Coordinators, Planners, or other supervisors who evaluate performance based on results achieved.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Distributes assignments and reviews the completed work of staff;
• Performs spatial analysis;
• Develops new, user friendly GIS applications;
• Trains others on the use of new applications;
• Develops and maintains links between various databases;
• Serves as a member or leader of intra- and inter-departmental application development teams;
• Maintains and updates databases using GIS computer aided drafting and other software;
• Conducts mapping research, in the field and in the office, to resolve conflicting information and ensure the accuracy of the data;
• Creates maps using GIS and AutoCAD software;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Symbols and terminology used in civil, architectural, or electronic engineering drawings.
• GIS software, such as ArcView, ArcEdit, and ArcInfo.
• Digitizing and data manipulation procedures for geographic information systems.
• Geography.
• Computer systems design and programming.
• Database design.

Ability to:

• Become familiar with industry-specific (such as water and wastewater or planning and zoning) terminology and symbology.
• Read and interpret legal descriptions.
• Use graphic instructions such as blueprints, layouts, or other visual aids.
• Analyze complex legal descriptions, resolving any conflicts, and produce accurate graphic representations.
• Communicate orally with customers, clients, and the public in face-to-face one-on-one settings or using a telephone.
• Read and use zoning maps, quarter-section maps, plat maps, land use maps, single line maps, aerial maps, blueprints, and engineering plans.
• Perform mathematical calculations using algebra, geometry, and trigonomety.
• Travel across rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces when conducting field inspections.
• Enter data into a computer terminal, PC, or other keyboard device requiring continuous or repetitive arm-hand-eye movement.
• Remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.
• Perceive color as defined by the Inter Society Color Council-National Bureau of Standards system.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees.
• Present facts clearly and accurately in graphic form.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions in the English language.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment or shift.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Bachelor's degree in geographic information systems, geography, planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering, computer science, or a related field, or two years at a technical or vocational school and two years of experience working with geographic information systems. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.