Geographic Information Systems Technician

Job Code: 15-1299.02

Salary: $22.14 - $50.57/hour

Status:  Full-time, Non-exempt

Department: Environment

Location: Community Services Building

Reports To: Land Resources Program Manager

Telecommute: No

Fleet: Yes

Mandated Reporter: No

Background:  Standard

Summary: Under the direction of Land Resources Program Manager, the GIS Technician will be responsible for overseeing Environment Division geographic data management and application. The GIS Technician will coordinate with program staff to assist with the creation, quality assurance, management, and visualization of data related to environmental monitoring and restoration efforts. The GIS Technician may calculate map-making information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topography, boundaries, or other features.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: 

• Develop and ensure adherence to a Quality Assurance Project Plan for the collection and use of Geographic Information System (GIS) data.
• Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports using spatial analysis procedures or GIS technology, equipment, or systems.
• Maintain or modify existing GIS databases.
• Review existing or incoming data for currency, accuracy, usefulness, quality, or completeness.
• Makes recommendations regarding upgrades, and considering implications of new or revised GIS software, equipment, or applications.
• Prepare training materials for GIS users to improve data collection, usability, or presentation.
• Operate vehicles and other equipment which may include ATV/UTV, passenger vehicles, unmanned aircraft, or water craft.
• Identify GIS and related quality assurance training needs for self and staff, and prepare travel requests as needed.
• Provide information and recommendations pertaining to environmental protection and resource utilization to community members, landowners, other organizations, and the general public.
• Implement and manage cloud-based GIS solutions and services.
• Utilize scripting languages (e.g., Python) for automating GIS workflows and data processing.
• Collect, process, and analyze geospatial data from diverse sources, including satellite imagery, LiDAR, GPS, and field surveys.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive geospatial databases, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
• Perform spatial analysis to support decision-making, including suitability analysis, network analysis, and change detection.
• Integrate and analyze data from IOT devices.
• Design and develop interactive web maps and GIS applications for internal and public use.
• Utilize ArcGIS Online and other web GIS platforms to create and share geospatial information.
• Create high-quality cartographic products for reports, presentations, and publications.
• Employ advanced visualization techniques to effectively communicate geospatial information.
• Create and maintain 3D models of infrastructure and land.
• Stay abreast of emerging GIS technologies and trends, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and remote sensing.
• Evaluate and implement new GIS tools and techniques to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Research and implement new ways that GIS can benefit the department in time/cost savings.
• Collaborate with tribal departments, external agencies, and stakeholders to gather and share geospatial information.
• Communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Conduct field surveys using GPS and other data collection equipment.
• Perform QA/QC checks on collected data to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Distribute pertinent data to outside agencies or contractors where necessary to assist in efficiency of work. Help plan and design work site plans.
• Maintain detailed documentation of GIS workflows, data sources, and procedures.
• Prepare reports and presentations summarizing geospatial analyses and findings.

Supervisory Responsibilities: There are no supervisor requirements for this position.

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the sensitive nature of information obtained, must maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

Education and/or Experience: 

• Associate's degree in Geography, GIS, Environmental Science, or a related field AND
  • Two (2) years of experience in a GIS-related role.
• GISP Certification is Preferred.

Other Skills and Abilities: Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.   Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, ESRI ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and related applications.   Proficient in, including experience with extensions such as ArcGIS; Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst, and Network Analyst.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

The successful candidate must pass a drug test and background check prior to employment.