Job Details

GIS Coordinator

Are you an analytical problem-solver with a passion for GIS and public service? Apply today to be the GIS Coordinator for the City of Arcata!

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Thursday, September 25th.

Great benefits including the city currently pays the majority of the medical coverage premium for employees (and their dependents) and 100% of the premium for dental and vision coverage. The city also offers a $400/month health insurance opt-out option, if applicable. Additionally, vacation accrual increases with service; immediate city contribution to deferred comp, increasing with service; longevity pay, etc. See more in the "Benefits" tab.

Under direction of higher level staff, the GIS Coordinator performs, coordinates and supervises the day-to-day functions related to developing and maintaining the city's Geographic Information System (GIS), databases, and related applications; supports citywide database administration, including integrating local and regional data sets, development of GIS internal and public mapping programs, and providing GIS services and support to staff and system users; performs other related duties as assigned.

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develops, coordinates, and maintains the city's Geographical Information System (GIS), databases, and related applications.
• Schedules, trains, supervises, and reviews the work of assigned staff in GIS activities, including providing feedback, evaluating employee performance, counseling employees and recommending initial disciplinary action; assists in recruitment selection and promotion.
• Consults with city departments to identify GIS needs and requirements; designs, develops, or supervises the resulting GIS databases and applications, including performing needs assessments, coordinating the acquisition and preparation of data for GIS purposes (to include logical and physical data modeling), testing, and examining data integrity.
• Serves as a technical resource to all city departments, including establishing GIS system protocols, providing assistance and training on the proper use of GIS data and systems; coordinates the purchase of GIS software; maintains software licenses; troubleshoots and provides support for GIS software, databases, and other related applications; meets with city users to ensure common understanding of GIS needs and ensure consistent delivery of GIS services; keeps current with changing technologies concerning applications and operations.
• Researches, creates, quality checks, and maintains GIS data layers; uses data sources such as local or regional agency data/GIS spatial web servers, CAD drawings, GPS data, and orthophotos to create and maintain layers; creates and maintains metadata; designs cartographic and other visual graphic output; conducts spatial overlay analysis, including image analysis and 2D visualization.
• Designs and implements programs and code using specified programming languages and applications such as Avenue, Python, SQL, Visual Basic (VB), ArcIMS, ArcGis Server, and ArcView, to automate GIS processes.
• Develops, oversees and supervises maintenance of the city's internet web mapping applications and maintains the city's public GIS data download site.
• Performs and supervises a variety of technical analysis, including field surveys, and project analysis and design through Global Positioning System (GPS); processes and integrates the information into the GIS program.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Experience and training: any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in GIS, geography, computer science, or a related field; and at least three (3) years progressively responsible experience using ArcGIS or related GIS applications, preferably in a public sector environment; at least one (1) year of programming experience, and some supervisory experience. Experience in a related relevant field can be substituted for the educational qualification on a year-to-year basis.

Knowledge of: principles, practices and techniques of Geographic Information System programs, including application design, system analysis, database management, and related hardware and software; principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff; principles and practices of spatial analysis, map projections, coordinate systems and conversions, automated mapping systems, cartography, 3-D landscape visualization and analysis, image rectification and aerial photograph interpretation; global positioning systems (GPS), operation, setup, configuration and maintenance of GIS workstations, software and relational and attribute databases including, ESRI applications such as ArcGIS, ArcEditor, 3D and Spatial Analyst, ArcGis Explorer, ArcView, ArcGis Server, ArcIMS, and related technical concepts and terminology; presentation mapping and plotting, research, documentation, maintenance, entry, and verification of computer hardware and software for GIS applications; peripheral hardware and software related to digital mapping and GIS, including CAD/CAM software, scanners, digitizers, printers, and plotters; a working knowledge of computer graphic programs including Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; geographic data collection and verification methods and procedures; applicable mathematical functions and analysis; principles, practices and techniques of record keeping, report preparation and technical writing; software languages including, Python, Avenue and Visual Basic; techniques for dealing effectively with those contacted in the course of work, in person, on the telephone, and electronically.

Ability to: work within a networked client/server computerized environment; collect, organize, develop, analyze and present geographic data; oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of assigned staff, including training, counseling and evaluating; interpret maps, subdivision plans, natural resource data, aerial photography and engineering drawings; interpret and digitize legal descriptions using coordinate geometry; program GIS applications to meet user needs; troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance on GIS workstations and peripheral equipment; test and implement GIS applications; plan and coordinate projects identifying priorities and deadlines for completion; perform research documentation, maintenance and verification of spatial and attribute data; import, export, translate, convert and transfer mapping and attribute data using the Internet and the network; analyze user needs; identify goals and objectives; examine alternatives and develop procedures; exercise critical thinking and problem solving skills; support system users ranging from novice to advanced level; develop, coordinate, and conduct staff training and community presentations; prepare and maintain accurate and complete technical records and documentation; work independently and as a member of a work team; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Other requirements: possess a valid California Driver License; a commitment to understand and support inclusion in the workplace; willing and able to work a flexible and varied work schedule that is often determined by the needs of the systems, projects, and construction schedules. This may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Physical requirements: work is generally performed in both a general office and field environment. Must be able to perform the physical aspects of the job, including sitting for periods of time; prolonged viewing of a computer screen and use of keyboard and mouse; operating standard office equipment, including a computer and GIS equipment; traversing uneven terrain; operating a motor vehicle; working outside in varying weather conditions, hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 lbs, lifting, pulling, dragging, and carrying up to 50 pounds.