GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS ANALYST
(An Unclassified, At-Will Position)

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under direction, applies knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to a variety of projects for analytical, land use, and environmental purposes; designs, compiles and analyzes data; and prepares data, analysis, maps and mapping applications for various City departments and the general public.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties form those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Maintains and enhances geographic information system data sets, according to evolving needs and resources including digitizing, editing, research, creation, calculation and editing of attributes and merging of data from different sources; documents data sets, applications and procedures.
• Creates, maintains, and conducts Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) of geographic data sets using a variety of software and source data.
• Creates and maintains GIS database metadata to support enterprise GIS efforts at the city.
• Conducts heads-up digitizing of geographic features with digital orthophotos.
• Conducts spatial/surface analysis using a variety of modules and GIS software.
• Creates final map products using a variety of GIS software for various departments for City Council meetings and/or reports; produces specialized maps for various City departments as necessary.
• Interprets engineering plans, plat maps, and legal descriptions for GIS database development efforts.
• Conducts Global Positioning System (GPS) surveying and data post-processing for GIS database development efforts.
• Writes sophisticated Arc Macro Language (AML) & Visual Basic (VB) scripts to automate GIS processes.
• Develops stand-alone or web-based GIS applications, including user guides, for departments or citywide use.
• Participates in testing, prototyping and training of GIS applications and software.
• Prepares grant applications for GIS-related projects.
• Performs research and analysis of geographic and tabular data from public and private sources for integration to the city’s enterprise GIS; presents results to other departments.
• Responds to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provides information within the area of assignment; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of geographic information systems.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive geographic information systems program.
• Operational characteristics of specialized geographic information systems.
• Principals and techniques of GIS to support the city’s enterprise GIS effort.
• Use, capabilities, characteristics and limitations of geographic information systems including hardware and software applications.
• Engineering and planning principles in the context of providing municipal services.
• Computer hardware and GIS and database software.
• Data capture and maintenance techniques.
• Map production skills.
• Methods and techniques of conducting and analyzing research.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

• Provide support in the implementation and maintenance of various geographic information systems applications.
• Operate a variety of systems and equipment.
• Create and maintain geographic databases.
• Create maps and charts from multiple layers of data.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, community organizations, and other departments and divisions.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in geography, planning, civil engineering, utilities, natural resources, computer science, or closely related field with emphasis in geographic information systems. A Master’s degree is desirable.

Experience: Three years of geographic information system project experience.

License or Certificate - Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License or ability to arrange transportation for field work when necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Standard office setting. CONTINUOUS working inside an office environment. OCCASIONAL: Outdoor field work. Current work schedule is on a “9/80”, biweekly pay periods, with unscheduled breaks. Overtime and attending meetings outside regular work hours may be required. Work environment is professional, both team and autonomy oriented, having variable tasks and variable pace and pressure.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. CONTINUOUS sitting; FREQUENT downward flexion of neck, side-to-side turning of neck; fine finger dexterity and grasp to manipulate keyboard, telephone, writing instruments, papers, books, manuals, reports; OCCASIONAL walking, standing, bending and stooping, climbing, reaching at and above shoulders, twisting at waist, upward flexion of neck, lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 10-25 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to one block; INFREQUENT squatting, kneeling, pushing/pulling.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: November 2001
Johnson & Associates