GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER

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 administrative direction, oversees, supervises, and coordinates the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) activities and operations; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; and provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to management staff.

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 from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Assumes responsibility for the services and activities of the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) program activities and operations including management of Citywide GIS implementation efforts, coordination and management of system hardware and software, development of GIS applications for City staff, presentations and training sessions to educate City staff and council members, and representation of the system in various public and private forums.
• Coordinates the organization, staffing, and operational activities for the GIS program.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; conducts GIS needs assessment; prepares work plans and sets goals for the GIS program and GIS­based Asset Management System; recommends and implements resulting policies and procedures.
• Identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; identifies resource needs; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Coordinates GIS activities with those of other departments, divisions, and outside agencies and organizations; coordinates with department directors on data needs; works closely with City staff from various departments to provide assistance and GIS products to include engineering, utilities, land use, environmental, transportation, safety, demographic, economic, and other data and information; resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for the GIS program services and activities; assigns work activities and projects; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Oversees data entry, data analysis, production of computer maps and reports, macro language programming, system maintenance, and operations.
• Directs the utilization of ARC/INFO and ArcView GIS software and other related applications to develop databases and programs.
• Designs, develops, tests, and debugs GIS applications; trains City staff on use of applications.
• Specifies software and hardware requirements for GIS staff; specifies software and hardware requirements for network access by City staff to GIS data and applications.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Trains and develops personnel in the effective use of GIS tools, products, and procedures; develops system documentation and user manuals.
• Participates in the development and administration of assigned program budget; forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; recommends adjustments as necessary.
• Provides staff assistance to the Public Works Director and other management staff; conducts a variety of studies and investigations; develops and recommends modifications to GIS programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Represents the GIS in various public and private forums; serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; coordinates with other public agencies on regional planning and standards committees for GIS; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Geographic Information Systems.
• Responds to and resolves citizen inquiries and complaints.
• 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:

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a Geographic Information System program.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• GIS principles and practices.
• Use, capabilities, characteristics, and limitations of Geographic Information Systems including computer hardware and software applications.
• Database management systems, network communication, and internet technology.
• Principles and techniques of GIS to support the City’s enterprise GIS effort.
• Municipal organization and operating procedures.
• Methods and techniques of conducting and analyzing research.
• Principles and practices of customer service.

Ability to:

• Oversee and participate in the management of a Geographic Information System program.
• Supervise, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
• Select, train, and evaluate staff.
• Participate in the development and administration of GIS goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines including to coordinate multiple complex projects.
• Develop project estimates, schedules, budgets, and resource requirements.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.
• Apply GIS software and programming skills including macro and web-based programming skills.
• Read and utilize maps, process and analyze various forms of data, and perform calculations.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Prepare and administer program budgets.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Understand the organization, operation, and services of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Participate on various project teams.
• 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 those contacted in the course of work.

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: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in computer science, geography, science, planning, engineering, or closely related field with emphasis in geographic information systems.

Experience: Six years of responsible experience using GIS including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.

License or Certificate - Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license.

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 in an office environment. OCCASIONAL: Outdoor field work. 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, and 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: April 2003
Johnson & Associates