GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN I
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN II

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 supervision (Geographic Information Systems Technician I) or general supervision (Geographic Information Systems Technician II), provides technical support in the development, implementation, operation and maintenance of the City’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs; applies knowledge of GIS to a variety of projects which include creation, maintenance, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) of geographic datasets; applies GPS data collection and post processing techniques; and assists in the preparation of final map products for various departments within the City.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Geographic Information Systems Technician I: This is the entry level class in the Geographic Information Systems Technician series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Geographic Information Systems Technician II level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Advancement to the “II” level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff.

Geographic Information Systems Technician II: This is the full journey level class in the Geographic Information Systems Technician series performing the full range of duties with only occasional instruction or assistance. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Geographic Information Systems Technician I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying well developed GIS knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Geographic Information Systems Technician II level are normally filled by advancement from the Geographic Information Systems Technician I level.

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.

• Performs technical duties in the development, implementation, operation and maintenance of the City’s geographic information systems; compiles, stores, inventories, and analyzes data; writes simple VBA macros to automate GIS processes.
• Designs, develops, and assembles a variety of maps for various City departments.
• Interprets engineering plans, plat maps, and legal descriptions for GIS database development efforts.
• Conducts GPS surveying and data post-processing for GIS database development efforts.
• Creates and maintains geographic information systems database metadata or datadictionary to support enterprise GIS efforts for the City.
• Edits, creates, and maintains graphic and tabular geographic information datasets.
• Assists in the maintenance and organization of the geographic information systems data structure.
• Ensures the integrity, quality and accuracy of a variety of geographic information systems information and data.
• Operates a variety of geographic information systems input and output devices including scanners, printers, and plotters.
• Performs research and analysis of geographic and tabular data from public and private sources for integration into the City’s enterprise GIS; provides updated information to external agencies as necessary.
• Stays abreast of new and emerging trends and changing technologies in the field of geographic information systems; reads pertinent industry publications; attends meetings and training as required.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities 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 geographic information systems program.
• Principles and techniques of geographic information systems.
• Methods and techniques of developing maps.
• Methods and techniques of assembling and compiling data.
• Personal computer hardware and software.
• Uses capabilities, and operational characteristics of geographic information systems equipment and specialized hardware and software including ArcInfo and ArcView.
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment.

Ability to:

• Provide technical level support to geographic information systems programs.
• Compile and analyze geographic information systems data.
• Read and interpret maps and data.
• Prepare accurate maps.
• Create, edit and plot geographic information systems data and graphics in ArcView and ArcInfo.
• Identify necessary changes and update and/or post data.
• Implement, maintain and operate geographic information system database systems.
• Scan maps and photographs.
• 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:

Geographic Information Systems Technician I/II

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.

Geographic Information Systems Technician I

Experience: One year of geographic information system technical support experience is desirable.

Geographic Information Systems Technician II

Experience: Two years of increasingly responsible experience performing duties comparable to a GIS Technician I with the City of Escondido.

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: Normal 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: Incumbents require sufficient mobility 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 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 small print, computer screens and other printed documents.

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

Date: March 2004
Revised by MH