SENIOR GRAPHICS/GIS TECHNICIAN

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, leads, oversees, and participates in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for graphics and drafting work for all City departments; coordinates graphics and drafting assignments with other departments; and oversees preparation of all graphics, brochures, posters, flyers, slides, maps, map updates, space planning, remodels, and furniture orders for the City.

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.

• Leads, plans, trains and reviews the work of staff responsible for graphics and drafting work requests for all City departments; coordinates graphics and drafting work with other departments; oversees preparation of all graphics, brochures, posters, flyers, slides, maps, map updates, space planning, remodels, and furniture orders for the City; assures completion of work products in a timely and accurate manner.
• Trains assigned employees in their area of work including graphic and drafting methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Supervises the use, care and operation of drafting equipment.
• Verifies the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Applies a variety of graphic art, computer and drafting skills to a variety of projects that involve freehand drawing, computer graphics and general technical design work; utilizes automated mapping and graphic software (including ArcView) to produce a wide range of computerized maps and reports; operates a variety of equipment including digital cameras, copiers, scanners, computers and printers.
• Maintains the computer Geobase system on an ongoing basis; incorporates new assessor parcel information from the County Assessor’s office on a quarterly basis; logs in annexations, zoning and general plan changes.
• Maintains and oversees updating of all City base maps including the City Zoning, General Plan, Annexation, Geoblock and Case History maps; provides other City departments and outside agencies with yearly updates of new streets and boundaries for the City.
• Prepares, reviews, and plots legal descriptions of property from title reports and assessor maps.
• Prepares location maps, radius maps, assessor’s lists and mailing labels for city initiated projects.
• Maintains and operates a computer graphic system, copier and plotter for the Planning Department; makes copies for staff and pubic requests; orders supplies as necessary.
• Provides support for Planning staff in preparing slides and graphics for all Planning Commission and City Council Hearings.
• Prepares meeting exhibits and miscellaneous maps, graphs and charts for various City Boards, Commissions, Council, and Neighborhood and City meetings.
• Performs research and analysis of geographic and tabular data from public or private sources of conversion and input to the GIS and other electronic graphics systems; provides updated information to external agencies as necessary.
• Edits, creates and maintains geographic and tabular data using scanners and plotters; edits computer output for accuracy and makes necessary corrections or revisions.
• Creates camera ready artwork and electronic files for external Print Shop specifications; translates, converts and exports different file formats; burns zips or compact disks as necessary.
• Designs and oversees City facility space planning, remodels and reconfigurations as necessary.
• Ensures adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• Keeps up to date on changing technologies; reads various trade publications; attends training as necessary.
• 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 graphics and drafting program.
• Principles of lead supervision and training.
• Techniques utilized in technical design, graphic arts, and computer graphics.
• Basic drafting methods and instruments.
• Customer service skills.
• Graphic lay-out techniques and approaches.
• Operational characteristics of graphics and drafting equipment and tools.
• Methods and techniques of developing maps.
• Computer systems, the process to transfer files and the preparation/setup of artwork on disks for outside printer companies to utilize.
• Database systems maintenance.
• Color schemes, and processes and palettes.
• Office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Computer graphics and geographic information systems software.
• Office systems furniture.

Ability to:

• Lead, organize, and review the work of staff.
• Use computer graphic software.
• Operate a variety of graphic and drafting equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Organize and prioritize workload.
• Work accurately under deadlines.
• Letter neatly and clearly by freehand and mechanical means.
• Perform freehand illustrations. Interpret technical planning maps.
• Maintain computer database system.
• Learn and enhance computer graphic skills.
• Prepare clear and accurate maps and graphics rapidly on short notice.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• 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: Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in architecture, art, graphics design, or related field.

Experience: Four years of increasingly responsible graphic arts program experience. A Bachelor’s degree in a field listed above may substitute for two years of experience.

License or Certificate - Possessions 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 indoors, dust from paperwork. Work schedule is 9/80 with alternating Fridays off in a biweekly period. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace and pressure. Work is performed indoors in office and in meeting rooms.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. CONTINUOUS sitting, upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity and light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls and other office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending and stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting at waist, moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. OCCASIONAL squatting, kneeling, reach above and at shoulder height, moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20-3 5 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read small print, computer screens and other printed documents; to operate equipment, and perform research of files and records.

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

Date: November 2001
Johnson & Associates