Geographic Information System Specialist - Jefferson County (Roads & Transportation)

About the role

Jefferson County is seeking a well-qualified Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist for the Roads and Transportation Department. The GIS Specialist analyzes and monitors system applications, programs, and/or databases; creates test data; evaluates test results to determine system/application performance; and identifies potential errors. They design, develop, and modify system applications, programs, and/or databases. GIS Specialists analyze GIS data for use in urban planning, infrastructure development, and other settings using ArcGIS applications, maps, graphs, and/or tabular data to identify spatial relationships. They design or coordinate the development of integrated GIS spatial or non-spatial databases using multiuser relational database management systems (e.g., ArcGIS, Oracle, Microsoft SQL) to develop and map thematic layers of GIS data (e.g., administrative areas, site addresses, ownership and tax parcels, health trends, Orthophotos). GIS Specialists create and modify system documentation and user guides, train others to ensure compliance with procedures and standards, and provide assistance to programmers/analysts or other personnel. They serve as on-site administrators for various systems or applications by providing user support, installing system/application updates, and managing user access rights.

Typical Job Duties

• Provides service to internal and/or external customers.
• Analyzes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data for use in various settings (e.g., urban planning, infrastructure development, public health, election coordination) using ArcGIS applications, maps, graphs, and/or tabular data in order to identify spatial relationships.
• Verifies the accuracy and completeness of geospatial and tabular data records by reviewing spreadsheets, legal descriptions, aerial maps, paper or digital drawings or ArcGIS/ESRI data in order to identify data errors and ensure all GIS database information is correct and up-to-date.
• Creates, maintains, and updates a GIS database by updating or entering tabular or geospatial data using specialized GIS software (e.g., Esri, ArcInfo, ArcGIS) to ensure GIS data is up-to-date.
• Produces, maintains, and distributes data layers, maps, tables, or reports by performing data extraction and various spatial analysis techniques using GIS database and various reporting software in order to provide requested information and meet user needs.
• Engages in activities designed to ensure professional development, awareness of developments in the field, and knowledge of relevant practices, rules, laws, policies, and/or guidelines.
• Engages on cross-department/municipality projects by working with others to establish goals and deadlines for projects, performing duties within scope of the project, and communicating throughout projects (e.g., attending meetings, producing reports) to stay informed or communicate progress towards goals.
• Conducts training by creating training materials and facilitating training sessions in order to provide knowledge and understanding of work processes and ensure compliance with procedures and standards.

Minimum Qualifications

The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position:

Option A

• Work experience as a GIS Tech II in the Merit System.

Option B

• Work experience maintaining a GIS database to include spatial analysis (e.g., modeling problems geographically), data extraction (e.g., creating scripts to efficiently isolate data), map creation (e.g., web services, creating layers).
• Work experience reading and interpreting legal descriptions (e.g., deeds, annexations, land surveys, etc.).
• Work experience creating GIS relational databases (e.g., ArcGIS, MapInfo, MapOracle, Access, SQL, etc.).
• Work experience with database reporting software (e.g., Crystal Reports, Arc GIS data reporting, etc.).

Option C

• Work experience reading and interpreting legal descriptions (e.g., deeds, annexations, land surveys, etc.).
• At least an Associate’s Degree in Geographic Information Systems or related IT field.

Option D

• Work experience reading and interpreting legal descriptions (e.g., deeds, annexations, land surveys, etc.).
• Geographic Information Systems Certificate or Certification from an accredited organization (e.g., Alabama Certified Mapper Designation, US Armed Forces, GISCI, GISP, etc.).

Targeted Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Geospatial Mapping, Information Systems, or related field.
• Experience with work order/asset management software (e.g., Cityworks) as an administrator (e.g., updating user profiles, setting map visibility, creating/editing templates, dashboard creation).
• Experience using GIS to support roadway, transportation, traffic, right-of-way, or public works operations.

Compensation & Benefits

Jefferson County provides competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more. The pay range for this job is $63,981 – $99,237.

Physical Demands

Job is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods of time, but may involve occasional walking or standing for brief periods. May involve occasional light lifting of items or objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

Work Environment

Work is conducted almost exclusively indoors in an office setting. Work involves use of standard office equipment, such as computer, phone, copier, etc.