GIS Manager / Land Information Officer

Job Summary

The GIS Manager / Land Information Officer is responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and administration of Ozaukee County’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Land Information Program. This position ensures the accuracy, accessibility, and strategic use of geospatial data across County departments, municipalities, and external partners. The role serves as the County’s designated Land Information Officer (LIO), overseeing compliance with Wisconsin Land Information Program (WLIP) requirements, managing state reporting and grants, and establishing priorities for GIS development, data governance, and service delivery. This position balances technical oversight with program leadership, ensuring GIS resources are aligned with organizational needs, statutory requirements, and future growth.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

25% Program Leadership & Strategic Planning - Lead and manage the County’s GIS and Land Information program, including long-term planning and service delivery. - Develop, maintain, and implement the County’s Land Information Plan in alignment with WLIP requirements. - Establish priorities for GIS projects, services, and resource allocation based on organizational needs. - Evaluate current and future GIS capabilities and recommend improvements. - Serve as the official Land Information Officer for Ozaukee County. - Ensure compliance with all Wisconsin Land Information Program (WLIP) requirements. - Prepare and submit required reports, including retained fee reports, grant applications, and statewide data submissions. - Coordinate with the Department of Administration, State Cartographer’s Office, and other state agencies. - Oversee the development, maintenance, and integrity of GIS datasets, including parcel data, address points, road centerlines, and other foundational layers. - Establish and enforce data standards, quality control processes, and governance practices. - Ensure GIS systems, databases, and applications meet operational needs and performance expectations. - Coordinate with IT on system infrastructure, integrations, and security. - Serve as the primary GIS liaison to County departments, municipalities, and external stakeholders. - Assess departmental needs and ensure appropriate GIS services and solutions are delivered. - Support critical operations including NG-911, elections/redistricting, land records, and public access to GIS data. - Represent the County in regional and statewide GIS and Land Information initiatives. - Identify and develop new GIS capabilities and services to support evolving departmental needs, including data visualization, field data collection, and analytics. - Plan, coordinate, and oversee GIS-related projects, including timelines, deliverables, and outcomes. - Manage consultant relationships and contracts, including services such as orthophotography, LiDAR, and specialized GIS support. - Evaluate vendor performance and recommend adjustments to services or scope. - Supervise and provide direction to GIS staff, including assigning work, setting priorities, and monitoring performance. - Provide training, coaching, and professional development opportunities. - Ensure continuity of operations and knowledge transfer within the GIS function. This position directly supervises the GIS Technician and may oversee interns or limited-term staff as assigned.

Minimum Education Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Requirements: - Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Planning, or a closely related field preferred. - Minimum of 4–7 years of progressively responsible GIS experience, including project coordination or program oversight. - Experience working with land records, parcel data, or public sector GIS operations strongly preferred. - Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License. - GIS Professional (GISP) certification preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Strong knowledge of GIS principles, geospatial data management, and ESRI platforms. - Understanding of land information systems, parcel mapping, and Public Land Survey System (PLSS). - Knowledge of Wisconsin Land Information Program (WLIP) requirements and state reporting processes. - Ability to lead programs, prioritize work, and manage multiple projects simultaneously. - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. - Effective communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences. - Ability to build relationships across departments and with external partners. - Working knowledge of database systems, data governance, and GIS infrastructure.

Physical Requirements

- Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer. - Frequent use of keyboard and mouse. - Occasional lifting of materials up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

- Primarily an indoor office environment. - Occasional travel for meetings, training, or coordination with municipalities and agencies. - Interaction with County staff, external partners, and the public.

EOE / ADA Statement

Ozaukee County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Ozaukee County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Benefits

Ozaukee County offers a generous benefits package including: health, dental, life, & vision insurance; free employee health clinic & Teladoc; paid holidays, vacation, & sick time; state of Wisconsin WRS defined benefit pension program; bonus opportunities; employee fitness room; wellness program & wellness reimbursement; tuition reimbursement & continuing education opportunities; and more! Please note some that benefits offered are dependent on full-time/part-time status.