GIS Specialist

Salary : $59,024.16 Annually

Location : Big Spring, TX

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 2024-00093

Department : Information Technology

Division : Human Resources

Opening Date : 01 / 15 / 2025

The GIS Specialist will be responsible for collecting, managing, analyzing, and visualizing geographic data. This role requires a strong understanding of GIS principles, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively.

• Spatial Data Management : Collect, maintain, and update spatial datasets related to infrastructure, land use, demographics, utilities, and other municipal assets using GIS software.
• Data Analysis : Analyze spatial data to identify trends, patterns, and relationships that can inform decision-making processes within the municipality.
• Mapping and Visualization : Produce high-quality maps, charts, and visualizations to communicate spatial information effectively to stakeholders, including city officials, departments, and the public.
• Spatial Analysis : Conduct spatial analysis, including proximity analysis, spatial statistics, network analysis, and spatial modeling, to support planning, development, and operational activities.
• Database Management : Manage GIS databases, ensuring data integrity, consistency, and accessibility for users across the organization.
• GIS Application Development : Develop custom GIS applications, tools, and scripts to automate workflows, improve efficiency, and enhance decision support capabilities.
• Technical Support : Provide technical support and training to municipal staff on GIS software, data collection techniques, and spatial analysis methods.
• Project Management : Coordinate GIS projects, including requirements gathering, scope definition, resource allocation, and timeline management, to ensure timely delivery of solutions.
• Quality Assurance : Perform quality assurance checks on spatial data, maps, and analyses to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with standards and best practices.
• Collaboration : Collaborate with internal departments and external agencies to integrate GIS into various municipal processes and initiatives.
• Provide prompt and courteous service to the general public as well as engineers, architects, contractors, software and equipment vendors, developers, landowners, citizens and City staff.
• Assist in researching and preparing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) related to the position.
• Interpret and research legal documents and apply this information to the maintenance of varied GIS-based data.
• Digiting cartographic data, entering demographic and geographic data into the database, and preparing maps according to specified criteria.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the City's GIS maps and hard copy storage systems.
• Gather data, create map layers, coordinate the development, and maintain GIS base maps as well as other mapping products while ensuring that information provided is up to date and accurate. The employee is responsible for contacting businesses and the general public as well as City staff to request and disseminate information.
• Perform other related duties as directed.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geography, GIS, Geomatics, Urban Planning, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with ESRI products.
• Proficiency in GIS software such as Esri ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar platforms.
• Strong knowledge of spatial analysis techniques and geoprocessing tools.
• Experience with relational databases (e.g., SQL Server, PostgreSQL) and GIS database management.
• Familiarity with web GIS technologies (e.g., ArcGIS Online, Leaflet, Mapbox) and mobile GIS applications.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate diversely.
• Project management experience and the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of municipal planning, zoning regulations, and government processes is desirable.
• GIS certifications are a plus.
• Possession of a valid Class C Driver's License issued by the State of Texas for the type of vehicle or equipment operated with acceptable driving record required.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION :

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS :

The Assistant City Manager will assign work in terms of somewhat general instructions to the GIS Specialist. The Assistant City Manager will check work for compliance with instructions and established procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include City and departmental policies and procedures, state laws and supervisory instructions. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY

The work consists of related duties in maintaining and updating systems using geodatabases.

SCOPE AND EFFECT

The purpose of this position is to operate, update and maintain the City's GIS databases. Successful performance facilitates the speed and accuracy of information as it is distributed to City departments as well as the public as both needed and required.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are typically with co-workers, City employees, vendors, engineers, contractors, state agency representatives and the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Contacts are typically to give and exchange information, provide quality services and resolve problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is frequently performed while sitting at a desk or table. Occasionally lift and carry up to 20 up to 25 pounds, frequently walk, stand, bend, and kneel during shift, some outdoor activity, occasional exposure to extreme heat, cold, noise

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed both indoors and outdoors.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None

There are a wide variety of benefits available to City of Big Spring employees. These benefits include health, dental, life and disability insurance, optional life insurance plans, flexible spending account for health expenses, an Employee Assistance Program, and a Tuition Reimbursement Program.

The City of Big Spring provides the following benefits to all regular, full-time employees :

Texas Municipal Retirement System

The City of Big Spring is a member of the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). Employee / employer supported retirement begins at the date of employment. An employee contributes seven percent of their monthly wages to TMRS. The City then matches the employee contribution two to 1 upon retirement. Employees are eligible to retire after 20 years of service. Retirement becomes vested after five years of participation in TMRS.

Deferred Compensation (Retirement)

The 457b Deferred Compensation plan is provided to City employees in lieu of Social Security. Employees pay 6.7% of their adjusted gross salary. This amount is matched by the City as follows :

5.51% Contributed to the deferred compensation retirement

2.19% Pays for the life and disability insurance package

7.70% Total matched funds

Health Insurance

The City of Big Spring pays the cost of employees insurance and supplements the cost of dependent insurance. Dependent health insurance coverage is available at the following rates :

Family Coverage $755.06 / Monthly $377.53 / Bi-Weekly

Spouse Coverage $557.72 / Monthly $278.86 / Bi-Weekly

Child Coverage $277.05 / Monthly $138.53 / Bi-Weekly

Payment for dependent health insurance coverage is deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks. Pharmacy cards are included in the health insurance package. If dependent insurance coverage is purchased, dependents will also receive the pharmacy card.

Dental Insurance

Dental insurance coverage is available to City employees at the following rates :

Employee Only $22.08 / Monthly $11.04 / Bi-Weekly

Employee and Spouse $44.78 / Monthly $22.39 / Bi-Weekly

Employee and Children $49.64 / Monthly $24.82 / Bi-Weekly

Employee and Family $72.40 / Monthly $36.20 / Bi-Weekly

Payments for dental insurance are deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks. Employees enrolled in the dental plan will also be eligible for the discount Vision Access program and receive discounts on vision care services or supplies.

Vision Insurance

Vision insurance coverage is available to City employees at the following rates :

Employee Only $7.22 / Monthly $3.61 / Bi-Weekly

Employee and Spouse $14.43 / Monthly $7.21 / Bi-Weekly

Employee and Children $13.71 / Monthly $6.85 / Bi-Weekly

Employee and Family $18.40 / Monthly $9.20 / Bi-Weekly

Payments for vision insurance are deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks.

Life and Long Term Disability Insurance

The City of Big Spring's life insurance policy provides for a death benefit equal to four times the employee's annual salary. In addition to the standard life insurance, employees may purchase optional life insurance. The long term disability package ensures that in the event of a permanent disability , a maximum of 20% of the employee's monthly salary is paid up to a maximum or $3,000.00 per month.

Cafeteria Plan (AFLAC)

The City provides a program to allow employees to tax shelter day care and certain medical expenses. This insurance provides a tax savings increasing the employee's take home pay.

Workman's Compensation

The City of Big Spring meets the standard state requirements for Workman's Compensation. If an employee is injured on the job, he / she report the incident to the department supervisor immediately.

Longevity Pay for Years of Service

City employees are given longevity pay based on their length of service with the City of Big Spring. After one year of service, City employees receive longevity payments on their bi-weekly paycheck. After two years of service, employees are given the option to continue to receive a bi-weekly payment or they can elect to bank their longevity payments. Employees who bank their longevity payments will receive a lump sum payment once a year, prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Years of service Annual Bi-Weekly

1 to 9 $72.00 $2.77

10 to 14 $96.00 $3.70

15 to 19 $120.00 $4.62

20 years $144.00 $5.54

Uniforms

The City provides uniforms for employees who are required to wear certain attire to work. Three to five uniforms are furnished to employees, along with other suitable foul weather and safety gear. Police and Fire Department personnel may have different benefits.

Stand By Pay

City employees in certain positions are eligible for stand-by pay. Stand-by pay is $75 for each week the employee is required to serve on stand-by time. Stand-by time means a period of time outside an employee's regularly scheduled work hours, during which the employee is required to remain available within a specified response time. Each employee on stand-by who is called in to work shall be compensated for the actual hours worked at the appropriate rate of pay.

Paid Vacation and Sick Leave

Paid vacation days are time off work that the City of Big Spring voluntarily provides its employees as a benefit. The number of paid vacation days is accrued by full-time, permanent employees based on years of service. Vacation time is accrued based on the following schedule :

Years of Service

1 to 2 5 days per year

3 to 4 10 days per year

5 to 9 15 days per year

10 to 14 17 days per year

15 to 19 18 days per year

20 to 24 19 days per year

20 20 days per year

The City of Big Spring also offers full-time permanent employees paid sick days as part of its comprehensive benefits package. Sick leave is accrued based on the following schedule :

Years of Service

1 to 2 5 days per year

3 to 4 10 days per year

5 to 9 12 days per year

10 15 days per year

Paid Holidays

The City of Big Spring recognizes the following public holidays for City employees. Please note that most City employees work on a Monday through Friday schedule. As such, when a holiday falls on a non workdaySaturday or Sundaythe holiday usually is observed on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday).

New Year's Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Presidents Day

Good Friday

Memorial Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day and the day following

Christmas (two days given)

Recreation Privileges

City employees and their dependents receive free admission to Moss Lake. City employees must present their City identification card.

Wellness Program

In an effort to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, the City of Big Spring has implemented a Wellness Program for its employees. By joining the Wellness Program, employees receive access to the following benefits :

Tuition Reimbursement Program

The City of Big Spring offers its full-time permanent employees a college Tuition Reimbursement Program. This program is designed to support employees with their personal and professional development by increasing their knowledge and skill level. The City reimburses employees for college tuition and books based on grades.

Salary : $5 - $59,024