What are the responsibilities and job description for the GIS Specialist position at City of Big Spring?
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:
- Ability to create models and read CAD drawings.
- Ability to print plotted documents and maintain plotter.
- Ability to use assigned hand-held GPS devices in order to collect data that can be transferred to map layers.
- Knowledge of the fundamental principles and practices of ESRI Geodatabases.
- Skill in Microsoft Office and associated programs and software.
- Ability to work well with others.
- Must be self-driven and able to work with minimal supervision.
- Ability to problem solve and meet deadlines.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings and understand surveyor's notes.
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
Salary : $59,024