What are the responsibilities and job description for the GIS Engineering Technician - Limited term position at City of Davis?
This is a Full-Time Limited Term position with an expected duration of 2 years.
Please refer to Appendix C of the PASEA MOU for additional information related to limited term positions.
Program, Administrative and Support Employees Association (PASEA) MOU 7.1.23 to 12.31.24
DEFINITION
Under direction, performs a variety of specialized project management, analytical support, programming, coordination and training services to assist in the creation and maintenance of the City’s geographic information system (GIS) software, GIS data layers, GIS applications, and related hardware; performs a variety of paraprofessional engineering work and office duties in support of professional engineering staff; develops, designs, and creates cartographic maps and displays; maintains plan files and engineering records; conducts field surveys for GIS purposes as well as in support of traffic analysis; provides technical support to maintains databases, generate reports; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing specialized duties in development, training and support of the City’s GIS program in addition to performing office and field work related to assigned engineering projects and programs. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Examples of TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Develops and builds, and maintains the GIS database and website, which includes analyzing, creating, manipulating, and maintaining a comprehensive library of spatial data tables and layers; organizes and converts data into relational tables; makes recommendations for data standardization and normalization; integrates spatial data to create a variety of maps, exhibits and other graphics.
- Prepares user documentation, including flow charts, standard operating procedures, user guides, and training materials; trains and instructs users in the use and maintenance of GIS database and website.
- Participate in the development and implementation of the City-Wide Geographic Information System (GIS) master plan.
- Develops work plans; schedules and manages resources; assists in managing overall technical aspects of the GIS master plan; and resolve complex technical problems associated with GIS software.
- Perform research and analysis necessary to develop and make appropriate written and/or oral recommendations for GIS hardware/software configurations and for interfacing with other computer information systems, considering user needs and the capabilities and limitations of hardware and GIS software.
- Analyze, assess and solve technical problems by assessing internal resources and capacity and determining need for external assistance; contact and oversee appropriate external technical support.
- Maintains engineering and traffic/transportation files, including plans, studies, inspections, surveys, maps, and other data related to engineering and transportation projects; prepares, updates, reproduces, and distributes maps, drawings, blueprints, and other information recorded in the GIS.
- Maintains, creates, and enhances GIS data sets according to City needs and resources; researches and interprets data sources; verifies the accuracy and completeness of maps, legal descriptions, and other records; digitizes, edits, creates, and calculates attributes and merges data from different sources.
- Provides graphic support to City departments and projects by gathering, analyzing, and integrating spatial data to create a variety of maps, exhibits, and other graphic materials.
- Troubleshoots technical GIS software issues; resolves and/or refers to other resources as needed.
- Prepares special studies including field investigation, data collection, and analysis using statistical methods and automated software applications; conducts site assessments to collect and verify spatial data; provides technical support to engineers conducting studies and special projects for the City.
- Assists in traffic studies, including review of simple traffic control plans, accident analysis, traffic volume, and speed studies; sets traffic counters and conducts manual counts; assists the public in responding to complaints and answering questions related to traffic and traffic safety.
- Performs field, office, and computer-aided studies and prepares periodic and special reports based on findings from research, studies, and surveys; and makes recommendations on findings.
- Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in technology related to GIS; researches, recommends, and evaluates vendor solutions and technologies for assigned projects; implements improvements upon approval.
- Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Principles, practices, and terminology of cartography including describing geographic and topographic features.
- GIS concepts and principles, including the use and storage of spatial data, and its integration with relational database structures.
- Methods and techniques of using GIS software to map layers of data for use in planning, engineering and maintenance operations.
- Principles and practices of technical civil engineering drafting and surveying support.
- Drafting and surveying equipment, computers, principles, problems, techniques, and practices.
- Methods of computer-aided design (CAD) and graphic simulation.
- Public safety data sets and procedures relevant to GIS applications.
- Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
- Mathematics used in the creation of maps, tables, and reports showing geographic and topographic information.
- Technical engineering mathematics.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
- The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
- Utilize GIS software programming functions, tools, and utilities to produce or modify maps, graphics, drawings, tables, and reports.
- Understand and apply GIS principles including relational database use, purpose and management.
- Research and interpret data sources and verify their accuracy and completeness.
- Convert data into useful GIS coverages, layers, or databases.
- Understand and prepare legal descriptions and exhibit maps.
- Read and interpret construction plans, engineering plans, technical drawings, specifications, and subdivision maps.
- Make and record accurate field engineering observations.
- Use engineering, drafting, and surveying instruments and equipment.
- Prepare thorough documentation and maintain accurate, systematic records.
- Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
- Make accurate mathematical calculations.
- Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
- Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Methodologies for project management including project tracking and project control.
- Techniques for training users.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
When assigned to field survey and data collection work, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
Environmental Elements
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:
- Equivalent to an associate degree with major coursework in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), information technology, computer science, or a related field.
- Three (3) years of technical experience in geographic information systems mapping and database maintenance.
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
Salary : $76,308 - $92,753
