What are the responsibilities and job description for the GIS Field Technician position at Baton Rouge Water Company?
About us
Baton Rouge Water Company operates one of the region's largest privately owned water systems, serving the Baton Rouge metropolitan area through an extensive groundwater production and distribution network. Our Engineering Department supports the planning, design, and asset management of this system, and we are seeking a qualified individual to join the team as a GIS Field Technician.
Position Summary
The GIS Field Technician is responsible for collecting mapping-grade GPS data on the utility's water system assets and maintaining the accuracy and completeness of the company's geospatial asset records. Working primarily in the field, this position captures location and attribute data on pipelines, valves, hydrants, services, meters, and related infrastructure during construction, maintenance activities, and ad hoc engineering requests. Data is collected on iPads paired with Bluetooth GPS receivers and written directly to the company's ESRI Utility Network dataset via REST services.
In addition to data collection, this position serves as a field-level resource for other GPS and GIS users across the Maintenance and Construction departments and supports field personnel with SAP-based O&M workflows.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Collect mapping-grade GPS data on water utility assets using iPads paired with Bluetooth GPS receivers, writing to the ESRI Utility Network dataset via REST services.
- Coordinate data capture schedules with construction project managers to ensure new assets are recorded prior to backfill.
- Proactively identify opportunities to collect, verify, or update asset data during construction activities, maintenance incidents, and field design support.
- Respond to ad hoc requests from the Engineering team for field measurements, site visits, and as-built verification.
- Provide technical support to GPS and GIS users in the Maintenance and Construction departments, including troubleshooting equipment, software, and workflow issues.
- Develop and maintain proficiency in SAP-based O&M workflows on laptops and iPads in order to assist field personnel with troubleshooting work orders, notifications, and asset transactions.
- Maintain GPS receivers, iPads, and assigned vehicle in good working order; report equipment issues promptly.
Required Qualifications
- Two (2) or more years of field experience in one of the following: GIS data collection, land surveying, utility construction or inspection, or utility operations and maintenance (water, wastewater, gas, electric, or telecom).
- Demonstrated proficiency with smartphones, tablets, and modern web and mobile applications, and the ability to learn new enterprise software platforms independently.
- Mechanical aptitude sufficient to interpret pipe, fittings, valves, and other water system components in a field environment.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated willingness to support and assist other field personnel.
- Ability to work outdoors year-round in variable weather conditions and on active construction sites.
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in GIS, Geography, Surveying, Civil Engineering Technology, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience with sub-meter or survey-grade GPS receivers (e.g., Trimble, Eos Arrow, EMLID, Bad Elf).
- Experience with ESRI Field Maps, Survey123, or Collector.
- Familiarity with the ESRI Utility Network data model.
- Background in water or wastewater utility operations.
- Experience with SAP Plant Maintenance (PM) or another CMMS/EAM platform.
- GISP certification or progress toward certification.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person