GIS Specialist

This is contract position based on grant-funding for 1 year. No benefits are offered for this position.

The GIS Specialist performs professional technical work supporting the County’s Enterprise GIS with a focus on NG911 address data enhancement and quality assurance. Responsibilities include spatial data review and editing, sub-address development, standards compliance, workflow documentation, and coordination with County departments and partner agencies. Work is performed under the general supervision of the GIS Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive review and enhancement of the County’s NG911 address point dataset to improve completeness, spatial accuracy, and data integrity.
• Develop and maintain sub-address features within multi-unit residential, commercial, governmental, and public structures in support of Next Generation 9-1-1 initiatives.
• Perform spatial data editing, attribution, and quality assurance to ensure compliance with applicable NG911 standards and data exchange requirements.
• Utilize GIS software tools, spatial queries, and analytical methods to identify candidate features and evaluate address data consistency.
• Research, interpret, and integrate information from building plans, parcel records, aerial imagery, and other authoritative sources to support accurate feature development.
• Conduct field verification activities, as needed, to validate spatial location and attribute accuracy.
• Coordinate with County departments, state agencies, and partner organizations to obtain data, verify information, and support project objectives.
• Prepare datasets for submission to NG911 systems, perform validation checks, and resolve identified issues to ensure successful data acceptance.
• Develop and maintain clear documentation of workflows, methodologies, and maintenance procedures to support long-term sustainability of enhanced address data.
Assist with ongoing NG911 GIS maintenance and related geospatial tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Education / Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geospatial Science, Geography, or a closely related field, and one (1) or more years of professional GIS experience, including the use of Esri products in support of NG911 addressing.

Experience in local government and in the maintenance of NG911/NGCS GIS data is highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced working knowledge of Esri GIS software, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, with demonstrated experience in spatial data editing, analysis, and map production.
• Working knowledge of enterprise geodatabases, including data design principles, editing workflows, versioning, and quality control procedures.
• Experience using GIS automation tools such as ModelBuilder and/or Python scripting to improve efficiency and streamline workflows.
• Working knowledge of relational database concepts and experience interacting with SQL-based systems; experience with GPS data collection and integration is preferred.
• Understanding of GIS data standards, spatial accuracy principles, and data validation practices; familiarity with NG911 data requirements is highly desirable.
• Ability to analyze spatial and tabular datasets, identify inconsistencies, and apply sound judgment in resolving data issues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including the ability to prepare clear documentation, reports, and workflow instructions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interpret technical documents and explain GIS concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing project needs within a grant-funded environment.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, establish effective working relationships, and provide responsive service to internal departments and external partners.

Certifications / Licenses

Professional and technical certification preferred but is not a requirement. Certification(s) may be obtained during employment.

This position may require the use of a County vehicle while conducting County business. Must be physically capable of operating a vehicle safely and must possess and maintain, throughout employment, a valid Commonwealth of Virginia operator's license and acceptable driving record.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for color perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.