GIS Specialist/Special Project Planner

Starting salary: $67,230-$78,660

Under general direction of the Planning and Development Services Manager, provides technical support in the development,  implementation, operation and maintenance of the City’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs; performing analytic duties in support of GIS; updating the City’s Zoning Map and Future Development Map; creating and changing map and data layers; providing maps to planning staff as well as city-wide staff; strengthening and maintaining the GIS program; performing data conversion; processing address and subdivision assignments; assisting in meeting the City’s public hearing advertising requirements; establishing and maintaining databases related to zoning, subdivisions and other like materials; performing research and data gathering on development related activity; and participating in a variety of planning projects and studies. This work requires a significant level of independence, self-initiative, program knowledge, and self-confidence in group activities. The employee exercises judgment and initiative in setting and carrying out scheduled activities.

• Participate in developing, implementing, and modifying GIS software applications.
• Establish and maintain GIS databases.
• Utilize GIS and associated software to produce, display, and analyze geographic information; create maps for internal and external customers.
• Assist in the maintenance and organization of the GIS data structure.
• Provide support to planning staff, the general public, elected officials and other departments regarding GIS information.
• Educate staff on the proper use of GIS technology.
• Prepare, assist, and deliver public presentations on GIS and other assigned areas of responsibility.
• Maintain and regularly update the City’s Zoning Map, Future Development Map, and other relevant maps utilizing GIS software.
• Perform research and analysis of geographic and tabular data from public and private sources for integration into the City’s GIS; provide updated information to external agencies as necessary.
• Maintain a variety of census and economic development data.
• Administer a public-facing web map displaying current private development projects.
• Administer a public-facing web map displaying archived final plats.
• Coordinate, maintain and organize electronic files related to final plats and land disturbance permits.
• Conduct research on a variety of specific and long-range planning projects.
• Generate visuals and corresponding research on all components of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
• Provide support for the Alpha Loop multi-use trail system in a variety of ways including preparing content for the City website and Alpha Loop Foundation meetings, working directly with developers on Alpha Loop signage installation and generating visuals and narrative write-ups used in grant applications.
• Alpha Loop site visits in order to walk alignment, assess conditions and work with outside entities such as the Path Foundation, GA Tech, and the CDC.
• Assist with electronic surveys such as Mentimeter and Map.Social.
• Assist staff members in providing support to the City Council, Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, as needed.
• Assist in the advertising of public hearing items, including preparing map exhibits and property owner mailing lists.
• Participate in the monthly Community Zoning Information Meetings, including preparation of exhibits and meeting attendance.
• Administrate audio/visual functions during monthly Design Review Board and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings.
• Serve as a backup to administrate audio/visual functions during monthly Planning Commission meetings.
• Meeting facilitation in long-range planning projects, such as the comprehensive plan and other planning studies.
• Interpret and apply applicable state, county and local codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Write and present formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence.
• Coordinate the department’s summer intern program and pursuing strategic partnerships with outside organizations such as, GA Tech and the CDC.
• Perform related duties as required or assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Terminology and methodology used in the GIS profession.
• Principles and practices of planning.
• Principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection.
• Effective writing techniques.
• Statistical, algebraic, or geometric mathematic principles and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations.
• Geography, relational database, and cartography principles.
• Computer hardware, operating systems, and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, database management, or GIS.
• Or ability to learn and interpret applicable codes and ordinances, geographical layout, zoning classifications and definitions.
• The growing field of Online GIS Applications and their increasingly opportunity of leverage in day-to-day operations within Community & Economic Development.
• Working familiarity with Photoshop and/or other image-editing software.
• Excellent written and oral speaking skills.

Ability to:

• Operate computers and related software applications, including all GIS programs associated with the ArcGIS for Desktop Advanced license.
• Create and interpret maps.
• Transfer information from plans to digital formats for mapping.
• Conduct and present research findings.
• Demonstrate creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well-defined practical problems.
• Work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Work independently or in a team environment as needed.
• Process information, applications and forms requiring accuracy, thoroughness, and attention to detail.
• Communicate tactfully and courteously with property owners, citizens, developers, builders, City officials and the general public.
• Attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job qualifies.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in architecture, civil engineering, computer science, GIS, landscape architecture, planning, or a related field.
• Two years of increasingly responsible experience in planning, zoning, and GIS with a good working knowledge of ERSI software products.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of cartographic principles, spatial data models, and statistics.
• GIS Professional (GISP) certification preferred.
• Possession of a valid Georgia Class C driver’s license.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and operate office equipment.  Continuous sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils.  Frequent side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards.  Occasional squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasping to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 25 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment. 

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

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

Salary : $67,230 - $107,570