GIS Director

The GIS Director’s role primarily revolves around development and maintains the geographic information systems (GIS) databases, coverages, and linkages to various databases, as well as extensive GPS duties. Duties include reading and interpreting source documents, such as civil engineering plans, plot maps, plats, deeds, and legal descriptions; and entering required data into the GIS. The position is to oversee the administration and maintenance of the City & County’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS), supervise staff of the GIS Department, and serve as a GIS advisor to the City & County departments and Middle Flint Regional E-911. Additionally, the GIS Director handles budget management, vendor negotiations, and technical support, while also focusing on continuous improvement and staying updated with the latest technology trends. The role demands a blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and strategic planning. They function as the primary liaison between technical GIS teams and executive leadership, ensuring spatial data supports organizational goals, such as planning, public works, or emergency management. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Designs, builds, and maintains applications, tools, and scripts to analyze, visualize, and manage spatial data.
• Operates computer workstation to update maps as new data is received relative to new subdivisions, developments, capital improvement projects, zoning requirements, and other projects.
• Acts as first line supervisor for designated staff within a department, including interviewing and selecting job applicants, training, overseeing work, and establishing and evaluating appropriate performance standards in accordance with the departments and City’s objectives.
•  Maintains and administers applicable GIS systems. Experience with ESRI products (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcObjects) or open-source GIS technology.
• Develops and implements Citywide and departmental GIS functions, services, policies, and strategies. Implement standards and procedures for GIS database and basemap maintenance and administration.
• Coordinates GIS efforts of all local government units within the City & County/departments; and maintains liaisons with relevant regional, state, and national GIS activities, serving as City/County GIS representative.
• Perform studies of various agency operations to define problems and determine methods to develop GIS applications to facilitate ease of use, including the customizing of desktop applications.
• Facilitates the development of the City GIS Strategic Plan.
• Prepares and monitors the GIS Division budget. Identifies and reports potential financial overruns and variances at an early stage. Prepare statistical summaries and reports related to Department operations, activities, and expenditures. Assists in the construction, development, and maintenance of GIS Department yearly fiscal budget and 5-year CIP budget.
• Provides structured GIS training and technical assistance to City staff.
• May perform the work of other GIS staff as required.
• Maintains and updates databases using GIS computer aided drafting and other software. 
• Develops and maintains links between various databases. 
• Conducts mapping research, in the field and in the office, to resolve conflicting information and ensure the accuracy of the data. 
• Creates maps using ESRI GIS software. 
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service. 
• Maintains data layers and uploads said data layers to Americus-Sumter County GIS Server.
• Assists GIS staff with the manipulation, storage, and retrieval of information in GIS; assists with designs and develops and edits the GIS spatial and tabular database; performs analytical operation and spatial queries; makes suggestions regarding data collection methodologies and data dictionaries for GPS collection.
• Operates, inspects, and maintains various equipment and tools associated with work activities, which may include a motor vehicle, handheld GPS data collector, laser rangefinder, digital camera, plotter, computer, copy machine, large-print copier, calculator, telephone, survey tools, shovel, post-hole digger, sledgehammer, crowbar, level rod, probing rod, measuring tape, compass, flashlight, and traffic control/safety devices.   
• Performs manual tasks associated with work activities, which may include locating manholes or underground structures, loosening/removing manhole covers, removing storm drain grates, digging holes, flagging/directing traffic, setting up traffic barricades or safety cones, and measuring distances.
• Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, checklists, data collection sheets, satellite/PDOP charts, non-locatable as-built sheets, or other documents.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, construction as-built drawings, aerial photos, data collection records, maps, policies, procedures, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes database, GIS, digital photography, or other computer programs.
• Communicate with supervisors, employees, other departments, engineers, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

• ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

  • Work is primarily done in an office. Will also travel to other sites within the City and outside the City. Work schedule is primarily Mon through Fri, 8am – 5:00 pm, with 1 hour lunch. May be required to come in earlier or work later for specific tasks/events.
  • Required to attend City Department Head meetings, budget meetings, monthly Agenda Setting and City Council meetings, called meetings, and other government-related meetings. Some of these meetings are held after normal business hours.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
 
 Knowledge of:

• Required knowledge of ArcPro ESRI software.
• Symbols and terminology used in GIS, civil, architectural, or electronic engineering drawings. 
• GIS software, such as ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, ArcView, Trimble, Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Trimble GeoXT Handheld GPS Unit operations
• Digitizing and data manipulation procedures for geographic information systems. 
• Geography. 
• Database design. 

Ability to: 

• Become familiar with industry specific (such as water, stormwater, wastewater, planning, zoning, etc.) terminology and symbology. 
• Read and interpret legal descriptions. 
• Communicate orally with customers, clients, and the public in face-to-face one-on-one settings or using a telephone. 
• Use graphic instructions such as blueprints, layouts, or other visual aids. 
• Read and use zoning maps, quarter-section maps, deeds, plat maps, land use maps, single line maps, and aerial maps. 
• Perform mathematical calculations using algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. 
• Travel across rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces when conducting field inspections or performing survey work. 
• Enter data into a computer terminal, PC, or other keyboard device requiring continuous or repetitive arm-hand-eye movement. 
• Perceive color as defined by the Inter Society Color Council-National Bureau of Standards system. 
• Perform fine hand movements in the accurate use of drafting instruments. 
• Work cooperatively with other City & County employees. 
• Present facts clearly and accurately in graphic form. 
• Understand and conduct oral and written instructions in the English language. 
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in related fields (i.e. – Geography, GIS, Civil Engineering, CADD, Drafting, etc.) and/or at least 3 to 5 years’ experience in GIS field involving GPS training, computer aided drafting, surveying and/or public utility operations.
• Requires a valid driver’s license.