GIS Specialist

General Function:
The GIS Specialist is responsible for developing, maintaining, and analysing geospatial data to support the operations of the City’s Building and Planning & Zoning departments. This position plays a vital role in spatial data management, including the creation and maintenance of zoning maps, address assignment, and GIS-based analysis to support land use planning, permitting, development review, and community projects.
The role requires a blend of technical GIS skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate spatial data effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Reports To:
Director

Supervisory Responsibilities:
None

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, update, and maintain GIS-based maps, including zoning, land use, infrastructure, and development-related maps.
• Develop, manage, and maintain GIS layers such as parcels, zoning districts, utilities, transportation networks, and environmental features.
• Create and assign new city addresses in accordance with local and regional addressing standards.
• Prepare and produce customised maps, visualisations, charts, and reports for use by staff, elected officials, and the public.
• Provide GIS support to the Building Department for mapping permits, inspections, and code enforcement activities.
• Maintain accurate spatial datasets, ensuring data integrity, consistency, and integration across city systems.
• Coordinate with the IT Department to ensure effective data integration, system compatibility, and GIS application performance.
• Support and manage online GIS portals and interactive public-facing maps.
• Conduct spatial analysis to support planning and zoning decisions, policy development, and community initiatives.
• Maintain metadata and documentation for GIS datasets and mapping standards.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

All of the above information is intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. This description is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Type of Appointment/Work hours:

• Full-time/Regular in-person position.
• Standard workweek, which is forty (40) hours of work per week usually consisting of five (5) days of eight (8) hours per day. The workday may be varied for the efficient delivery of public service.
• Will be required to work other than the standard workweek on occasion, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

• Will be required to work occasional overtime or shift assignments, if applicable.

Requirements:

• Must be in possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science, GIS, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• Must have at least five (5) years of professional experience with GIS in a municipal setting.
• An equivalent combination of High School Diploma, training, and at least 10 years of experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in lieu of the stated education and experience requirements. Substitution will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine relevance and comparability.
• Experience with Python or ModelBuilder for geoprocessing automation is preferred.
• Knowledge of Miami-Dade County / Florida addressing standards (or similar) is preferred.
• Strong cartographic design skills for producing clear and professional maps is preferred.
• Ability to explain technical information to non-technical staff and the public is preferred.
• Must possess a valid Florida driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Must pass a background screening process.

Equivalency Clause:

• An equivalent combination of High School Diploma, training, and at least 10 years of experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in lieu of the stated education and experience requirements. Substitution will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine relevance and comparability.

Physical and Environmental Demands or Conditions:
The physical and environmental demands for this position have been listed on the last page of this description. Physical and environmental demands must be met to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position.

Core Competencies:

• Judgement - Sound decisions based on fact; uses logic to solve problems.
• Quality of Work - Performs work thoroughly, accurately, and professionally.
• Reliability - Timely and consistently completes assigned work; consistently reports to work and is punctual.
• Safety - Committed to ensuring a safe environment and complies with applicable safety standards.
• Technical Capability - Applies knowledge to identify issues and works to develop skills; demonstrates knowledge of techniques, skills, and equipment.

Work Authorisation/Security Clearance:

• The employee must successfully pass a background screening process and comply with the City’s Drug-Free Workplace policy.
• The City will also verify the identity and employment authorisation of individuals hired so the proper completion of Form I-9 is required, which includes the employee providing documents evidencing identity and employment authorisation.

Equal Opportunity Statement:
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Qualifying individuals with disabilities may be provided reasonable accommodations to enable them to perform the essential functions.

Veteran’s Preference Policy:
In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, the City of Homestead complies with Florida law by providing Veterans' Preference in hiring. Qualified applicants, including veterans, spouses, widows/widowers, parents of service members, and current reserve or National Guard members, may receive hiring priority if they meet minimum qualifications and can perform the duties required. Veterans’ Preference includes additional points on exams, prioritised placement on employment lists, and education waivers for certain qualified individuals. This preference ensures eligible candidates are considered fairly at all stages of the hiring process. For questions, contact the Human Resources Department.