Geographic Information Specialist II

Job Description

The work involves responsibility for the planning, development and coordination of a Geographic Information System. An employee in this class uses advanced knowledge of GIS software to create customized applications in order to meet the spatial data needs of county departments as well as the general public. An employee in this position trains internal personnel in the use of the system as well as other end users outside of the department. Broad latitude is given to complete work assignments and minimal supervision is received from administrative supervisors. This position is differentiated from the Geographic Information Systems Specialist I as to the depth of knowledge of GIS principles, knowledge of urban, regional, and natural resource planning and local government GIS applications, and of the highly independent nature of the work. An employee in this position coordinates the work of Geographic Information Systems Specialists I and Geographic Information System Specialists interns. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities

• Develops elements of a Geographic Information System
• Develops customized GIS applications using spatial data and database management tools.
• Collects, stores and maintains spatial data and metadata.
• Prepares maps and other graphic products.
• Performs complex spatial analyses and creates custom maps and databases.
• Interacts with various departments and outside agencies involved in planning and development activities.
• Provides technical advice to user departments.
• Analyzes user requests and better defines user needs and develops solutions based on those needs.
• Develops and maintains a workplan addressing user needs and projecting future system enhancements.
• Handles requests from the public for maps and geographic data.
• Researches and recommends system modifications pertinent to GIS.
• Acquires, catalogs, files and maintains manual and digital maps.
• Develops and maintains user manuals to assist users with GIS applications.
• Trains coworkers and interns in GIS operation, maintenance and in the use of the software.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of GIS software products.
• Thorough knowledge of GIS principles such as projection, coordinate systems, scale, etc.
• Thorough knowledge of GIS as a tool in reaching solutions to municipal problems.
• Good knowledge of cartographic principles.
• Good knowledge of photogrammetry and remote sensing.
• Good knowledge of database management theory, application, design, implementation and maintenance.
• Good knowledge of the internet and email.
• Working knowledge of geometry and mathematics relating to surveying and elementary statistical concepts.
• Working knowledge of computer systems administration and computer networks.
• Ability to design a variety of GIS applications.
• Ability to prepare and give reports both orally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively with departmental officials as well as outside agencies.
• Ability to train others.
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Promotional:

Two (2) years of permanent competitive class status as a Geographic Information Systems Specialist.

Open Competitive:

• A) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university or one accredited by the New York Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Master's Degree in Geography, Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies or a closely related field and one (1) year of work experience, or its part time equivalent, using full-featured Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software including creating or modifying GIS data; or
• B) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university or one accredited by the New York Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Baccalaureate degree in Geography, Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies or a closely related field and three (3) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, using full-featured Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software including creating and modifying GIS data; or,
• C) Seven (7) years of paraprofessional or professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, three (3) years of which must have been in a professional level capacity using a full-featured Geographic Information System (GIS) software including creating and modifying GIS data.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan