GIS Specialist – Temp (Facilities & Environmental Services)

The Environmental Services Division is looking for a dynamic GIS Specialist to join our team for a period of approximately six months. Environmental Services implements a variety of programs to protect water resources, maintain stormwater infrastructure, promote biodiversity, and mitigate and prepare for climate change … and a lot of our work is dependent on robust data collection, analysis, and management. 

This position will be responsible for creating and improving information systems and map applications to help Environmental Services staff do their jobs more effectively. The position will also be responsible for assisting with the “wrangling” of this data: finding, inputting, organizing, analyzing. and presenting. In addition to having strong technical and analytical skills, the nature of the work will require candidates to demonstrate proficiency in project management, workload planning, communication, collaboration.

Albemarle County is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply in that spirit.

Job Summary/Objective: 

The GIS Specialist is responsible, at a high level of efficiency, for the maintenance, continuance, and further development of the Environmental Services Division’s Geographic Information System (GIS) and other data management systems using computer aided/automated (manual if required) cartographic mapping work, web based GIS, and relational database management; Provides technical support to all staff within the Facilities and Environmental Services Department. Work is performed under regular supervision. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

None. 

Essential Functions:

• Reviews assigned project requirements, and in conjunction with other staff, prioritizes project needs, constructs project goals, devises timelines, and makes decisions concerning distribution of project resources;
• Researches and resolves advanced GIS related problems and areas of concern associated with digital mapping and database files, utilizing aerial photo interpretation, cadastral and street map analysis, and field research among other research techniques; 
• Performs advanced processing (digitizing, programming/scripting, encoding, etc.) of various sources of information for inclusion in various County geographic and database files and maps; 
• Assists the public and other County staff in defining their mapping and geographic data needs and interprets maps and map features for their use;
• Performs advanced GIS analysis using mapping and other related software tools;
• Prepares complex custom maps for display from digital data using GIS mapping software and computer input/output devices (scanner, GPS, plotter, printer, web maps, etc.); 
• Analyzes, reviews, edits and verifies source data and resolves conflicting geographic data;
• Maintains and continuously updates numerous relational databases containing geographic related and other relevant data sets across multiple servers on-premise and cloud-based;
• Assists in creation of new and maintains existing web maps and web applications for internal and external use;
• Collects and organizes data for report generation frequently using a PC with spreadsheet, word processing, database and Geographic Information System software applications;
• Maintains an inventory of maps produced and distributes map products to various agencies;
• Utilizes GPS receivers and data loggers to collect field data and post process the results to the GIS;
• Conducts user training on usage of software and hardware for GIS applications;
• Performs quality assurance assignments to ensure the accuracy and quality of database information;
• Performs quality control checks on work of other staff and consultants;
• Attends and participates in training sessions to keep abreast of the latest technologies and methodologies in the GIS industry;
• Assists other team members in the performance of their essential functions as necessary;
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Competency: Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of map data structures including vector and raster data capture techniques;
• Working knowledge and skill in operating tabular and graphic display and output devices (plotters and printers) associated with Geographic Information Systems and supporting database and spreadsheet programs;
• Working knowledge of manual and computer cartography techniques and standards and traditional map production; 
• Ability to comprehend technical specifications for manual and computer aided/automated cartographic products;
• Working knowledge with the interpretation of source maps such as cadastral, surveyed plats topographic, transportation and zoning maps as well as aerial photo interpretation skills;
• Ability to perform precise and accurate work; ability to follow detailed written and oral instructions;
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain working relationships with colleagues, government officials, general public and members of the professional community. 

Required Education and Experience:

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in geography/cartography or related field with concentration in Geographic Information Systems applications and functional courses or training in computer applications (GIS/CAD, Windows, spreadsheet, and database software), as well as a minimum of 1 year working experience in a related field.
• Possession of a valid appropriate driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

Preferred Qualifications/Certifications: 

Preferably one of the following: 

1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college/university in computer science, information systems management, environmental science, or a related field 
2. Additional experience may be substituted for education
3. Certifications such as HDI, A , Network , MCP, MCSA, MCSE, ITIL, PMP, PBA, ECBA, CCBA, CBAP. 

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Work is typically performed in an office, data center or conference rooms;
• Communicate in in-person and virtual meetings;
• Regular use of telephone, chat, and computers;
• Regular handling of small computer components;
• Lifting of up to 50 pounds;
• Occasional need to perform urgent tasks to meet organizational deadlines;
• Occasional work after normal business hours;
• Occasional weekend duties;
• Occasional operation of county vehicles to travel to locations throughout the county;
• Regular contact other county employees and senior leadership at all levels of County government;
• Work is typically performed in a sitting position at a computer monitor, a light table, or on a drafting stool at a drafting table;
• Regular field work throughout the County;
• Occasional traversing unimproved, rugged terrain;
• Operation of a motor vehicle, operation of other office machines and hand tools requiring manipulative skills and hand-eye coordination. 

Remote Work: 

This position is not eligible for remote work. In-person presence is required. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

The Salary Range:

The hiring range for this position is $32.41 - $35.82 per hour. Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity.  This is a temporary, FLSA non-exempt position. Anticipated length of assignment is 6 months. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Accepting applications until Friday, June 5, 2026.

Virginia Values Veterans:

Albemarle County is a Certified V3 organization.

EOE/EEO:

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.