What are the responsibilities and job description for the GIS Specialist/GIS Principal - (Pike Lake) position at St. Louis County, MN?
Kind of Work
Specialized work providing geographical information systems products, services, analysis, and support to meet user needs.
This position is located at the Richard H. Hansen Public Works and Transportation Complex.
4787 Midway Road, Pike Lake, MN 55811.
The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range for 2026.
The full salary range, including longevity pay for a GIS Specialist, is $31.21 - $44.23 per hour.
The full salary range, including longevity pay for a GIS Principal, is $33.54 - $47.71 per hour.
This position is part of the Civil Service Basic Union Contract represented by Council 5 of AFSCME.
St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full-time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
Distinguishing Features of Work
GIS Specialist
An employee in this class applies GIS technology and programming tools to design and support geographical information systems and applications. Duties include consulting with GIS users to determine needs; developing and supporting customized applications, data, web services, and documents to meet user specifications; and participating in the assessment, implementation, and maintenance of GIS technology and techniques. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
GIS Principal
An employee in this class leads the planning, design, implementation, monitoring, and security of geographical information systems, technology, techniques and services to meet multi-user goals. Duties include applications systems and web services development; data management; administration and support of GIS software, servers, and infrastructure; and the provision of technical training sessions, guidance and support to GIS users and staff. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
Work Environment
These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. CONSTANT: Near vision; maintain posture; sit; work around others; and work inside. FREQUENT: Field of vision; visual accommodation; color vision; hear within 5 feet; bend neck; feel; use fingers; grasp; handle; reach; rotate neck; static neck; and work alone. OCCASIONAL: Lift and carry up to 10 pounds; midrange vision; depth perception; hear within 20 feet; move about; stand; talk/speak; walk; work with others; and customer/public contact.
Selection Process
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GIS Specialist (Pass/Fail)
Rating System
Supplemental Questions will be 100% of the scoring process:
Tentative Recruitment & Screening Process Schedule
The essential functions for this position are listed under the "ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK" on the specification, available in the Human Resources Department or online at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/jobdescriptions.
Veterans Preference
If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:
Physical-medical Standards
Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.
Drug Testing
Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.
Background Check
Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.
Employment Eligibility Verification
All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.
Probationary Period
Appointees to the position must successfully complete at least a six-month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.
Non-discrimination
St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.
Eligible St. Louis County employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
01
Please type or clearly print your name.
02
The information you provide related to your education, training, and experience is subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failing to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification.
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States for St. Louis County?
All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas, and it does not currently participate in E-Verify. Will you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States?
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Select your highest level of education completed.
Which of the following describes your level of direct GIS experience?
At The Discretion Of The Hiring Authority, It Is Possible That This Position Will Be Filled Using Either The GIS Specialist (2026 Starting Hourly Salary $31.21 - $38.03) Or The GIS Principal Class (2026 Starting Hourly Salary $33.54 - $41.00). Please Indicate Your Willingness To Accept Employment As Follows
SME Explanation: Questions 10-15 will be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). The questions will be scored and used to help determine 100% of your score. For each question, please list the organization(s) and/or employers where you gained the experience. All information listed must also be supported in the work experience section of your application. I have read and understand the instructions given above and acknowledge that I understand my score is derived 100% from my answers to supplemental questions 10-15.
Describe your experience working with Esri ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, Portal for ArcGIS, and ArcGIS Online products. Include in your response, the types and length of time working with each product.
11
Describe your experience in developing and maintaining GIS web and mobile applications.
12
Describe your experience working with, and managing data within an ESRI SDE environment.
13
Describe your GIS-related programming work experience, and specify which programming languages you are familiar with.
14
Describe any work experience as a project leader.
15
Describe your experience in developing, deploying, and maintaining GIS mobile / field data collection applications. In your response, indicate the type of applications and length of time working with each.
16
I certify that my responses to the questions above are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Specialized work providing geographical information systems products, services, analysis, and support to meet user needs.
This position is located at the Richard H. Hansen Public Works and Transportation Complex.
4787 Midway Road, Pike Lake, MN 55811.
The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range for 2026.
The full salary range, including longevity pay for a GIS Specialist, is $31.21 - $44.23 per hour.
The full salary range, including longevity pay for a GIS Principal, is $33.54 - $47.71 per hour.
This position is part of the Civil Service Basic Union Contract represented by Council 5 of AFSCME.
St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full-time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
Distinguishing Features of Work
GIS Specialist
An employee in this class applies GIS technology and programming tools to design and support geographical information systems and applications. Duties include consulting with GIS users to determine needs; developing and supporting customized applications, data, web services, and documents to meet user specifications; and participating in the assessment, implementation, and maintenance of GIS technology and techniques. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
GIS Principal
An employee in this class leads the planning, design, implementation, monitoring, and security of geographical information systems, technology, techniques and services to meet multi-user goals. Duties include applications systems and web services development; data management; administration and support of GIS software, servers, and infrastructure; and the provision of technical training sessions, guidance and support to GIS users and staff. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
Work Environment
These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. CONSTANT: Near vision; maintain posture; sit; work around others; and work inside. FREQUENT: Field of vision; visual accommodation; color vision; hear within 5 feet; bend neck; feel; use fingers; grasp; handle; reach; rotate neck; static neck; and work alone. OCCASIONAL: Lift and carry up to 10 pounds; midrange vision; depth perception; hear within 20 feet; move about; stand; talk/speak; walk; work with others; and customer/public contact.
Selection Process
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GIS Specialist (Pass/Fail)
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), geography, computer science, information technology, or related field of study (all degrees must include course work in GIS) AND two (2) years full-time paid verifiable direct GIS experience.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license.
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), geography, computer science, information technology, or a closely related field (all degrees must include course work in GIS) AND four (4) years full-time paid verifiable direct GIS experience.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Rating System
Supplemental Questions will be 100% of the scoring process:
- Points will be awarded based on the applicants answers to supplemental questions 10-15.
- Experience beyond ten years may be included on the application for purposes of meeting minimum qualifications or informing the hiring authority of your complete employment history.
Tentative Recruitment & Screening Process Schedule
- July 9, 2026 - Applicant screening will begin
- Week of July 27, 2026 - Supplemental question scoring to be completed
- Week of August 10, 2026 - Interviews to be conducted
The essential functions for this position are listed under the "ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK" on the specification, available in the Human Resources Department or online at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/jobdescriptions.
Veterans Preference
If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:
- Veteran: DD214 noting character of service
- Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months.
- Spouse of Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months & marriage certificate. (Eligible only if Veteran is unable to qualify because of the disability.)
- Spouse of Deceased Veteran: DD214, Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate.
Physical-medical Standards
Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.
Drug Testing
Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.
Background Check
Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.
Employment Eligibility Verification
All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.
Probationary Period
Appointees to the position must successfully complete at least a six-month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.
Non-discrimination
St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.
Eligible St. Louis County employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
- Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave
- Paid Holidays
- Medical Plan
- Dental Plan
- Vision Plan
- Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Retirement Benefits
- Deferred Compensation
- Training and Advancement Opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Resource Groups
- Employee Wellness Program
- Pet Insurance
01
Please type or clearly print your name.
02
The information you provide related to your education, training, and experience is subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failing to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification.
- Yes
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States for St. Louis County?
- Yes
- No
All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas, and it does not currently participate in E-Verify. Will you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States?
- Yes, I will now, or will in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States
- No, I will not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States
Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
Select your highest level of education completed.
- Master's degree in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), geography, computer science, information technology (degree includes course work in GIS)
- Master's degree in a related field of study (degree includes course work in GIS)
- Master's degree in any field
- Bachelor's degree in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), geography, computer science, information technology (degree includes course work in GIS)
- Bachelor's degree in a related field of study (degree includes course work in GIS)
- Bachelor's degree in any field
- Associate's degree in any field
- 0-60 credits completed (no degree)
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- None of the above
Which of the following describes your level of direct GIS experience?
- 48 months direct GIS experience
- 36-48 months direct GIS experience
- 24-36 months direct GIS experience
- 12-24 months direct GIS experience
- 0-12 months direct GIS experience
- None of the above
At The Discretion Of The Hiring Authority, It Is Possible That This Position Will Be Filled Using Either The GIS Specialist (2026 Starting Hourly Salary $31.21 - $38.03) Or The GIS Principal Class (2026 Starting Hourly Salary $33.54 - $41.00). Please Indicate Your Willingness To Accept Employment As Follows
- GIS Principal Only
- Either GIS Specialist or GIS Principal is acceptable
SME Explanation: Questions 10-15 will be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). The questions will be scored and used to help determine 100% of your score. For each question, please list the organization(s) and/or employers where you gained the experience. All information listed must also be supported in the work experience section of your application. I have read and understand the instructions given above and acknowledge that I understand my score is derived 100% from my answers to supplemental questions 10-15.
- Yes
- No
Describe your experience working with Esri ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, Portal for ArcGIS, and ArcGIS Online products. Include in your response, the types and length of time working with each product.
11
Describe your experience in developing and maintaining GIS web and mobile applications.
12
Describe your experience working with, and managing data within an ESRI SDE environment.
13
Describe your GIS-related programming work experience, and specify which programming languages you are familiar with.
14
Describe any work experience as a project leader.
15
Describe your experience in developing, deploying, and maintaining GIS mobile / field data collection applications. In your response, indicate the type of applications and length of time working with each.
16
I certify that my responses to the questions above are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
Salary : $31 - $44