GIS Specialist

The Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist is a full-time exempt position in the planning & development department. This role is intended to be the point person responsible for the deployment and management of the city’s GIS program. This position requires the creative application of GIS data, science, and technology to support informed decisions related to organization-wide planning and operational decisions. The GIS Specialist reports to the Planning & Development Director but will often work on assignments cooperatively with other staff within and outside the planning & development department.

Core Responsibilities

While the GIS Specialist may receive assignments outside of those responsibilities listed here, he or she will primarily be accountable to:

• Deploy and maintain the city’s GIS Infrastructure.
• Assist with planning studies, maintenance of long-range plans and updates to land use policies.
• Provide special project support related to community and economic development, public arts initiatives, transportation planning, public works, utilities, public safety, and related programs.

Typical Duties

Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.

• Maintenance and management of GIS databases and enterprise geospatial data;
• Creation, maintenance, editing, and quality control of GIS data layers;
• Administration and support of GIS applications and web-based GIS services;
• GIS data integration, conversion, and standardization;
• Development and maintenance of GIS workflows and documentation;
• GIS-related technical support and occasional training for City staff;
• Map production and cartographic services;
• Data quality assurance and quality control;
• Coordination with City departments, consultants, and other agencies regarding GIS data and systems;
• Support for GIS-related planning, development, infrastructure, and public information functions; and
• Evaluation and implementation of improvements to the City’s GIS capabilities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Essential Competencies

To sufficiently perform the job requirements for the GIS Specialist role, he or she must possess mental development, interpersonal awareness, and technical skills to:

• Design, collect, integrate, manage, distribute, maintain, update, backup, and archive GIS data and information processes to maintain an efficient, accurate, and effective municipal GIS.
• Create or revise existing maps and data products for current, proposed, and historic projects related to community and economic development, public arts initiatives, transportation planning, public works, utilities, public safety, and related programs.
• Research, review, interpret, check, and verify accuracy of property records including but not limited to property descriptions, surveys, plats, plans, and sketches.
• Develop, publish, maintain, and update the city’s GIS web-based content and interactive GIS data products.
• Assist public and private GIS users with technical questions and retrieval of GIS data and products.
• Continue to improve depth of knowledge and expertise in GIS. Keep up with changes in GIS science, technology, and best practices.
• Work with private and public partners to establish effective working relationships and promote efficient acquisition, integration and sharing of relevant GIS data among various organizations and agencies.

Supervisory Controls The GIS Specialist reports directly to the Planning and Development Director and will often work on assignments collaboratively with other senior staff within and outside the Planning & Development Department. This position does not supervise any employees but will be expected to work in cooperation with all City staff, consultants and customers representing the regulatory and public interest of the city.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of GIS Specialist, the employee primarily works indoors and must be available to attend some evening and possible weekend meetings.

• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in Geography, GIS, computer science, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of professional experience working with ArcGIS Pro, sde geodatabases, and geospatial analysis.
• GISP preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience. Licenses and Certifications
• Valid Georgia driver’s license is required.