Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

As of January 1, 2023, Benton PUD will be including a full wage scale or salary range for positions under the salary section shown per the Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5761 that amends portions of the Equal Pay and Opportunity Act.  Please see the target hiring range for this position under the Position Purpose/Summary section.

Where GIS meets real-world utility work.
Full-Time | Level I - Non-Exempt or Level II - Exempt | Career Growth Opportunity

Turn maps into impact! Benton PUD is seeking a GIS Specialist I or II who is excited to build technical GIS skills while working side-by-side with the people who use the data every day. In this role, you’ll help keep critical electric and fiber system data accurate, support mobile GIS tools used in the field, and collaborate with end users to improve how work gets done.

This position offers hands-on experience in a collaborative utility environment where GIS directly supports Engineering, Operations, and Customer Service. If you enjoy learning, problem-solving, and seeing your GIS work make a tangible difference in public service, this is an excellent opportunity to grow your career within a stable, community-focused organization. Benton PUD encourages professional development and offers the chance to advance your skills while serving the community.

The successful candidate will be placed appropriate to their education, experience and ability to perform the specific position accountabilities.

Range for GIS Specialist I (Non-Exempt):
$71,108 to $101,582 (Hiring Target Range is $71,108 to $84,652)
Range for GIS Specialist II (Exempt):
$86,040 to 122,915 (Hiring Target Range is $86,040 to $102,429)

The purpose of the GIS Specialist I position is to support the accuracy, integrity, and usability of the District’s Geographic Information System (GIS) by performing GIS data maintenance, edits, imports, map production, and basic analysis. This position supports electric, fiber, and operational data by ensuring GIS information is current, reliable, and available to District staff through desktop and mobile GIS tools.
The GIS Specialist I works closely with end users, applications staff, and senior GIS personnel to support day-to-day GIS operations while developing technical proficiency with GIS, mobile data collection, and reporting tools.

The purpose of the GIS Specialist II position is to independently manage, analyze, and maintain complex GIS data and workflows that support electric, fiber, and operational systems. This position ensures the integrity, usability, and availability of GIS data across desktop, mobile, and reporting platforms, while providing advanced technical support, analysis, and guidance to end users and project teams.
The GIS specialist II serves as a technical resource for GIS data integration, mobile GIS tools, reporting solutions, and process improvement initiatives.

1. Support the District’s mission by demonstrating behavior aligned with District values and ethical standards.
2. Perform GIS data edits, cleanup, and maintenance to correct errors, populate missing attributes, and ensure overall data quality.
3. Import and maintain GIS data from internal and external sources, including pole data, fiber data, and agency-provided GIS datasets.
4. Create custom maps and map products for District departments to support operations, planning, reporting, and decision-making.
5. Analyze and digitize geospatial data to produce accurate and comprehensive GIS features and related products.
6. Support mobile GIS and inspection tools by assisting with configuration changes, testing, and basic troubleshooting in compliance with change management policies.
7. Assist with user support and training related to GIS tools, mobile mapping applications, and inspection workflows.
8. Monitor GIS connectivity and application functionality to support reliable GIS editing and mobile operations.
9. Maintain GIS documentation and procedures to ensure consistency with current GIS tools and workflows.
10. Assist with reporting activities by preparing data extracts, maps, and supporting materials for reports
11. Gain working knowledge of District mobile hardware, mobile device management tools, and field applications.
12. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of team, department, and organizational goals.

Level II Additional Accountabilities

1. Perform advanced GIS data imports, integrations, and updates from internal systems and external partners, including fiber network data and agency GIS data.
2. Manage complex GIS data imports, integrations, and updates from internal systems and external partners, including fiber network data and agency GIS data.
3. Configure, maintain, and support mobile GIS, inspections, and data collection tools, ensuring alignment with operational workflows and change management standards.
4. Evaluate, test, and implement GIS tools and applications (e.g., ESRI Field Maps, Survey123, Collector) and provide recommendations to management.
5. Develop, configure, and maintain GIS-based reporting and data access layers in collaboration with the Data Team and Applications staff.
6. Create and distribute GIS-based reports, maps, and dashboards using District reporting tools such as Crystal Reports and/or Tableau.
7. Work directly with end users to identify GIS requirements, improve workflows, and provide advanced technical support and training.
8. Monitor GIS system connectivity, performance, and data integrity; proactively identify and resolve issues.
9. Develop and maintain GIS documentation, standards, and procedures aligned with evolving GIS tools and business processes.
10. Support testing activities for GIS and related applications, including patch testing and validation in appropriate environments.
11. Serve as a technical mentor and resource to GIS Specialist I staff.

Required:
GIS Specialist I

• AAS in Engineering Technology, Geographical Information Systems or related technical degree program.

Preferred:

• Prefer 0 to 2 years of utility Engineering/GIS Technician experience

GIS Specialist II

• AAS in Engineering Technology, Geographical Information Systems or related technical degree program.
• Three (3) to four (4) years of GIS Specialist level experience with the appropriate applications.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of GIS concepts, geospatial data, and database principles.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS tools such as ArcGIS Pro/Desktop, Field Maps, Survey123, or equivalent.
• Ability to perform accurate GIS data entry, editing, and validation.
• Working knowledge of GPS and mobile data collection techniques.
• Basic understanding of electric utility or fiber network concepts, or the ability to learn them.
• Ability to follow established procedures, standards, and documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Ability to communicate effectively with end users and technical staff.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Willingness and ability to learn new software tools, technologies, and workflows.

Level II Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of GIS concepts, geospatial data modeling, and spatial analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of ArcGIS tools such as ArcGIS Pro/Desktop, Field Maps, Survey123, ArcCatalog, or equivalent platforms.
• Strong understanding of electric distribution and fiber network systems and their representation in GIS.
• Ability to design, analyze, and troubleshoot complex GIS datasets and workflows.
• Working knowledge of reporting and data visualization tools (e.g., Crystal Reports, Tableau).
• Basic knowledge of relational database concepts
• Working knowledge of basic SQL for querying, filtering, and extracting spatial and attribute data using ESRI GIS tools (e.g. ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS online)
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD or equivalent drafting tools.
• Strong understanding of GPS, mobile GIS applications, and field data collection workflows.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to translate business and operational needs into effective GIS solutions.
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications.

• Demonstrated initiative to stay current with GIS technology and apply it to real-world utility use cases.

• Attendance: Consistent need to attend work at the job site or work location. Frequent or constant need for punctuality.
• Physical Effort: Frequent periods are spent standing or sitting in the same location with some opportunity to move about; occasionally there may be a requirement to stoop or lift light material or equipment (typically less than 8 lbs.).
• Environment: Located in a comfortable indoor area, with occasional requirement to visit an external job site.  Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable.
• Hazards: There is occasional exposure to hazards or risk of injury that are generally protected against or predictable.
• Sensory Attention: Typically requires regular use of one or more senses of medium intensity and long duration. Position requires color vision.
• Job Pressure/Deadline Orientation: Must meet reasonable deadlines, quotas or demands for accuracy and/or may be involved in some mildly unpleasant situations.

Applications may be filed online at:  www.bentonpud.org

Questions?

Contact Amber Melling via phone at (509) 585-2291 or email at careers@bentonpud.org