Job Summary

Under the direction of the Director of IT, the GIS Technician, working closely with the GIS Coordinator, is responsible for supporting the GIS needs of county departments and the public. Utilizing GIS resources, technology and knowledge, the GIS Technician performs project based geospatial analytics, creates and maintains authoritative GIS datasets ensuring data integrity, maintains and supports various County web-based mapping applications, researches and reviews real property descriptions for tax parcel mapping.  The GIS Technician also provides customer service to internal and external users by providing technical GIS support/training and responding to map and data requests.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Utilize a variety of spatial and non-spatial data in a variety of formats to create and maintain GIS datasets within the County’s SQL enterprise geodatabase.
• Apply GIS principals and tools to perform geospatial analytics.
• Review and correct GIS data errors to maintain data quality. Research, review and sketch real property descriptions using coordinate geometry to ensure tax parcel accuracy.
• Maintain, update and support existing web-based GIS resources that support internal and external workflows.
• Create and publish dynamic or cached mapping services for web mapping applications.
• Apply cartographic principals in the production of electronic and printed maps.
• Respond to requests for maps and digital data requests. Provide maps and GIS data to county departments, state/local government agencies, private entities and the general public.
• Respond to, troubleshoot and resolve GIS technical issues for internal and external users. Assist with training and instruction of GIS end users on GIS resources, functions and procedures.
• Apply geocoding principals to update and maintain road centerlines, address points and routing networks.
• Assist with GIS technology assessments and solution implementation
• Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as required.
• Keeps abreast and informed to trends, developments and technology changes within the field.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum of 2 years directly related experience in GIS
• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience (Associate’s Degree in Geography,  Geographic Information Systems, Computer Science or closely related field)
• A valid Minnesota Driver’s License
• Ability to pass a background check

Essential Knowledge

• Knowledge of specialized GIS software and applications (i.e. Esri, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, geoprocessing tools, Esri extensions, Arcade, ArcPy, etc.)
• Principles of geographic information systems and spatial data
• Microsoft SQL, or similar relational database management system
• Principles and components of web-based GIS resources
• Principles, practices and techniques of cartography and map design
• Principles used in the interpretation of real property descriptions, land records and the U.S. Public Land Survey System (PLSS)
• Large format printing
• GPS and field equipment
• General office equipment and software

Essential Skills

• Learning and applying applicable software including Esri, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online and field mapping applications.
• Maintaining, inputting, correcting, and assuring the integrity of geospatial data.
• Operating and utilizing Window Operating systems and business productivity software.
• Oral and written communications.
• Implement a customer service orientation.
• Performing requirements of the job under limited supervision and direction.
• Critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with department personnel, supervisors, County employees and the public.
• Technical training and support for GIS end users.

Physical Job Requirements (Percentage of Time)

Category: Light Work

Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects in the performance of the job.

• Stand: occasionally (1-33%)
• Walk: occasionally (1-33%)
• Sit: continuously (66-100%)
• Use of hands dexterously: continuously (66-100%)
• Reach with hands & arms: occasionally (1-33%)
• Climb or balance: never
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl: occasionally (1-33%)
• Talk or hear: frequently (34-66%)
• Taste or smell: never
• Lift & carry: up to 10 pounds frequently (34-66%), up to 25 pounds occasionally (34-66%)

Working Conditions

Duties are performed in a typical county office setting where there are limited environmental hazards and/or risks associated with the performance of the job.  

This description is intended to describe the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty being performed by people assigned to this classification. The list of responsibilities is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.