GIS Specialist
City of Arcata
Arcata, California
| Deadline | Jan 25, 2026 |
Are you an analytical problem-solver with a passion for GIS and public service? Apply today to be the GIS Specialist for the City of Arcata!
Please note: Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Thursday, February 5th.
GREAT BENEFITS including: the City currently pays the majority of the medical coverage premium for employees (and their dependents) and 100% of the premium for dental and vision coverage. The City also offers a $400/month health insurance opt-out option, if applicable. Additionally, vacation accrual increases with service; immediate City contribution to deferred comp, increasing with service; longevity pay, etc. See more in the "Benefits" tab.
DESCRIPTION
Under direction of higher-level staff, this position develops, updates and maintains Geographic Information System (GIS) digital base maps, databases and related applications such as asset management software; provides GIS services and support to staff and system users; performs other related duties as assigned.
- Creates, edits, updates and maintains digital mapping programs, using GIS hardware and software; creates, edits, maintains and manipulates GIS associated databases.
- Assists with the maintenance of the City’s Geographical Information Systems (GIS), databases/datasets, and related applications with focus on underground utility infrastructure including water, sewer, stormwater, and irrigation assets.
- Designs, develops and implements GIS applications; prepares procedures for appropriate integration of applications with other databases; evaluates effectiveness and recommends needed changes.
- Leads integration of City’s GIS system and Asset Management software, Cartegraph, with collaboration from Environmental Services, Engineering and Finance staff members.
- Ensures workflows between departments for timely documentation of infrastructure project as-builts in the GIS system.
- Conducts GIS spatial analyses focused on underground infrastructure including ensuring continuity between financial utility billing information with infrastructure on the ground.
- Assesses City’s utility infrastructure data deficiencies and prioritizes those data gathering needs.
- Produces a wide variety of computerized maps, graphic maps, diagrams, exhibits and displays, reports, data extracts, statistics, and other data for use by users; develops and maintains citywide base maps; creates and updates infrastructure map layers and map books; creates and assists in the maintenance of map services for posting to the City’s internet map server.
- Conducts spatial overlay analysis, map coverage queries, and produces a wide variety of reports required for City projects; researches and complies data for special projects, as directed; plots digital cartographic map products; conducts conversion operations on data in multiple digital formats.
- Performs data collection for the GIS system in the field, utilizing Global Positioning System (GPS) related hardware and processes and integrates the information into the GIS system.
- Performs routine data management and quality assurance (QA)/quality control (QC) processes to ensure GIS data accuracy, integrity and completeness, including data validation and correction, and GIS queries and edits.
- Coordinates the design and enforcement of GIS standards and operating procedures.
- Responds to inquiries and requests from City departments and the general public, regarding the City’s GIS.
- Provides technical directions to staff and users on GIS applications; provides custom user interfaces of GIS applications.
- Maintains excellent working relationships with and communications with multiple departments and divisions.
- Participates in the development and training for GIS users in the department and other City departments.
- Performs all other related duties as assigned.
To see the full job description, click here.
Typical Qualifications and RequirementsExperience & Training: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
- Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in GIS, geography, computer science, or a related field; and at least two (2) years progressively responsible experience using ArcGIS or related GIS applications, preferably in a public sector environment with focus on municipal infrastructure; and at least one (1) year of programming experience.
- Experience in a related relevant field can be substituted for the educational qualification on a year-by-year basis.
Knowledge of: Principles, techniques, methods and terminology of Geographic Information Systems programs, including application design, system analysis, database management, and related hardware and software; working knowledge of underground utility infrastructure systems such as water, sewer, stormwater, and irrigation; principles and practices of spatial analysis, map projections, coordinate systems and conversions, automated mapping systems, cartography, 3-D landscape visualization and analysis, image rectification and aerial photograph interpretation; knowledge of geographic position systems (GPS), hardware and software applications; software and databases including, ArcGis Pro, Arc GIS Online, ArcMap, ArcEditor, 3D and Spatial Analyst, ArcGIS Explorer, ArcView, ArcGIS Server and ArcIMS, and related technical concepts and terminology; peripheral hardware and software related to digital mapping and GIS, including CAD/CAM software, scanners, digitizers, printers, and plotters; a working knowledge of computer graphic programs including Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; geographic data collection and verification methods and procedures; applicable mathematical functions and analysis; principles, practices and techniques of record keeping, report preparation and technical writing; software languages including Python, Avenue and Visual Basic; techniques for dealing effectively with those contacted in the course of work, in person, on the telephone, and electronically.
Ability to: Work within a networked client/server computerized environment; collect, organize, develop, analyze and present geographic data; interpret maps, subdivision plans, natural resource data, aerial photography and engineering drawings; interpret and digitize legal descriptions using coordinate geometry; troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance on GIS workstations and peripheral equipment; test and implement GIS applications; perform research documentation, maintenance and verification of spatial and attribute data; import, export, translate, convert and transfer mapping and attribute data using the Internet and the network; write simple script and programs to meet user needs; identify goals and objectives; interpret and analyze technical information and make independent judgments, identify alternative solutions, offer recommendations, and foresee potential consequences of proposed actions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; coordinate staff training; prepare and maintain accurate and complete technical records and documentation; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public.
To see the full job description, click here.
Other Requirements:
- Must possess a valid California Driver’s License.
- A commitment to understand and support inclusion in the workplace.
- Must be willing to attend meetings after typical work hours as necessary.
- Must be willing to travel for training as required.
Physical Requirements:
Work is generally performed in both a general office and field environment. Must be able to perform the physical aspects of the job, including sitting for long periods of time; prolonged viewing of a computer screen and use of keyboard and mouse; operating standard office equipment, including a computer and GIS equipment; traversing uneven terrain; operating a motor vehicle; working outside in varying weather conditions, hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 lbs, lifting, pulling, dragging, and carrying up to 50 pounds.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All City of Arcata employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/REASONABLE ACCOMMODATON:
The City of Arcata is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability or on any other non-merit factors in its process of recruitment, selection, promotion or other conditions of employment. In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act reasonable efforts will be made during the examination process to accommodate people with special physical or mental requirements. If special accommodations are necessary, please contact the Personnel Department (707-825-2114) prior to the testing date. When indicating you have a special need, one of the following definitions will apply to you. A disabled person is anyone who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities: i.e., walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, working or learning; or (2) has a record of such impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.
- In accordance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, the City must verify, once an employment offer has been made, that all persons have written proof of their right to work in the United States.
- All potential City employees must complete a required pre-employment physical examination, receive DOJ fingerprint clearance, and have a satisfactory driving record (if required to drive for city business).
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED.
https://governmentjobs.com/jobs/5192265
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| Category | GIS Analyst , GIS Developer |