This position performs complex technical analysis and cartography work, competently and in a manner that is independent, impartial, and objective.  Duties include the application of cartographic processes and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the assembly, analysis, storage, display and maintenance of parcel, subdivision, road, and tax district information in the geographic database.  Additional duties include the analysis of recorded conveyance documents, court orders and plats, and technical support in mass appraisal by the retrieval, manipulation and analysis of spatially referenced data.

This job opening is for an GIS Specialist I OR GIS Specialist II.
GIS Specialist I:  $60,813 - $91,220
GIS Specialist II:  $76,734 - $115,101

Qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position will be taken into consideration when determining salary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  (The  following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.  The Assessor reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of this job at any time.)

• Uses technical GIS software and databases for the creation and maintenance of geospatial parcel, roadway, subdivision boundary and tax district data.
• Maintains state parcel numbering system providing the link to the tabular parcel data for use by the entire Geographic Information System.  Maintain ancillary geographic data including tax district codes, subdivision names and filings, lot and block numbers.
• Works within the guidelines of the internal PAM application, involving the posting and reconciling of data to an SDE database to ensure the timely availability of data to other departments and internet services.
• Researches, reviews and depicts all types of recorded documents for ownership maintenance, tax authority boundary changes, and parcel boundary maintenance.
• Interacts with attorneys, title companies, county personnel in various other departments and the general public to verify accuracy of data, coordinate maintenance of the geographic database, and to respond to various inquiries regarding chain of title, tax authority boundaries, and all other questions requiring expertise in spatially referenced data.
• Provides assistance and conduct training on use of geographic database information to Appraisers, Analysts and other Assessor personnel.
• Exercises an in-depth knowledge of state statutes concerning property conveyance, legal descriptions, land subdivision and taxing authorities.  Has a strong understanding of all functions of the Assessor’s Office and ability to communicate complex, technical information accurately.  Ability to calm angry citizens and solve problem situations.  
• Assists in solving assessment problems and makes recommendations to the public, plus internal and external staff.
• Periodically trains new Assessment staff, new Appraisal staff, and cross-trains other departments on Assessor office processes and procedures.
• Assists Appraisal staff with mapping projects as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:  Under general supervision, the employee receives assignments and is expected to carry them through to completion with substantial independence.  Work is reviewed for adherence to instruction, accuracy, completeness, and conformance to standard practice or precedent.  Recurring work clearly covered by guidelines may or may not be reviewed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:   This position does not directly supervise staff but may provide training to other employees in the Assessor’s Office.

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR:  Work involves the application of technical knowledge and skills to meet system requirements and needs and comply with Colorado State Statute.  Consequence of error may result in flawed decision making by Douglas County Government, Local Government entities, and private sector entities, based on information provided by the Assessor’s Office.  Additional consequences include inaccurate ownership records, inaccurate geographic parcel data, inaccurate legal descriptions, non-compliance with State Statute, an inaccurate database, loss of time to staff, loss of tax revenue to the county and public dissatisfaction with the Assessor’s office and possible litigation.

INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT:  Apply independent judgment to tasks based on knowledge, training, and past experience.

CONTACTS:  Work involves daily contact with co-workers, supervisors, and managers, and substantial contact with state and elected officials, representatives of other agencies, the general public, businesses, and other county departments.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: 

GIS Specialist I:

• Generally an Associates Degree with emphasis on surveying, computer aided drafting/design, cartography or Geographic Information Systems or two years of experience in GIS, or any equivalent combination is required.
• The ability to meet continuing education requirements set by the Douglas County Assessor’s Office for course work that includes, Assessment Administration, Basic Appraisal and Advanced Title Conveyance.

GIS Specialist II:

• A Bachelor’s Degree with emphasis on surveying, geography, cartography or Geographic Information Systems, or four years experience in GIS, or any equivalent combination is required.
• The ability to meet continuing education requirements set by the Douglas County Assessor’s Office for course work that includes, Assessment Administration, Basic Appraisal and Advanced Title Conveyance.

EXPERIENCE:

• Thorough knowledge of metes and bounds legal descriptions, property conveyance, property title law, state statutes governing special districts and the public land survey system.
• Able to edit map layers using appropriate GIS software.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Able to interpret statutes, regulations, and laws, understand and draw legal descriptions, and adapt to changing software and regulations.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, organizations and the public.
• Able to analyze and solve practical problems by appropriately choosing from a variety of mathematical techniques; able to calculate taxes using mill levies and to convert mill levies into tax rates.
• Expresses ideas and facts to individuals or groups in a succinct and organized manner, listens to others and facilitates an open exchange of ideas. Is open to change and new information; adapts behavior and work methods in response to new information, changing conditions or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.
• Recognizes and uses correct English grammar, punctuation and spelling; produces written information that is appropriate for the intended audience.
• Makes sound, well informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action to accomplish goals; embraces change.
• Sets well-defined and realistic individual goals, displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely, accurate manner; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior. Able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
  Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
• Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self and others; is trustworthy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS: 

• Ability to successfully pass basic administrative courses required for the position.
• Holds or is a candidate for advanced GIS Certification.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The employee is required to operate a computer, scanner, printers and plotters.
• Work is generally performed in a typical office environment, however employees will occasionally cross-train with Appraisal staff in a field environment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use office equipment, sometimes for long periods of time, use typical office equipment and operate a motor vehicle.
• The employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work involves daily contact with co-workers, supervisors, and managers, and substantial contact with representatives of other agencies and jurisdictions, the general public, software vendors, businesses, and other county departments.