Under general direction, performs a variety of complex professional duties in planning, developing, analyzing, implementing and administering the District's geographic information systems and related geographic data applications, services and programs; and performs related duties as assigned.

GIS Specialist is responsible for performing a variety of professional and technical duties in the identification and gathering of data, graphics, maps and photographs for inclusion in the District's relational database system. An incumbent is also responsible for developing, enhancing and maintaining the District's GIS applications, tools and utilities to support District and departmental planning and decision-making needs, operational productivity goals and customer service requirements. These responsibilities entail the production and maintenance of authoritative data to distribute to staff and the public as appropriate. GIS Specialist is required to have a professional sufficiency in the theory and principles of geographical information system software manipulation, usage requirements and analysis of system outputs. 

GIS Specialist is distinguished from other District technology classes in that an incumbent in the former class specializes in the administration, maintenance, update and manipulation of geographic information system applications, tools and utilities.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

1. Using GIS and related software and hardware in conjunction with relational database management systems, supports and contributes to the analysis of water research, water acquisition, ground water modeling, well management and/or environmental impact analyses requirements of the District, including high quality map making with artistic graphical illustration.
2. Analyzes, develops, implements and maintains processes for enhancing the utilization of geographic information system technologies to support engineering, research, facilities construction, water replenishment, groundwater and well management and other District functions and models.
3. Maintains GIS applications, scripts, tools and utilities to deliver GIS products and services consistent with long-term GIS plans; develops and implements automated tools to achieve the most effective utilization of GIS applications and outputs; develops and implements operating procedures for data collection, standardization and documentation; plans and controls GIS data collection activities; performs quality control of GIS layers and associated attribute data; creates and implements District­wide map and data standards; oversees operation of the District's internet mapping services; ensures the accuracy and reliability of GIS products and services in accordance with established standards; troubleshoots and resolves applications and database problems.
4. Maintains the District's GIS database; identifies, structures and processes digital and hard copy data for inclusion in the geographic information system; develops and analyzes various models produced from relational databases; reformats digital data; formats and generates various cartographic products for engineering, hydrogeologic or research projects; digitizes and georeferences paper maps to GIS images.
5. Researches and recommends new or modified applications and systems expansion to meet departmental user needs; evaluates new hardware and software required to support system enhancements; develops and presents support for new enhancement requests, including evaluation of alternatives and cost benefit analyses.
6. Administers the District’s GIS program to automate geographic data access to staff and the public as appropriate; maintains quality control tools on data; provides transparency and documentation to ensure confidence in data and data products.
7. Participates in long-term planning for the GIS program and its data through a road map or other strategic plan; collects staff feedback and reviews it with expert knowledge to determine best practices in developing program initiatives.

OTHER DUTIES

1. Provides GIS technical support and training to District departments and staff.
2. Ability to perform basic groundwater modeling tasks, from conceptual design to construction to running and calibration, to evaluating and presenting output using MODFLOW and common pre and post processors is not required but is a desired skill that would be part of the other duties.

Knowledge of:

1. Geographic information system concepts, principles, development tools and analytical techniques, including computerized mapping and attribute-data conversion, manipulation and analysis.
2. Principles, practices and methods of GIS design and administration.
3. Geographic information system database issues, including operation and quality control and assurance.
4. Analytical techniques using computer science and GIS technology.
5. Mapping peripheral equipment operations.
6. Global positioning system concepts and analytical techniques.
7. Systems analysis methods and techniques applicable to GIS applications development.
8. Enterprise GIS architecture and networking.
9. Groundwater modeling capabilities using MODFLOW is desired but not required.

Ability to:

1. Plan, organize and complete GIS projects efficiently to meet user needs in a timely manner.
2. Perform long-term planning for GIS hardware, software, and data needs.
3. Identify engineering-related geo-data and information management issues and opportunities, analyze problems and alternatives and develop sound conclusions and recommendations.
4. Use GIS software as required in carrying out GIS development and data conversion assignments.
5. Develop and implement appropriate procedures and prepare accurate GIS products and services.
6. Collect, interpret and integrate relevant data from multiple sources.
7. Develop sound, professional GIS-produced outputs to support District operations.
8. Develop and coordinate GIS work plans.
9. Use and apply relational database management systems.
10. Independently perform responsible GIS assignments with initiative and creativity.
11. Interpret maps, graphs, satellite and aerial images and geologic conditions and perform spatial analyses.
12. Prepare accurate GIS cartographic products.
13. Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
14. Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports, correspondence and other documents appropriate to technical and non-technical audiences.
15. Exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
16. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with District management, staff, the public and others encountered in the course of work.

Education, Training and Experience:

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in GIS, civil engineering, geography or a closely related field; and six years of increasingly responsible experience in the use of geographic information systems; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

A valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance policy.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Employees are frequently required to stand and walk and lift up to ten pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret complex data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new skills or information; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; work under changing and intensive deadlines with frequent interruptions; and interact with District management, staff, the public and others encountered in the course of work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The employee works under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS: 
To be considered for this opportunity, please complete the application process for this position located at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wrd. 

INCOMPLETE SUBMISSIONS MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate further in the screening process, which may include a panel interview and a written exam.

Final candidates must be able to prove their ability to work legally in the U.S., pass a background check, and a physical exam. 

The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS: To be considered for this opportunity please submit (1) a District application available at www.wrd.org, (2) cover letter highlighting your applicable experience and (3) resume to careers@wrd.org. INCOMPLETE SUBMISSIONS MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate further in the screening process, which will include a panel interview and possible written exam. Final candidates must be able to prove legal U.S. residency, pass a background check, a physical, and a drug test. The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.