GIS Specialist 1/2

City of Sunnyvale•Sunnyvale, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking a dynamic, knowledgeable, and skilled GIS professional to join their service-oriented GIS team. This role will ensure GIS needs are met across City departments and for the public. The ideal candidate will effectively communicate with staff, manage project workflows, and facilitate the development of GIS services citywide. The position involves technical and analytical work in designing, creating, maintaining, and utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Responsibilities include meeting with City staff to discuss GIS needs, analyzing and maintaining data models, maps, and tabular information according to City guidelines and technology standards, implementing graphical systems, automated update mechanisms, and system interfaces. The role also involves revising, improving, updating, and maintaining existing map and data layers, participating in or managing mapping processes, upgrades, and implementation projects, providing GIS training and technical support to City staff and end-users, executing established processes and priorities, acting as a project lead for small to medium-sized projects, and closely coordinating with map-layer owners, end-users, and project teams. The position will execute the GIS components of the Information Technology Strategic Plan and perform related duties as assigned. The job series includes GIS Specialist 1 (entry-level, under general supervision, learning standards and procedures) and GIS Specialist 2 (next level, independently performing the full scope of duties). Positions are flexibly staffed and typically filled by advancement from GIS Specialist 1 when qualifications and performance expectations are met. Department needs determine the level of assignment.

Requirements

GIS Specialist 1: A GIS-Related Certificate from an accredited college, university, or trade school in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geospatial, Geographic Information Systems, GIS Technician, GeoTech Skills, Enterprise GIS, GIS & Technology, or closely related field AND one year of experience in GIS software, GIS data, and related projects or tasks; OR An Associate’s degree or completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units at an accredited college or university in Geographic Information Systems, Engineering, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Mathematics, Physical Science, Geography, Cartography, Urban Planning, Associate of Science Degree with GIS Technician Certificate, or closely related field; OR A Bachelor’s Degree or completion of 120 semester or 180 quarter units from an accredited college or university with concentration in Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Analysis with GIS, Engineering, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Mathematics, Physical Science, Geography, Cartography, Urban Planning, or closely related field; OR At least one of the following certifications: A GIS Technologist or GIS Scientist certificate from ASPRS Imaging & Geospatial Information Technology, A GISP certification from GIS Certification Institute, or an ESRI Technical certification; AND ONE year of experience in GIS software, GIS data, and related projects or tasks.
GIS Specialist 2: A GIS-Related Certificate from an accredited college, university, or trade school in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geospatial, Geographic Information Systems, GIS Technician, GeoTech Skills, Enterprise GIS, GIS & Technology, or closely related field AND TWO years of experience in GIS software, GIS data, and related projects or tasks; OR An Associate’s degree or completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units at an accredited college or university in Geographic Information Systems, Engineering, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Mathematics, Physical Science, Geography, Cartography, Urban Planning, Associate of Science Degree with GIS Technician Certificate, or closely related field AND ONE year of experience in GIS software, GIS data, and related projects or tasks; OR A Bachelor’s Degree or completion of 120 semester or 180 quarter units from an accredited college or university with concentration in Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Analysis with GIS, Engineering, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Mathematics, Physical Science, Geography, Cartography, Urban Planning, or closely related field AND ONE year of experience in GIS software, GIS data, and related projects or tasks; OR At least one of the following certifications: A GIS Technologist or GIS Scientist certificate from ASPRS Imaging & Geospatial Information Technology, A GISP certification from GIS Certification Institute, or an ESRI Technical certification; AND TWO years of experience in GIS software, GIS data, and related projects or tasks.
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of excellent customer service. Fundamentals of GIS systems, spatial data, formats, database programs, reporting, services, and administration. GIS database and data modeling best practices, policies, and procedures. User requirements gathering and mapping/spatial needs. GIS data analysis and visualization. Fundamentals of GIS programming, analysis, and cartography. Fundamentals of statistics for geography and planning. Fundamentals of GPS device use for GIS data gathering and analysis. Reporting methods, techniques, and procedures. Fundamentals of Local Government Information Model (LGIM) framework as currently defined. Industry best practices in GIS systems, ESRI and ESRI Cloud-based solutions. Database design and basic administration of database platforms like SQL Server and Oracle Object-oriented scripting languages, associated best practices for GIS solutions and analysis. Basic cybersecurity principles. Knowledge of applicable security and data privacy practices and laws. Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of training and providing technical and functional support to end-users. Principles of project management, execution, task completion and resource management. Applicable industry and safety codes and technology standards. Modern office methods, procedures, software, and equipment. Methods and techniques of troubleshooting systems, connections, and infrastructure issues.
Ability to: Provide excellent customer service. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; translate between technical and non-technical terms. Effectively organize, prioritize, and complete work assignments in an expedient and customer service orientation. Plan, design, document, install, configure, and support GIS solutions, scripting, geo-analytical reports for bother enterprise and departmental needs. Operate desktop GIS software; modern office equipment to include large format plotters; operate CAD software. Prepare a variety of plans, specifications, maps, visual materials, graphic materials, and complex technical reports; use business intelligence tools to convert data into information. Conduct routine research projects, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations; perform cost/benefit analysis for GIS solutions. Execute printer and plotter commands needed to control printer queues and provide large-scale maps and other visual documents. Run import and export procedures to load data into databases for processing and product generation/delivery. Gather, document, and implement requirements for new solutions and system changes of varying scope and complexity. Prepare clear and concise written reports and technical documentation. Respond promptly and effectively to requests for service, including cybersecurity incidents. Establish, maintain, and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, public officials, and the public. Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties. Work independently and as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines. Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner. Respond to cybersecurity issues and remediate in a timely manner as instructed. Recognize, set, and follow priorities to meet deadlines.
GIS Specialist 2: Above, plus the following: Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis, evaluation, development, and implementation of GIS systems to include database programs, policies, and procedures. Advanced level GIS desktop and web/cloud software. Intermediate practitioner in ESRI cloud-based solutions and support. Intermediate level in Geo-Database design. Knowledgeable in database administration for SQL Server and Oracle. Best practices in providing information through visual reports and storyboards.
GIS Specialist 2: Above, plus the following: Define and implement solutions for documented system function requirements, including system upgrades and participation in RFP/RFQ/IFB procurement processes. Implement new GIS solutions and GIS system changes of intermediate complexity. Generate user instructions effectively in both written and oral form. Analyze cybersecurity issues and remediate in a timely manner. Act as a task coordinator or lead of small to medium-sized projects. Assist in evaluating new geo-technologies; provide feedback to management on ways to increase efficiencies. Prepare written reports, instructions, memos, alerts, knowledgebase, or newsletter articles Follow oral instructions, work with minimal supervision to accomplish goals and complete assigned project tasks on time. Plan effectively, prioritize requests and assignments and meet deadlines. Use independent judgment to identify and resolve problems. Coordinate the use of GPS devices with users to collect and analyze data.
Possession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California driver's license and a safe driving record, or the ability to provide alternate transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.

Nice To Haves

Public sector employment or internship experience.
Experience developing or implementing GIS systems as either part of a work assignment for academic or professional requirements.
Associate's or Bachelor’s Degree in GIS
Experience using ESRI GIS Solutions

Responsibilities

Provides GIS support to City departments and programs including the planning, development, and maintenance of maps (including base maps), charts, displays, presentations, graphics, brochures, drawings, data layers, data models.
Translates technical information into non-technical information for end users, including assisting them in accessing and interpreting GIS information and using GPS devices and plotters to conduct analysis and reporting.
Compiles and enters data into GIS databases, including scanning, data conversion, scripting, and digitizing maps and drafting of land management and cartographic data.
Works with vendors for aerial photography and other layers to ensure GIS map and data layers are updated on time.
Performs research activities to identify, acquire, and integrate data from other agencies and organizations into the City’s Enterprise GIS database; maintains and updates the City’s information catalogue; digitizes and drafts land management and cartographic data.
Installs, upgrades, and supports geographic and graphical systems including, database, scripting activities and geographic analysis and reporting solutions to achieve optimum performance in accordance with the IT Service Level Agreement (SLA) and IT Strategic Plan (ITSP).
Completes GIS related service requests or project tasks in a timely manner and provides support to end users; guides and assists others in completing service requests or project tasks.
Documents, develops, codes, troubleshoots, upgrades, tests, debugs, and maintains GIS solutions, databases, ETL (extract, transformation, and load) processes, reporting systems, and interfaces.
Develops technical system documentation, training materials, and provides training to users and support staff.
Plans, designs, and recommends GIS based systems, interfaces, queries, database structures, scripts, and geographically aware reporting solutions to achieve optimum performance in accordance with the IT Service Level Agreement (SLA).
Designs GIS solutions, interfaces, extract, transform, load (ETL) processes based on business requirements.
Analyzes, validates, and documents geographic and/or mapping processes and system requirements and methodologies for the development and procurement of GIS systems.
Conducts design sessions and develops design documents.
Train users in the use of GIS and related software, workstations, printers and plotters, digitizing tablets and tables, and GIS networking systems; develops technical documentation and training materials.
Evaluates and monitors acquisition cost of geo-applications, scripting, and reporting tools to obtain the optimal results, meet budget guidelines, and ensure system compatibility.
Coordinates activities performed by IT, departmental, and vendor resources for operations and projects in accordance with project plans.
Prepares presentation materials for meetings; documents and follows up on actions and decisions from meetings.
Provides input, recommendations on new solutions and solicits technical specifications.
Sets timelines and expectations for team tasks within project plans.
Provides guidance to team members and acts as a liaison between the various departments.
Provides subject-matter expertise on complex GIS issues.
Leads and meets user requirements through understanding relationships between the system and business operations.
Coordinates vendor support, City IT staff and functional users to enable business operations.