Gis Technician

City of San Benito•San Benito, TX

About The Position

The GIS Technician provides technical mapping and geographic data support to Planning and Development, Public Works, utilities, and other City departments. Under general supervision, the position maintains assigned GIS data, prepares maps, performs routine spatial analysis, and assists staff with approved GIS applications. The supervisor establishes priorities and coordinates advanced system needs with IT staff, vendors, or designated consultants. The position maintains GIS layers, maps, records, and supporting documentation; prepares maps and basic reports; and collects and verifies field data. It responds to routine mapping and data requests, provides basic user assistance, and coordinates routine data exchanges. Advanced software, database, and system issues, as well as restricted-data release decisions and conflicting information, are referred to authorized staff. The position may attend occasional evening meetings or provide emergency mapping support as assigned, and performs other related duties consistent with GIS mapping, data maintenance, and technical support.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Working knowledge of Esri ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online for editing data, preparing maps, and using existing web maps.
Knowledge of basic cartography, GIS layers, attribute tables, coordinate systems, projections, and data quality procedures.
Ability to interpret plats, record drawings, aerial imagery, and other source documents for mapping purposes.
Ability to organize files, maintain metadata, document updates, and identify conflicting or incomplete data.
Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to work with staff, consultants, developers, and the public.
Ability to follow instructions, manage assigned deadlines, protect restricted information, and refer advanced technical issues to appropriate personnel.
Valid Texas driver’s license and an acceptable driving record are required when operating City vehicles.
Selected applicants must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing, references, background checks, and credential verification, if applicable.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in GIS, Geography, Computer Science, Urban Planning, or a related field, or a GIS certificate with relevant training and experience; an equivalent combination of education, training, and directly related experience may be considered.
One year of experience using GIS software for data maintenance and map preparation; relevant internships, fieldwork, and substantial coursework projects may be considered.
Experience with municipal GIS, utility mapping, zoning, or public works data.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
Basic understanding of zoning, land use, streets, drainage, and utility infrastructure, or ability to learn these subjects.
Familiarity with GPS equipment and mobile GIS applications.
Familiarity with AutoCAD files.

Responsibilities

Create, update, and maintain assigned GIS layers, maps, and related records, including zoning, land use, City limits, streets, subdivisions, drainage, and utility assets.
Enter and update geographic and attribute data using approved plats, ordinances, record drawings, field observations, and other authorized sources.
Prepare maps, exhibits, charts, and basic reports for development review, departmental operations, public meetings, and City projects.
Perform routine spatial queries and analysis, including parcel searches, buffers, measurements, and summaries, under established procedures.
Collect and verify field data using GPS equipment and approved mobile applications; coordinate site access and follow City safety procedures.
Review assigned GIS data for completeness, consistency, and accuracy; correct routine errors and refer conflicting or uncertain information for review.
Maintain metadata, source references, update logs, and written instructions for assigned datasets and recurring mapping tasks.
Assist with maintaining existing web maps, dashboards, and mobile data collection forms using approved City GIS tools and established access permissions.
Respond to routine mapping and data requests from City staff and the public according to City procedures; refer restricted-data requests or release decisions to authorized staff.
Provide basic GIS user assistance and demonstrations to City employees; refer advanced software, database, and system issues to IT staff or consultants.
Coordinate routine data exchanges with agencies, engineers, and consultants; organize received files and identify missing information for supervisor follow-up.
Assist IT staff, vendors, and consultants with GIS data preparation and testing for approved software integrations and system updates.
Communicate workload, progress, and data concerns to the supervisor and obtain direction when departmental requests compete for available time.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance; attend occasional evening meetings or provide emergency mapping support as assigned.
Perform other related duties consistent with GIS mapping, data maintenance, and the technical support level of the position.