Placer Employment Opportunities

Geographic Information System Technician - Senior

Recruitment #2018-14867-01

Introduction

Placer County is comprised of over 1,400 square miles of beautiful and diverse geography, ranging from the residential and commercial areas of South Placer, westward through the historic foothill areas of Auburn, Foresthill, and Colfax, and to the County's jewel of the North Lake Tahoe basin. Placer is a great place to live, work, play and learn. For more information about Placer County, please visit www.visitplacer.com.

POSITION INFORMATION

The Department of Public Works and Facilities is currently recruiting for one permanent full time Senior Geographic Information Systems Technician.  This position functions as a part of a team to map the County operated water and wastewater utilities and to provide Environmental Engineering and Utilities staff the GIS support necessary in the maintenance and development of these utilities.  The Department of Public Works and Facilities maintains over 300 miles of water and wastewater pipe to provide water and wastewater service for 65 square miles of unincorporated Placer County.  For more information about the Department of Public Works and Facilities, please click here.

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. To learn more click here.

DEFINITION

To assist in the overall database management of the Geographic Information System; to create and maintain maps and other geographic source data by manual and automated means for use by County departments and other public agencies, consultants and contractors and the public; to create and maintain assigned aspects of the Geographic Information System (GIS) database; to analyze GIS data and information; and to generate maps and reports as requested.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level class in the Geographic Information Technician series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, and by the nature of the public contact made.  Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series including technical and functional supervision of technical and clerical staff and performance of difficult and complex mapping, drafting and related geographic information system duties.  Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from an assigned supervisor.
 
Exercises technical and functional supervision over less experienced technical and clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Participate in the design and management of databases associated with the GIS base mapping and subsequent map layers. 
  • Perform advanced processing functions using established commands and software options, incorporating data for other systems, to create database files and produce final reports. 
  • Modify GIS basic programming as necessary to accommodate user’s needs; and verify accuracy of digitized data using source material to ensure the quality computer automated projects. 
  • Prepare, code and digitize maps and/or geographic feature data into the GIS computer data base, following pre-established procedures and sequences, to update and create data layers within the system; determine and execute the appropriate sequence of processing tasks in order to appropriately complete a GIS automation assignment. 
  • Verify the accuracy of digitized data using source material to ensure the quality of completed automated projects. 
  • Create original map manuscripts for use as source material in the Geographic Information System (GIS) automation process; support data base applications. 
  • Determine and collect relevant data for sources such as aerial photographs, U.S.G.S. maps, parcel maps and field survey notes; and draft original map manuscripts and accurately code manuscripts with attribute data. 
  • Update a variety of maps, including utility, zoning, reference, topographic, political boundary and Assessor parcel maps by making changes and drawing new boundaries to ensure that maps are current. 
  • Research or interpret legal descriptions, metes and bounds; and search recorded deeds and survey and boundary calculations. 
  • Check construction work maps and construction details; make necessary survey and boundary calculations. 
  • Prepare maps, line drawings, color graphics, charts, graphs, architectural renderings and other documents or materials for use in brochures, reports and presentations to the Board of Supervisors, various commissions or boards and other public agencies.  
  • Prepare and provide mapped data and other geographic source data, blue prints/blue lines and related information and documents to the Planning Department, or other County departments, other public agencies, consultants and the general public. 
  • Perform advanced processing functions using established commands and software options, incorporating data from other systems, to create database files and produce final reports. 
  • Maintain inventory of supplies and materials; purchase as necessary. 
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service. 
  • Create spatial overlays and compose plots in support of staff projects. 
  • Provide technical assistance to others as needed. 
  • Maintain drafting and mapping equipment and related computer software. 
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience: Two years of responsible journey level experience performing duties similar to those of a Geographic Information Technician II in Placer County.

Training: Equivalent to an Associate's degree from an accredited college with major course work in cartography, GIS or a related field.  Must have completed college-level courses and/or professional training seminars in ESRI applications.

License or Certificate
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

NOTE: Relevant, equivalent experience (performing the same or similar job requiring similar knowledge, skills, and abilities) may be substituted for the required education as determined by the Human Resources Department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • Principles and practices of Geographic Information Systems, cartography and engineering drafting including map projections and scales.
  • Map drafting procedures, terminology, drafting tools and equipment.
  • Algebra, geometry and trigonometry, especially in computation of distances, angles and areas.
  • Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
  • Computer aided drafting and mapping tools and programs, including AutoCAD software, ESRI-based GIS software (ARC/INFO ArcView, Etc.) and its applications and other relevant software, programs and databases and their uses, as well as other computer aided drafting and mapping tools and programs.
  • Policies and procedures of the assigned department.
  • Relevant statutes, ordinances, codes, rules and procedures related to mapping including zoning, special districts and election precinct mapping.
  • Methods and practices of prioritization, planning, organization, delegation and training.
  • Principles and practices of effective customer service.
  • Principles and practices of work safety.

Ability to:

  • On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job.  Intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe drafting and mapping activities and problem solve when appropriate; understand, interpret and explain Department policies and procedures; explain operations and solve problems involving office issues for the public and with staff.
  • On a continuous basis, sit at a drafting table or computer station; intermittently stand at counter for long periods of time; twist and reach office equipment; write and use keyboard to communicate through written means; use keyboard to operate design and mapping computer software; visually differentiate between colors on land use maps;  and regularly lift weight of 10 pounds or less.
  • Use computer aided drafting or mapping equipment.
  • Train, assign, review and evaluate the work of subordinate staff.
  • Plan, organize, coordinate and prioritize work for self and others.
  • Work independently and as a cooperative, contributing member of a team.
  • Obtain information through interviews and dialogue; work fairly and courteously with the public; work effectively with interruption.
  • Manage multiple priorities and perform a variety of work assignments.
  • Work with various cultural and ethnic groups, customers, co-workers and supervisors in a respectful, tactful and effective manner.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Research sources of geographic data and collect, interpret and integrate cartographic data from different sources to prepare map manuscripts and reports.
  • Identify characteristics of aerial photographs and interpret complex maps; and prepare maps that require a high degree of cartographic skill, accurately delineating feature locations and boundaries on map manuscripts.
  • Independently interpret maps; prepare maps accurately delineating feature locations and boundaries on map manuscripts; and troubleshoot and resolve problems.
  • Design and develop sequential processing of tasks and perform spatial analysis.
  • Make mathematic calculations with speed and accuracy.
  • Use engineering drafting and cartographic tools and equipment.
  • Operate digitizers, plotters, printers, microfiche reader, scanners copiers and other equipment as needed.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination, which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation, sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation and/or be bonded.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

BENEFITS

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view benefits for General bargaining unit



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