Geographic Information System Analyst I

The current vacancies are located in the Assessor's Office and the Department of Public Works. The eligible list established as a result of this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in various County departments as they arise.

Performs professional duties related to planning, customizing, organizing and maintaining the geographic information system (databases and associated hardware and software); generates and analyzes spatial data and provides input/recommendations in order to support a variety of County projects; produces a wide variety of reports and maps, prepares data, analysis, maps, and mapping applications for various County departments and the general public; and performs a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

This is the entry-level class in the Geographic Information System (GIS) Analyst series.  Positions in this class are distinguished from the Geographic Information System (GIS) Analyst II by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the series.

 

The Geographic Information System (GIS) Analyst I and Geographic Information System (GIS) Analyst II classifications are distinguished from the Geographic Information System (GIS) Technician classification series in that the Geographic Information System Analyst series describes positions with professional/analytical responsibilities where the primary duties include the analysis of spatial data and the planning, design, and/or organization of GIS databases, software, and hardware.

 

This class series is distinguished from the Information Technology Analyst class series in that incumbents in the Information Technology Analyst class series perform a variety of professional, technical and analytical duties in the operation of enterprise, client/server and desktop computer systems and networks. The duties include work in the areas of user and systems requirements and analysis, applications development and maintenance, computer systems support, network design and maintenance, and data/database analysis/administration, while incumbents in this series perform specific, analytical GIS functions more than 50% of the time.

Incumbents work initially under immediate supervision from an assigned supervisor while learning job tasks, progressing to general supervision as the procedures and processes of the assigned areas of responsibilities are learned.  Incumbents may exercise technical and functional supervision over technical and/or para-professional staff.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following. Incumbents assigned to the Geographic Information System Analyst I classification initially perform the following duties in a learning and/or on-the-job training capacity.

• Conducts complex spatial/surface analysis using a variety of GIS software tools; utilizes multiple databases and GIS software to perform spatial analysis for special projects working with a team of users, from the County and other organizations, involving a major policy area or concern.
• Analyzes GIS needs of assigned department and implements GIS projects and applications, databases, and related products for County departments and outside agencies; prepares and coordinates project scopes, procedure flow-charts, and schedules with customers and programmers.
• Performs GIS database management and administration tasks; troubleshoots and resolves database problems; monitors and tunes database applications; verifies the integrity of data within the database.
• Designs and modifies database structures, tables, and files.
• Builds and maintains web-based applications for the County internal and external websites.
• Interacts with clients to determine their business requirements and writes computer programs and/or scripting in order to automate GIS processes.
• Troubleshoots hardware and software problems; provides or recommends appropriate solutions and keeps current on the latest computer hardware and software available.
• Evaluates operations and makes strategic recommendations about the GIS program direction and GIS project priorities.  Develops operating standards and procedures.
• Creates and edits geospatial data, using GPS and digitizing techniques; creates and edits maps, integrating a range of data formats, and using state-of-the-art technology.
• Attends training meetings to enhance knowledge of GIS system use; applies and documents new techniques as they are implemented.
• Provides after hours technology support as assigned.
• Provides technical and functional supervision of contractors/vendors.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

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

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
No experience is required. Some professional GIS experience is desirable.

Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in geographic information systems, planning, cartography, geography, civil engineering or a closely related field. Additional relevant technical experience that demonstrates the ability to perform analytical duties may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis. Possession of one or more approved geographic information system or other relevant certificates and/or completion of other approved technology-related training may substitute for some or all of the required education.

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.
• Depending upon assignment, demonstrated technical competency and/or certification pertaining to the information technology used by the appointing department may be required.

Knowledge of:

• Automated drafting and mapping tools and programs including ESRI-based GIS software and its applications, and related programming languages.
• Principles and practices of geographic information systems and cartography.
• Principles of algebra, geometry and trigonometry related to the computation of distances, angles, and areas.
• Relational database management systems and principles.
• Data maintenance and conversion techniques.
• Basic GIS analysis techniques.
• A variety of information technology issues.
• Principles and techniques of software and systems quality assurance and control.
• Principles and practices of technical problem solving.
• Structured analysis and database concepts.
• Principles and practices of effective customer service.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment.

Ability to:

• Perform complex analytical tabular and spatial queries.
• Learn to integrate disparate spatial and tabular databases.
• Gather and evaluate information in order to reason logically, draw valid conclusions, take appropriate actions and/or make appropriate recommendations.
• Effectively manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Learn to research, design, implement and maintain GIS databases and related hardware and software technology solutions, including new technology, in order to improve County processes or services.
• Communicate technical information to a wide variety of users.
• Learn, interpret and explain pertinent County and Department policies and procedures.
• Recognize that changes made on a local level can affect services and equipment at the system wide level and take appropriate precautions.
• Plan, organize, prioritize and process work to ensure that deadlines are met.
• Learn to generate and analyze spatial data and provide input/recommendations in order to support a variety of County projects.
• Interpret and apply technical information pertaining to computer and network systems.
• Adapt quickly to changes in policies, procedures, assignments and work locations.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered during the course of the work.
• Learn to prepare and maintain documentation for procedures, processes, and tables related to area of assignment.
• Mobility – frequent standing or sitting for extended periods; frequent walking; frequent to occasional twisting; occasional pushing/pulling, bending, kneeling, squatting, climbing and crawling.  Lifting – frequent lifting up to 20 pounds, occasional lifting up to 80 pounds.  Vision – constant use of good overall vision for reading/close up work; frequent use of color perception and eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision.  Dexterity – frequent repetitive motion from writing and using a computer keyboard; frequent grasping, holding and reaching.  Hearing/Talking - frequent hearing/talking to others on the telephone and in person.

Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and not direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Work environments may occasionally involve working around machinery with moving parts or stationery equipment.

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.

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 (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph) and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications, and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

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.

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.

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.

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 Professional bargaining unit

Tentative Recruitment Schedule:

Week of 4/8/19        Minimum Qualifications Screening

Week of 4/15/19      Training and Experience Rating

Week of 4/15/19      Establish Eligible List