Geographic Information System Technician - II

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, 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.

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view General benefits

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

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.

This is the full journey level class within the Geographic Information System Technician series.  This class is distinguished from the Geographic Information System Technician I level by the assignment of the full range of duties assigned including the more difficult or complex work.  Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.  Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.

This class is distinguished from the Senior Geographic Information Technician in that the latter may exercise technical and functional supervision over technical and clerical staff and performs the more difficult and complex mapping system and data management duties.

Receives general supervision from an assigned supervisor, and may receive technical and functional supervision from a higher level staff.

May exercise technical and functional supervision over less experienced technical staff.

• Create original map manuscripts for use as source material in the GIS automation process; accurately code manuscripts with attribute data.
• Participate in the development of databases associated with the GIS base mapping and subsequent map layers.
• Verify accuracy of digitized data using source material to ensure the quality computer automated projects.
• Research or interpret legal descriptions; search recorded deeds and surveys to determine correct locations and descriptions of properties.
• Analyze and review mapping and related data prepared by consultants for inclusion in various planning reports.
• Make necessary survey and boundary calculations; check mathematical data submitted with final maps for land subdivisions.
• Create spatial overlays and compose plots in support of staff projects.
• Determine and collect relevant data from sources such as aerial photographs, U.S.G.S. maps, parcel maps and field survey notes.
• 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.
• 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, code and digitize maps and geographic feature data into the GIS database following pre-established procedures and sequences to update layers within the system.
• Determine and execute the appropriate sequence of processing tasks in order to appropriately complete a GIS automation assignment.
• Prepare and provide reports, mapped data, special query maps, and other geographic source data, blueprints/bluelines and related information and documents to County departments, other public agencies, consultants and contractors and the general public.
• Provide technical assistance to others as needed.
• Maintain drafting equipment and mapping related computer software.
• Maintain inventory of supplies and materials including maps at public counter; purchase as necessary.
• Participate in meetings and committees as requested.
• Maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Follow County policies and procedures.
• Work in a safe manner at all times.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Work environments may occasionally involve working around machinery with moving parts or stationery equipment.

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: Two years of responsible experience performing duties similar to those of a Geographic Information System Technician I 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:  Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of cartography and engineering drafting including map projections and scales.
• 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.
• Map drafting procedures, terminology, drafting tools and equipment.
• Algebra, geometry and trigonometry, especially in computation of distances, angles and areas.
• Principles and practices of good customer service.
• Principles and practices of work safety.
• Principles and practices of Geographic Information Systems.
• Computer aided drafting and mapping tools and programs, including GIS.
• 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.

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; adapt to new and complex computer software.
• On a continuous basis, sit at 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.
• Learn to research sources of geographic data and collect, interpret and integrate cartographic data from different sources to prepare map manuscripts and reports.
• Make simple engineering computations.
• Learn to identify characteristics of aerial photographs and interpret maps; prepare maps, accurately delineating feature locations and boundaries on map manuscripts; produce engineering drawings.
• Work independently and as a cooperative, contributing member of a team.
• Learn to organize and 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.
• Learn to operate a personal computer in an on-line processing environment, and utilize relevant software application programs and databases.
• Obtain information through interviews and dialogue; work fairly and courteously with the public; work effectively with interruption.
• Communicate effectively and concisely in writing and speaking.
• Learn to accurately draw to scale on assessment maps.
• Learn to use tools and equipment commonly used in drafting and office procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and fellow employees of the County.
• Mobility – frequent sitting for extended periods; frequent walking and twisting; occasional stooping and standing.  Lifting – occasional lifting and carrying up to 35 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 use of finger dexterity, frequent grasping and holding; occasional reaching.  Hearing/Talking - frequent hearing/talking to others on the telephone and in person.
• Independently research sources of geographic spatial and tabular data for GIS usage, through the Internet and other sources, and collect, interpret, convert and integrate data from different sources to prepare maps.
• Independently identify characteristics of aerial photographs and interpret maps; prepare maps accurately delineating feature locations and boundaries on map manuscripts; and produce engineering drawings.
• Competently use relevant software, programs, and computer applications; import and export data; and use macros and other data management tools.
• Assist in the design of databases associated with the GIS base mapping and subsequent map layers.
• Design and develop sequence-processing tasks and perform spatial analysis.
• Operate digitizers, plotters, printers, microfiche reader, scanners, copiers and other equipment as needed.
• Plan and organize the work for self and others.

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 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 level) 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.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline:

Week of 6/21/2021      Minimum Qualifications Screening

Week of 6/21/2021      Training and Experience Rating

Week of 6/28/2021      Eligible List Established