GIS Specialist

SUMMARY:

The GIS Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s geospatial needs by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting geographic data from a variety of sources. Under supervision of the GIS Manager, the GIS Specialist position is responsible for developing BJWSA’s enterprise GIS databases to ensure data accuracy and integrity. The GIS Specialist creates high-quality maps, charts, and spatial visualizations for reports and presentations using Esri ArcGIS desktop software and enterprise applications. The GIS Specialist performs spatial analyses and executes geoprocessing models to support BJWSA’s operations and planning. The GIS Specialist supports BJWSA’s Trimble GPS Program, which may include conducting training on data collection methods and collecting assets in the field. The GIS Specialist maintains the BJWSA record drawing database, and updates customer location and subdivision layers for distribution throughout the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include but are not limited to:

- Provide 1st-tier technical support as needed for field and office users.

- Develop and maintain GIS databases and ensure data accuracy and integrity.

- Adds water and wastewater system components and attribution to BJWSA’s enterprise asset database from digital CAD asbuilts, georeferenced asbuilt scans, and GPS files.

- Review GIS datasets for spatial and attribute accuracy and standardization by applying established specifications, researching engineering plans and easement documents.

- Create high-quality maps, charts, and spatial visualizations for published reports, presentations, and customer notification.

- Perform spatial analysis to support BJWSA’s planning, development, and operational functions.

- Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to understand project requirements.

- Provide data QA/QC on assigned data collection programs and projects.

- Provide technical support and training to colleagues as needed.

- Document methodologies, processes, and metadata for projects.

- Support BJWSA’s GPS program, including setup and configuration of software and hardware, coordinating data collection from internal departments and external contractors.

- Train others in the use of GPS devices and data collection procedures to meet accuracy specifications.

- Validate incoming record drawings, assuring they meet BJWSA standards in spatial reference and data quality.

- Maintain the BJWSA record drawing database, associated hyperlinks, and customer location datasets.

- Perform other duties as required within the scope of responsibility.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

A Bachelor’s degree in GIS, Geography or associated technical discipline, or an Associate’s degree and ESRI Technical Certification in ArcGIS Desktop.

Demonstrated experience with the Esri ArcGIS software suite, including ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, and ArcGIS Online, including editing in an enterprise database environment.

Strong knowledge of spatial data management, analysis, and visualization techniques.

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Must be able to handle multiple tasks independently, see each to completion, and convey results to management.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

Familiarity with interpreting engineering design drawings and working with AutoCAD files in the water and wastewater industry .

Understanding the concept of how Global Positioning Systems work, utilizing GPS devices, and processing GPS collections.

Experience developing ArcGIS applications using tools such as Dashboards, Web App Builder, Experience Builder, Survey123, and Survey123 Connect.

Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, SQL).

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics as it relates to constructing and maintaining a utility GIS preferably in a water or wastewater environment.

Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability to speak and/or signal to others in order to convey information. Requires the ability to receive and comprehend information and instructions from supervisor. Must be able to work diligently on one’s own, complete common tasks with little supervisory oversight, request clarification or assistance when needed. Must be a team player, eager to help others in the organization solve problems when the occasion arises.

Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of documents, reports, and other materials; must be able to type and/or prepare various documents and reports using the proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar. Requires the ability to communicate with co-workers, supervisors, customers, etc. with poise, voice control, and confidence.

Intelligence: Has the ability to apply principles of rational systems such as drafting practice to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information and to follow verbal and written instructions.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages and decimals; determine distance and area; and determine geographical coordinate systems.

Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in utilizing equipment.

Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.

Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear.)