GIS Specialist

MINIMUM CLASS REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or GED and four (4) years progressively responsible experience as a GIS Specialist or GIS Analyst. A GISP (Certified Geographic Information Systems Professional) or Bachelor’s degree in GIS, geography or computer science or a related field from an accredited college or university may substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience. 

Candidates must be able to pass a background investigation regarding applicant's aptitude, character, judgment, credit, driving record and criminal history.

LICENSES, REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATES

Must obtain/possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Under general supervision of the Information Technology (IT) Services Manager or designee, exercises independent judgment in analyzing problems, issues and situations; develops and implements recommendations. Organizes, leads, coordinates, facilitates and/or performs the planning, design, development and implementation, organization and maintenance of City Geographic Information System (GIS) services; implements and analyzes program effectiveness; coordinates the collection and analysis of data and other information. Provides leadership, guidance and technical expertise for City of Yakima GIS. Monitors, delegates and follows-up on assignments to assigned staff. Ensures compliance with local, state and federal standards, rules, regulations and requirements. 

Maintains and analyzes complex geographic data. Provides GIS database editing, geocoding, geoprocessing, data conversion, workflow management, spatial analysis, and quality control processes in desktop and web-based environments. Publishes GIS data, maps, analysis, reports, charts, and graphs in the form of static and online content. Researches, creates, and produces spatial layers, analysis, maps, regulatory map reports, charts, and cartographic displays. Manages user access and security roles to ensure employees have appropriate access, limited to areas required to perform their assigned duties.

Trains, troubleshoots and provides user support for city applications. Updates user access rights for data and/or applications. Supports and maintains software integration between city applications. Provides timely response to user requests for assistance. Works to identify user needs and assists with implementations required for city applications systems. Coordinates and acts as a lead for multiple concurrent GIS and other IT Services projects and/or programs as assigned.

Documents activities and resource demands; researches, analyzes and makes recommendation regarding website design, upgrades and/or security. Researches, retrieves, updates and analyzes complex information and data. Formulates related reports, including current analysis, recommendations, conclusions and possible ramifications. Communicates research findings and proposes solutions as needed. 

Completes required documents to procure contract services. Researches, identifies, prepares, submits, facilitates and utilizes grants in meeting program objectives. Monitors and ensures compliance with grant and contract requirements. Works effectively with vendors regarding website development, security and other matters.

Works efficiently, professionally and cooperatively with internal and/or external customers, including but not limited to, finance, legal, human resources and community relations personnel regarding GIS services such as grant compliance, website financial transactions, internal control issues, records retention and other legal requirements. Initiates, develops and maintains positive long-term working relationships with grantors, vendors, contractors, regulatory agencies, co-workers and other members of the public.

Works to facilitate consumer understanding of municipal processes, and may discuss GIS functionality with community users. Provides training and assistance to internal and external users to ease accessibility and utilization of GIS applications. 

May participate in the selection of staff and interns; provide initial orientation and training; review and direct work; and, provide input on performance evaluations as needed.

May provide input for the development of annual budget needs for assigned areas of responsibility.

Creates updates and communicates policies, tasks, workflows and systems as assigned.

May perform duties of assigned staff or provide back-up for and assist other IT Services personnel.

Provides direct field support by traveling to other City facilities and off-site locations to meet with departments, support field operations, provide assistance, and address GIS-related needs.

Acts safely and responsibly when driving and/or operating vehicles and other motorized equipment to perform required duties. Legally adheres to all traffic laws and regulations.

Contributes to the effective administration of City government by fostering and mentoring an attitude among staff that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts, productive time management, and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.

Requires regular and reliable attendance.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) Enterprise and ArcGIS Pro software. The ability to create GIS datasets, publish them and create applications using ArcGIS Enterprise tools. Knowledge of leveraging ArcGIS Dashboards to do real time display of data for City departments. Adequate knowledge of using ArcGIS Field Maps for supporting field crews using that technology. General understanding of GPS technology for field use and location tracking. Use of python, arcade and JavaScript to further customize solutions for city departments. 

Must have a good understanding of GIS best practices, techniques, systems architecture to manage a complex project and develop tools and solutions that integrate with ArcGIS and other City enterprise applications. Must be able to manage/administer, design databases, data modeling, and web mapping services. 

Advanced knowledge of principles of project planning, coordination, and leadership; time management; project coordination; coaching, counseling and motivation; group dynamics; and, program and process evaluation. 

Knowledge of applicable federal, state and city laws and ordinances, and City of Yakima policies and procedures. Knowledge of best principles and techniques of work flow and systems analysis; record keeping systems, processes, and practices; municipal records retention procedures, and techniques. Demonstrates knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards. 

Must be able to drive legally with precision, speed and safety. Ability to consistently work safely and in compliance with the federal, state and local regulations, laws, policies and standards; to recognize traffic hazards and other potential safety concerns; and to make sound decisions and actions while performing duties and/or operating vehicles.

Strong working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets; databases; industry applications; Microsoft Office Suite including Excel; and office equipment; professional office procedures and practices. Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc.

Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex and/or technical written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to managers, staff, government officials, public and members of the public. 

Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, members of the public representing diverse education and background, and with officials at all levels of government, utilizing well-developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English including but not limited to correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation.

Ability to lead and coordinate the development, coordination and completion of plans, programs and initiatives; clearly and concisely present complex information in both written and verbal formats to people with different technical knowledge and expertise. Must possess the ability to make informative and persuasive presentations to individuals and groups, and participate in public meetings. Must routinely and regularly maintain confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication.

Ability to configure, maintain and develop applications in various environments; to perform a variety of mathematical computations with ability to read, interpret and analyze complex and technical documents, manuals specifications and reference materials, and to translate analysis into recommendations or reports. Ability to read, research, interpret, apply and explain applicable codes, rules, regulations, policies, and/or procedures. Must possess ability to identify, define and analyze, complex problems and data; establish facts; draw valid conclusions; and implement solutions. 

Ability to work independently with self-direction and minimal direction or oversight; maintain sustained attention to detail, prioritize and assign workloads, and work under timeline pressures. Must possess strong organizational skills to juggle multiple tasks within the constraints of timelines and budgets with business acumen. Excellent analytical are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.

Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, grantors, other employees, public officials, other government agencies, and members of the public; to consistently demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs; train, supervise, plan, organize, and direct the work of others; evaluate performance; provide constructive feedback to subordinates and leadership; develop and implement modern auditing and accountability methods, procedures, forms and records; facilitate and lead cohesive, positive and highly productive work teams with a customer service focus. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.

Ability to work extended hours as needed to carry out the responsibilities of the position. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily performed in an office environment while sitting or standing at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time. Constant use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/ keyboarding and other fine motor skills manipulation while driving and/or performing duties operating computers, objects, tools or controls and while reaching with hands and arms. Occasionally may lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds. Occasionally needs to move around office to access file cabinets, office machinery, to consult or assist others, or other reasons. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs and ladders while maintaining balance.  Continuous use of senses including: feeling; talking; hearing; and, seeing while performing duties and communicating with co-workers, general public, and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory to retain and utilize complex/detailed information. Requires stooping, bending, reaching, pulling, lifting, sitting and driving a motor vehicle. May work outside, in remote locations or in noisy work area. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS

May carry a cell phone, mobile computing and/or paging devices and respond to problems and issues during non-work hours. May serve in an on-call status as needed which may limit social and travel activities. Requires driving and traveling to a variety of locations. Works closely with public safety departments and will be exposed to highly confidential, sensitive and possibly disturbing information.