Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist(SEEDS)

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in geographic information systems, computer graphics, computer mapping, geography or computer assisted drafting, or related field and one year of GIS experience; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Applicants within six months of meeting the minimum education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status.
"If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You just may be the needed candidate for this or other roles. " 

Position pending approval of the Board.   This is a limited term 2-year position.
A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment.   If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.  

Successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.

Position Summary

This is a professional, technical position responsible for carrying out the implementation and enhancement of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, applications and processes based on specified requirements. The position collects and maintains GIS data and metadata, including both social science and natural science data, prepares maps, performs quality assurance functions, and assists with the preparation of specifications for new GIS data/applications/processes, and synthesizes data using GIS to advance equity and justice, sustainability, and economic resiliency for all in the community.

An employee assigned to this classification collects and analyzes source data and prepares related geographic information system materials requiring technical mastery of GIS techniques and principles.
Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level supervisor and reviewed through conferences, reports and observation of results obtained.  
CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Customer Commitment – Proactively seeks to understand the needs of our customers and provide the highest standards of service.
• Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity – Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional and ethical behaviors that establishes trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve.
• Organizational Excellence – Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the perspectives to achieve organizational goals.
• Success through Teamwork – Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work. 

Exudes a positive customer service focus.

Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with core values including:  integrity, honesty, respect, diversity, innovation, accountability and communication.

Synthesizes data using GIS to advance equity and justice, sustainability, and economic resiliency for all in the community.

Analyzes technical and team problems to identify the root cause and works to resolve using logic and creativity.

Gathers and compiles data needed for grant applications.  Conducts reporting and modifications to grants in a timely manner.

Proficiently uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to maintain GIS layers, perform basic GIS analysis, and plans, documents, analyzes, and develops GIS projects as assigned.

Prepares and produces maps using ArcGIS software following customer requirements.

Collects and maintains a database of County information for data and graphics presentation purposes from a variety of sources, including the Property Appraiser, Federal Census Bureau, etc.

Operates, as required, motor vehicles (including County motor vehicles) in order to obtain data for use by internal management teams.  

Creates field survey maps for use on Android or iOS devices in support of field data collection.

Assists in the preparation and maintenance of food, agriculture, economic development, equity, energy burden, street and other system maps, databases and comprehensive plans related to the SEEDS office functions.  Revises existing maps and charts and corrects maps in various stages of compilation.

Manages Spatial Data Engine (SDE) and in-house file Geodatabases.

Uses Python, Model Builder, or other coding software to automate a variety of geo-processing tasks.

Assists in preparation of maps, representing various analyses of proposed service locations, ongoing demand and response, data trends, program funding, and depicting service range in support of determining optimal future service locations, historical County growth and expected further expansion.

Provides technical graphics, mapping and addressing advice and expertise to other County staff members and the general public as required.

Interacts regularly with other Alachua County agencies and other local governments.  May interact with a variety of stakeholders, including state agencies, community organizations, and residents to identify and address disparities in areas such as health, food systems, education, housing, energy-burden, and economic opportunity.
 
Coordinates with others on GIS projects.
 Interprets surveys, legal descriptions, and right-of-way maps.

Assists with drafting updates for grant requirement compliance.

Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.
 NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of legal descriptions.

Knowledge of coordinate geometry and state plane coordinates.

Knowledge, understanding, and utilization of ESRI's tools including ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Online, geo-processing extensions, mobile applications (such as ArcCollector) and spatial analysis techniques.

Knowledge of equity and social justice issues within marginalized and vulnerable communities.

Knowledge of the methods, procedures, and techniques for conducting qualitative and quantitative research, collecting relevant data, performing meaningful data analysis, and providing applicable reports for effective communication.

Knowledge of system operations and operator support for a mainframe computer system.

Knowledge in research, data development and data-driven decision making.

Some knowledge of applicable policies, laws and regulations affecting County activities.

Skill in the use of the following work related tools and standard office equipment: personal computer including word processing, database and computer aided design software, calculator, telephone, copy machine and fax machine.

Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, including developing and testing hypotheses, identifying patterns and trends, and drawing conclusions.

Ability to work with map projects applying cartographic, topographic, and surveying techniques and principles, generating map prints in various sizes and configurations using plotters, and producing maps for both urban and rural social and natural systems.

Ability to digitize geographic maps and have knowledge of the operation of a GIS computer system.

Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

Ability to deliver presentations for a live and/or remote audience.

Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work projects.

Ability to work independently to solve problems and make sound decisions based upon available information.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to walk and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  This is a disaster essential classification and work assignments will involve a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Supplemental Information

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An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future.BoCC-Contributed Benefits

• Medical/Health Insurance  
• Employee Life Insurance  
• Florida Retirement System  
• Employee Assistance Program

Optional Benefits

• Dental Insurance  
• Vision Insurance
• Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
• Deferred Retirement Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Roth IRA
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Computer Purchase Program

NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits click here.

You may also view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding benefits. 

• FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement.  A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee.
• TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Permanent, full-time employees are eligible for educational assistance funds. Contact the Human Resources Office for program details.
• HOLIDAYS Holidays are as follows: 

1. New Years Day  
2. Martin Luther King Day  
3. Memorial Day  
4. Juneteenth
5. Independence Day  
6. Labor Day  
7. Veterans' Day  
8. Thanksgiving Day  
9. Friday following Thanksgiving  
10. Christmas Eve (IAFF*)  
11. Christmas Day  
12. Additional Christmas Holiday (All non-IAFF employees)  
13. 2 Floating Holidays  (All non- IAFF employees)

*IAFF – International Association of FirefightersPay periods are every two weeks, Monday through Sunday. Payday is Friday. International Association of Firefighters follow the General Contract 7k regarding holidays.

Vacation Leave – Generous vacation accrual rates with payout of unused accrued leave, with some restrictions. For more detailed information regarding vacation leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-2.

Sick leave is earned at a rate of 4 hours per pay period by all permanent, full-time employees*. At the end of each fiscal year, eligible employees can convert up to 10 days of accrued sick leave to vacation leave on a 2:1 basis. For more detailed information regarding sick leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-3 *Accruals slightly different for IAFF employee.

$50,398.40 Annually