Grand Valley Metro Council
JOB DESCRIPTION GIS TECHNICIAN
Supervised By: REGIS Director Supervises: No supervisory responsibility
The Position:
Under the supervision of the REGIS Director, performs various technical functions associated with geographic information systems (GIS). Assists participating organizations with utility conversion; Develops data processing procedures; obtains and reviews data; follows up with participating communities on data irregularities; and engages in quality control measures. Maintains help desk.
The Ideal Candidate:will require: in-depth knowledge of GIS concepts and methods and hands-on experience in the conversion of utility (water, sewer and storm) data; excellent communication and technical skills in providing technical support to end users through the REGIS Help Desk; and training and cartographic skills. The REGIS Agency:The Regional Geographic Information System (REGIS), an agency of Grand Valley Metropolitan Council, is a unique consortium consisting of 22 local governments and government agencies in West Michigan that have worked together to build a shared GIS (Geographic Information System) as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible. The REGIS agency was formed in 1997. One of the current goals of the agency is to further implement GIS technology in its member agencies' day-to-day operations and long-term planning by developing agency specific advanced GIS solutions. The REGIS agency is the 2007 recipient of URISA's Exemplary Systems in Government (ESIG) Award in Enterprise Systems category. For more information on REGIS Agency, visit REGIS website at www.gvmc-regis.org.
The REGIS Agency: Regional Geographic Information System (REGIS), an agency of Grand Valley Metropolitan Council, is a unique consortium consisting of 20 local governments and government agencies in West Michigan that have worked together to build a shared and centralized GIS (Geographic Information System) as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible. The REGIS agency was formed in 1997. The agency is currently developing a plan to diversify and expand REGIS membership and set strategies and directions for future growth and development of the agency. One of the current goals of the agency is to further implement GIS technology in its member agencies’ day-to-day operations and long-term planning by developing agency specific advanced GIS solutions. For more information on REGIS visit REGIS website at www.gvmc-regis.org.
The Community:
Grand Rapids, in the heart of West Michigan, is the home of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council. The West Michigan region stretches from the shores of Lake Michigan eastward beyond the dynamic downtown of Grand Rapids. The thriving metropolitan area is filled with abundant entertainment and cultural opportunities. Its four seasons of natural beauty support a flourishing tourism industry with a bounty of recreational options including biking and hiking trails, golf, skiing, and numerous festivals and celebrations.
Hours Per Week: 40
Compensation: Grade 2 ($32,562 – $42,307) – DOQ + an attractive benefits package with medical insurance premiums fully paid by employer.
To Apply:
Submit letters of interest and resumes by 7/15/08 to mccrathg@gvmc.org or Gayle McCrath, GVMC / REGIS, 40 Pearl St. NW, Ste. 410, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. EOE.
Essential Job Functions:
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.
Performs conversion of utility data using sophisticated mapping software. Gathers data from participating organizations. Reads engineering drawings, design plans, and maps. Translates submitted information into usable data and enters data into the GIS.
Conducts data quality review and works with client organizations to ensure the use of standard data formats.
Communicates regularly with REGIS participating organizations to assist in the implementation, and to further the understanding, of the data submission and quality review process. Serves as a troubleshooter for GIS related implementation and data processing procedures. Lends continued support throughout the implementation process. Travels to client sites as needed.
Reviews submitted data for quality and adherence to standards and follows up with REGIS participant organizations on data irregularities.
Using documented formal procedures and checklists, assists in testing GIS related software upgrades, applications and add-ons for acceptance and use.
Conducts demonstrations of GIS related software for participating communities and local schools as needed.
Performs quality control checks on submitted data intended for GIS use, and on data entered into the GIS. Reviews the work of coworkers involved in utility conversion using formal quality control procedures. Completes quality control checklists.
Completes special projects as requested by the REGIS Director.
Keeps abreast of GIS and related technological developments, information sources, and current issues through continued education and professional growth. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate.
Establishes and maintains effective relationships with vendors, department administrators, other employees, professional colleagues, and other interests.
Performs related work as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
Requirements include the following:
A Bachelor’s Degree in geography, computer science, or related field
One year working with a Geographic Information System.
Knowledge of coordinate geometry, geography terms, vector maps, and the general uses and capabilities of Geographical Information.
Skill in researching, assembling, refining and analyzing data, and in building layers within the GIS.
Skill in the use of office equipment and technology including GIS relational databases, personal computers and related software, and Arc/INFO, Arc/VIEW and Arc/FM.
Ability to read and understand survey drawings, design plans and maps, and translate data sources into usable information.
Ability to research, identify, cultivate and access sources of data and information for use in the GIS.
Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgement, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with department administrators, employees, vendors, representatives of other governmental units, and professional contacts.
Ability to critically assess situations, solve problems, and work effectively under stress, within deadlines and with changes in work priorities.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the 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 communicate with others in person and on the telephone. The employee must compose and read written and computerized documents, plans and maps. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items of light weight.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a business office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
July 2008
GIS Programmer Analyst
GIS Programmer Analyst in Grand Rapids, MI: Research, propose, design, develop, implement & test complex GIS applications for data analysis, Internet mapping solutions, graphic production and project reporting, etc. Perform system administration, backup and restore. Troubleshoot GIS applications in production, testing and development environment. Provide technical support and user training on GIS applications and related products. Req.; MS or equiv in Geodetic Sci, Geography or related, advanced knowledge in GIS and related fields such as GPS, Photogrammetry; proficient in GIS analysis and programming using ArcGIS9.X, ArcIMS9.X, ArcSDE9.X, C/C#, Java, VB.Net, and MS SQL, etc; proficient in 3D modeling and visualization of geospatial data; proficient in system administration for system and software used for GIS projects. Send resume to Grand Valley Metropolitan Council, 40 Pearl Street, N.W., Suite 410, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, Attn: Gayle McCrath
