GIS Specialist

Summary

Responsible for creating, maintaining, updating, analyzing, and providing quality control of Engineering Geographic Information System (GIS) data and related infrastructure records. Supports Engineering operations by integrating approved plans, record/as-built drawings, plats, easements, project records, CAD data, and other engineering information into the City's GIS environment.

Provides GIS mapping, data maintenance, engineering records research, spatial analysis, and technical support to Engineering staff, other City departments, consultants, contractors, and the public. Assignments and projects may be performed independently or collaboratively as part of the Engineering GIS team, project teams, or cross-departmental teams, depending on the scope and requirements of the work.

Pay Range: $56,930-$64,854 (Depending on qualifications and experience)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1)       Create, maintain, edit, and perform quality control of Engineering GIS datasets, including water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, streets, pavement, project information, easements, right-of-way, subdivision, parcel, and other infrastructure or special-purpose GIS data.

2)       Review and interpret approved engineering plans, construction drawings, record/as-built drawings, plats, surveys, easements, legal documents, CAD files, and other engineering records to accurately create and update GIS features and attributes.

3)       Maintain GIS information related to new construction and completed Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), including project boundaries, project numbers, infrastructure improvements, record drawings, and related project information.

4)       Research historical Engineering records, plans, project numbers, plats, easements, and record drawings to support Engineering Records Requests (ERR), internal requests, consultants, contractors, other City departments, and public information needs.

5)       Perform GIS data quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), identify spatial and attribute discrepancies, research source information, and make or coordinate necessary corrections to maintain data accuracy and integrity.

6)       Create maps, exhibits, reports, data extracts, and other GIS products for Engineering staff, City management, Survey, Water Utilities, Streets, Planning, CIP, consultants, contractors, and other users.

7)       Maintain and support GIS data used by Cityworks and other Engineering or asset-management workflows, including incorporating field changes, work-order information, completed construction, and infrastructure updates into GIS.

8)       Assist with the development, maintenance, and support of ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Online content, including web maps, feature services, editing applications, dashboards, Experience Builder applications, Instant Apps, and other GIS solutions.

9)       Work with CAD, MicroStation, AutoCAD, GPS/GNSS, spreadsheets, databases, and other engineering information sources to convert, integrate, georeference, and maintain information within GIS.

10)    Perform spatial and attribute queries, geoprocessing, data conversion, georeferencing, and basic GIS analysis to support Engineering projects and operational needs.

11)    Assist with GIS workflow improvements and automation using available GIS tools such as ModelBuilder, Arcade, Python/ArcPy, or similar technologies, as appropriate.

12)    Maintain GIS documentation, metadata, procedures, data standards, and established Engineering GIS workflows to ensure consistency and continuity of information.

13)    Coordinate GIS information and data updates with Engineering, Water Utilities, Streets, Planning, Survey, IT GIS, CIP staff, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders.

14)    Keep current with GIS technology, software, data-management practices, and evolving geospatial tools applicable to municipal Engineering and infrastructure management.

15)    Maintain and organize Engineering records within OnBase, including entering, indexing, classifying, filing, and linking engineering plans, record/as-built drawings, plats, easements, project documents, and related records according to established document structure, naming conventions, project numbers, and Engineering records-management procedures.

16)    Perform assigned GIS, Engineering records, mapping, data-maintenance, research, and project-related work independently or as part of a team. Collaborate with Engineering staff, other City departments, consultants, contractors, and project teams as necessary to complete assignments and meet project objectives and deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography, Geospatial Science, Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Surveying, Planning, Computer Science/Information Systems, or a closely related field.

• Two (2) years of related GIS, engineering GIS, municipal GIS, utility GIS, CAD, surveying, infrastructure data, or closely related technical experience.

• Ability to read and interpret civil engineering plans, record drawings, plats, maps, and related technical documents.

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Preferred Qualifications

Education/ Experience:     

• Bachelor's degree in Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Geospatial Science, Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Surveying, Planning, or a closely related field.
• Two (2) or more years of professional GIS experience, preferably in municipal government, Engineering, Public Works, water/wastewater utilities, stormwater, transportation, surveying, or infrastructure management.
• Experience maintaining enterprise GIS datasets and working with engineering plans, record drawings, plats, easements, CAD information, or infrastructure records.
• Experience working in a multi-department municipal GIS environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems principles, practices, and data-management concepts.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro for GIS editing, data management, map production, geoprocessing, spatial analysis, and QA/QC.
• Knowledge of ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Online, including web maps, feature services, editing applications, dashboards, and other web GIS products.
• Knowledge of enterprise geodatabases, GIS feature classes, spatial and attribute relationships, coordinate systems, projections, and georeferencing.
• Ability to create, edit, maintain, query, analyze, and validate GIS data.
• Ability to read and interpret civil engineering plans, record/as-built drawings, plats, surveys, easements, legal descriptions, and construction documents.
• General knowledge of municipal infrastructure, including water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, streets, pavement, easements, right-of-way, and related Engineering assets.
• General knowledge of surveying, construction, and engineering practices.
• Working knowledge of CAD/GIS integration and familiarity with MicroStation and/or AutoCAD.
• Familiarity with Cityworks, asset-management systems, document-management systems such as OnBase, and GPS/GNSS data is preferred.
• Familiarity with GIS automation tools such as ModelBuilder, Arcade, Python/ArcPy, or similar technologies is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365, particularly Excel, Outlook, Teams, and related applications.
• Ability to research historical records and combine information from engineering plans, GIS, databases, document-management systems, and other sources.
• Ability to identify GIS data discrepancies, research the source of the issue, and determine appropriate corrective action.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize workload, maintain accurate documentation, and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with City staff, consultants, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, including multidisciplinary and cross-departmental project teams.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Class C Texas driver's license
• GIS-related professional certifications or technical training are preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

The work environment and physical demands 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.

The position is primarily performed in a typical office environment using computers, GIS software, engineering plans, maps, and other technical records. The employee may also perform field work as needed to support GIS data verification, infrastructure location, project research, GPS/GNSS data collection, and review of existing field conditions.

Field activities may require the employee to:

•          Travel to project sites and various locations throughout the City;

•          Walk over uneven terrain, construction areas, rights-of-way, easements, streets, drainage areas, and other outdoor locations;

•          Stand or walk for extended periods during field verification activities;

•          Bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb as necessary to observe or document infrastructure;

•          Carry and operate GPS/GNSS equipment, tablets, measuring devices, plans, or other field equipment;

•          Work outdoors in varying weather conditions;

•          Work near streets, traffic, construction activities, utilities, drainage facilities, and other municipal infrastructure environments;

•          Safely enter active project or construction areas when authorized and in accordance with applicable safety requirements; and

•          Drive a City vehicle or personal vehicle, as authorized, to conduct field verification, research, or data collection.

The employee must be able to perform prolonged computer work and visually review detailed maps, engineering drawings, aerial imagery, GIS data, and technical documents.

Office and field assignments may be performed independently or as part of a team depending on the nature, complexity, and safety requirements of the project. The employee may work with Engineering staff, Survey, Water Utilities, Streets, Planning, IT GIS, CIP, consultants, contractors, or other project stakeholders to complete assigned work.