GIS ADMINISTRATOR

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This position involves responsibility for the operation, administration and maintenance of a county-wide Geographic Information System (GIS) and databases for performance of a variety of office and field assignments in connection with County operations.  The position will work with County departments and municipalities to implement programs and procedures incorporating the use of GIS technology and spatial information into their operations, and to ensure that data can be interfaced and shared in an appropriate and cooperative manner. The incumbent will coordinate the development of GIS computer applications, provide technical support to County departments, municipalities and other agencies, maintains security and control of data, and establishes GIS procedures and protocols.  Duties are performed under supervision of the Director of Planning with leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in planning and carrying out the details of the work.  Supervision is not generally a function of this position. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITES: 

Coordinates County-wide GIS programs involving the cooperation and participation of County departments and municipalities and determines policies and priorities within the programs in conjunction with the County’s GIS Focus Team;

Coordinates and schedules periodic GIS Focus Team Meetings with County Departments, Agencies and Municipalities;

Creates, operates, administers and maintains a county-wide geographic information system and database;

Identifies data sources, collects and updates data for GIS projects;

Maintains security and control of digital data and databases;

Establishes GIS procedures and protocols for system use and operations;

Sets goals for the GIS program and develops plans to reach these goals;

Creates cooperative agreements with other agencies for data acquisition and data sharing.

Coordinates and works with other agencies to achieve project goals;

Prepares maps and reports;

Operates and manages GIS software, interfaces and peripheral devices;

Conducts data acquisition with GPS equipment;

Integrates the County GIS into local projects providing assistance through map making or modeling to local municipalities;

Provides technical support to County departments in the development of GIS applications to meet operational needs;

Develops a curriculum for GIS training for staff within various County departments and conducts or oversees training in group sessions or one-on-one as-needed basis;

Researches and recommends purchases of GIS software and related hardware.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Good knowledge of the Geographic Information Systems and software including ESRI software packages and its use in conducting spatial analysis in support of governmental activities; Working knowledge of GPS; Working knowledge of the principles and practices of drafting, mapping and graphics as applied to governmental functions; Working knowledge of computer systems administration and networking; Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Ability to understand complex oral and written directions; Good interpersonal skills necessary to communicate with diverse public interests to facilitate meetings and/or negotiate difficult issues pertaining to inter-municipal arrangements or county-wide GIS concerns; Ability to train GIS users and work effectively with people at different skill levels; Good professional judgment, resourcefulness.

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 frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is required to walk, talk and hear.

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

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.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education, AND EITHER:

    A.   Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State 
          registered college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in
          Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography, Civil
          Engineering or Planning, and one (1) year of professional full
          time paid experience, or its part time equivalent in the GIS field;

OR:

    B.   Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State
          registered college or university with an Associate’s Degree in
          Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography, or Civil
          Technology, and three (3) years of professional full-time paid
          experience, or its part time equivalent in the GIS field; or

OR:

    C.   An equivalent combination of training and experience as set by
          the limits of (A) and (B) above.

Competitive

Adopted 9/10/14