Human Resources

GIS Analyst

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) ANALYST

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  The work involves responsibility for the development, maintenance and operation of a Geographic Information System (GIS).  The duties vary according to assignment; however, in general, the duties focus on the daily development and operation of the GIS, program implementation, system modification, and management of the GIS program working under the general supervision of theDepartment Director. The GIS Analyst is expected to exhibit independent judgment in carrying out the details of the work and does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Creates and maintains geographic data in geographic or database formats; updates geographic features using GIS software from electronic or paper sources such as service cards, lists, forms, shapefiles, maps, databases and GPS devices or files;

Designs and implements cartographic projects and spatial analyses including address matching (geocoding); responds to map and data requests from County staff, officials and the public;

Creates or customizes GIS interfaces in ArcPad Application Builder, ArcGIS Desktop, Arc Reader, ArcGIS Explorer, Google maps and similar interfaces and platforms;

Designs and documents methodologies for data collection, maintenance and documentation projects including quality control plans; implements such projects under the supervision of the Department Director;

Investigates and evaluates potential sources of data and assesses their quality, accuracy andcompleteness; designs processes to link databases and corresponding geographic features; meets with County staff to assess the usability of data sources for creating or updating GISfiles;

Assists Department Director in project design and management for large data and analysisProjects; Documents methodologies, processes and project operations; compiles electronic map and data catalogs; and creates and maintains metadata for GIS files;

Designs and coordinates work done by a GIS Intern;

Assists the Department Director in performing system-wide assessments and implementing newprograms and procedures.

May perform fieldwork to obtain and/or verify data.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Good knowledge of the theory, principles, methods, terminology and practices of GIS technology; good knowledge of ArcGIS software, and GIS interfaces such as ArcPad, ArcReader, ArcGIS Explorer or GPS devices; good knowledge of data sources and data evaluation techniques; good knowledge of cartographic conventions and ability to design presentation quality, accurate, clear, and communicative maps using GIS; good knowledge of the principles and practices of data collection and editing, including data quality control and quality assurance; good knowledge of advanced analysis tools such as surface/3D, network analysis, or routing; ability to perform close, detail work involving considerable visual effort and concentration; ability to assess and document client needs; ability to understand and interpret complex oral instructions and written directions; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS CONT’D:  ability to analyze and organize data and prepare records and reports; design methodologies for data collection and analysis project and lay out work for others; ability to effectively utilize common office software programs including word processing, spreadsheets and databases; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, including staff, public officials and the general public; ability to effectively work with and serve a diverse local community; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

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, Geospatial Analysis, Spatial Information Technology or a closely related field with similar course curriculum; or

B.   Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university  with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Planning, Engineering or a closely related field with similar course curriculum, and one (1) year of full-time paid experience, or its part-time paid  equivalent, creating and editing geographic data, computer mapping, performing GIS analysis, using a GIS or other computerized mapping system, or training others in the use of GIS or other computerized mapping system; or

C.   Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university  with an Associate’s degree in Engineering Science, Cartography, Geography or a closely related field, and three (3) years of full-time paid experience, or its part-time paid equivalent, as indicated in (b); or

D.   Completion of a certification program in Geographic Information Science at a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university and one (1) year of full-time paid experience, or its part-time paid equivalent, as indicated in (b); or

E.   An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (a) through (d) above. 

Competitive