GIS Analyst or Sr. GIS Analyst in Charlottesville, Virginia at City of Charlottesville

This position may be filled as either a GIS Analyst or Senior GIS Analyst, depending on the selected candidate's qualifications. For the purposes of this job posting, the minimum qualifications, job duties, and other position requirements listed below reflect the Senior GIS Analyst level. Applicants interested in reviewing the responsibilities and qualifications for the GIS Analyst level may view the GIS Analyst Job Description (Link). Starting pay for this position will be based on the selected candidate's education, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• GIS Analyst preferred hiring range: $61,455.89 - $74,002.72 Annually
• Senior GIS Analyst preferred hiring range: $75,286.10 - $92,206.00 Annually

A Senior GIS Analyst within the Public Works Department performs advanced technical and professional level of GIS analysis and data development tasks within the City’s Enterprise Geographic Information System (GIS). Develops and manages department GIS projects, initiatives, and programs. Utilizes GIS tools and data to improve the development of business processes within the department and to develop methods to automate data management routines. Configures and manages department GIS field and desktop operations applications and associated maps and content. Serves in a lead role on project teams and/or provides oversight of work and trains other staff. Reports to the City Engineer.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position that offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance with employer contributions, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities. This position is also eligible for the following leave and retirement benefits:

• Vacation Leave: 3.09 hours accrued bi-weekly (increases with YOS).
• Sick Leave: 4.62 hours accrued bi-weekly, approx. 120 hours per year with no limit on accumulation.
• 13 Paid Observed City Holidays
• 1 Floating Holiday which must be taken during the fiscal year (July 1 - June 30)
• Choice of retirement plan:
  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5-year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary.
  • Defined Contribution 401a Plan: Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required.
• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan

The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please refer to the “Benefits” tab within this posting or visit the City’s Employee Benefits webpage.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Manages department GIS layers and related data, ensuring compliance with standards, policies, and regulations. Creates new and edits existing geographic information system (GIS) data depicting changes to assigned department areas such as but not limited to bridges, roadways, sidewalks, traffic signals/networks, lighting, facility assets, parks and amenities.
• Performs Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) on existing department data and related records; develops and implements QA/QC processes that improve the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of GIS data.
• Analyzes department data and provides findings to key decision makers to support planning and workflow prioritization; utilizes GIS tools and data to improve department processes.
• Designs, creates, and manages web- and/or mobile-enabled apps (such as Experience Builder, Field Maps, Web AppBuilder, Survey123) to support daily activities of department staff and crew, and manages GIS data connections and integrations with other department systems to support enterprise data sharing.
• Integrates legacy paper or digital records into current digital databases to aggregate historic data into more modern and interoperable digital data management systems and GIS.
• Provides oversight and training to GIS staff and department end-users on GIS hardware, software, and workflow processes, including technical support, troubleshooting, and instruction on related tools and devices.
• Collaborates with the IT Department’s GIS staff to update department geospatial data and to ensure quality and functionality of the web-enabled GIS layers. (Portal for ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS REST Services Directory).
• Researches, gathers, and files legal documents (e.g. deeds of easement, deeds of transfer, plats, quit claims) with local courts to facilitate engineering and maintenance projects.
• Performs field work verifying ground conditions, collects, and updates GIS data, and confirms accuracy of department asset and infrastructure records, which may include use of GPS equipment, mobile GIS applications, tablets, cameras, and other data collection tools in roadways, facilities, parks, and/or other active construction sites.
• Provides and delivers geospatial data and maps of utility features to customers, area citizens, and contractors upon request.
• Exports data from external collection tools such as drones and Sanitary Sewer camera inspection truck onboard computer system, and integrates new video recordings, digital reports, and observation data catalog database and GIS.
• Collaborates with departmental subject matter experts and other city GIS staff to develop synergy between related data and design GIS-based solutions to recurring and new challenges.
• Identifies workflow and data management inefficiencies and addresses them by creating new practices and updating data management schema..
• Takes part in hardware and software discovery, discussion, evaluation, and purchase decisions.
• Generates geographic specific mailing lists for public outreach activities for department programs and activities.
• Remain knowledgeable about emerging geospatial technologies and industry developments; researches new methodologies of using geographic information systems to solve complex geospatial problems.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

Other Duties

• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.

• Bachelor’s degree in GIS, geography/cartography, planning, computer science, civil engineering or related field of study AND 4 years of experience using/analyzing GIS data (or other related database management with GIS familiarity).

• Associate’s degree in GIS, geography/cartography, planning, computer science, civil engineering or related field of study AND 6 years of experience using/analyzing GIS data (or other related database management with GIS familiarity).

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

Preferred:

• Previous project management and lead/senior/supervisory experience.

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:

• Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia Driver’s license and acceptable driving record according to city criteria.
• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.
• Must obtain and maintain all certifications required by applicable federal, state and local regulations.
• Position may be subject to federal DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:
Job Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of principles, practices, concepts, and techniques of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Advanced knowledge of applications/software used in GIS analysis, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, databases, programming languages, development tools, and others.
• Knowledge of Cartographic principles.
• Knowledge of documentation and recordkeeping best practices, as well as applicable federal, state, and local policies, programs, and regulations.
• Knowledge of assigned department area, construction, and local government operations.

Reading

• Intermediate: ability to read and understand multi-step instruction manuals, reference materials, and construction related documents. Reviews documents for professional, technical and content errors, and may be called on to review and revise more complex documents. Analyzing and extracting information from site plans, record drawings and engineering documents.

Writing

• Intermediate: ability to organize data and write clear and concise reports, business letters, explanations, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech. Proofs own work to ensure accuracy and presentation of final product. Presents written information in a clear and understandable format.

Math

• Advanced: ability to apply fundamental concepts of theories, work with advanced mathematical operations methods and functions of real and complex variables. Data analysis and entry, mapping, digitization, geoprocessing, and interpretation of complex data.

Communication Skills

• Intermediate: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Provides and receives complex information. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas.

Independence and Decision-Making

• Requires Limited Direction: normally completes work according to their own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance occasionally. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviewed periodically.

Technical Skills

• Skilled: comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Skills in using Microsoft Office applications, GIS mapping, GPS, AutoCAD, and Esri software suite navigation/utilization including ArcPro, ArcCatalog, Enterprise apps (Survey123, Field Maps, Workforce, Dashboards, etc.) Utilizes Esri, Trimble, Asset Management, and additional open-source software systems and tools.

Fiscal Responsibilities

• No budgetary/fiscal responsibilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Lead Worker - Performs essentially the same work as those directed. Includes oversight of quality, training, instructing, and scheduling work.

Other Characteristics

• Works closely with others as part of a team.
• May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.
• Tedious or exacting work.
• Performs multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, sometimes under strict time constraints.
• Works effectively with sensitive and confidential issues and information.
• May require additional hours outside of normal schedule.

Physical Demands:

• Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/ or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Must be able to navigate an environment of uneven terrain when on construction sites.
• Must be able to perform physical activities including sitting; standing or walking; lifting; carrying; pushing/pulling; reaching; kneeling; bending; hearing and talking.
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:

• Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in an office environment where there may be exposure to computer screen for extended periods of time, monitor glare and dust.
• During project site visits, may involve exposure to adverse weather conditions, extreme temperatures, uneven terrain, moving mechanical parts, traffic movement, and roadway safety hazards, and fumes/airborne particles.
• Expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task (hard hat, safety vest, steel-toe shoes, etc.); and any other equipment as apparent or assigned.
• Noise level will vary from moderate to loud depending on work site.