County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, performs professional-level work related to the development and implementation of applications, systems, and databases used to create, maintain, test, display and upgrade a County-wide geographic information system (GIS) for use in County planning functions, and with applications for other departments, government agencies, private firms and the public; utilizes various databases and applications to gather, verify, analyze and prepare spatial and tabular data; designs and produces mapping applications, electronic maps, and hard-copy maps for various County departments and the general public; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Incumbents in this journey-level analyst class possess the technical proficiency to independently perform the full range of professional-level work in support of County and departmental geographic information systems (GIS) databases and GIS capabilities. This analyst class performs GIS work to produce a variety of standard and custom maps, and other processing output such as reports, graphs, and charts, and resolves complex computer operating system network problems in order to meet internal and external customer requirements. This class also performs spatial analysis, data entry, object manipulation, integration from other platforms and applications, and output production of digital maps.

The Geographic Information Systems Analyst is distinguished from other information services staff by the specific emphasis upon the development, implementation and increasing usage of a broad-based geographic information system by multiple County departments.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Uses complex drafting and drawing applications to implement and maintain a comprehensive geographic information system, which includes updating the base map layer, and additional data layers as necessary.

2. Develops and customizes GIS and related web applications and systems using a variety of programming languages, including developing infrastructure applications that enable staff to perform work easier and more efficiently.

3. Consults with users to define data needs, project requirements, project output, and/or develop applications; analyze GIS needs of County departments and implement GIS programs, databases, and related products for County departments and outside agencies; prepares and coordinates project scopes, procedure flow-charts, and schedules with customers and programmers.

4. Interacts with a variety of other agencies and contractors to obtain and share data, to ensure that data and software meet agency standards and are compatible, to exchange knowledge and technology, and to receive timely updates of new streets, business complexes, and multi-unit housing and other data from multiple sources.

5. Uses multiple software applications and platforms to assemble, organize and digitize information into the appropriate GIS database.

6. Develops documentation for all work performed, including the development of quality assurance and control tests and procedures to ensure GIS data accuracy and integrity.

7. Installs and uninstalls software upgrades, and diagnoses software and hardware problems and resolves problems where possible, or works with the vendor to make corrections as necessary.

8. Provides technical software and database support and training to GIS users.

9. Develops standard presentations and/or reports, with a variety of maps and graphics, based on internal and external needs, and provides the reports on a regular basis.

10. Prepares and coordinates GIS consultant contracts; monitors contract work to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with contract agreements.

11. Prepares a variety of correspondence, documentation and other written materials; assists in the development and update of GIS policies, procedure manuals, and standards as assigned.

12. Performs regular database data entry.

13. Researches and corrects problems with data using spatial and logical analyses; uses scripts, queries and other tools to obtain and/or correct missing or incorrect spatial and attribute data.

14. Attends and participates in professional and other group meetings and training; stays abreast of new GIS trends and innovation, evaluates alternatives, and makes recommendations to management on the benefits of new products and trends.

15. Operates GIS-specific hardware (i.e. large format plotters and scanners).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university (120 semester or 180 quarter units), with major coursework in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Geography, Environmental Studies, or a field related to the work. (An Associate's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Geography, Environmental Studies, or a field related to the work, and two years of geographic information systems experience, may substitute for the four-year education requirement).

AND
Experience:

The equivalent of three years of full-time progressively responsible experience in geographic information systems and database management, cartography, mechanical drawing, civil engineering, drafting, or related field.

License:
All candidates must possess a valid California State Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• GIS concepts and analytical techniques, including computerized mapping and digital data conversion, manipulation, and analysis.
• Statistical software packages such as SPSS, SAS, Stata, and R.
• Principles and practices of project management, workflow analysis, records management, and data collection techniques.
• Pertinent federal and state laws and regulations.
• Database administration principles, methods, and techniques, including applicable software such as ArcGIS, GeoMedia Pro, Microstation, AutoCAD, MapInfo, or MapCAD.
• Application development tools for the installation and troubleshooting of GIS-related software, including databases.
• Programming languages including Python, Visual Basic, or geo-processing scripts.
• Mathematical and statistical procedures commonly supported by system applications.
• Spatial projection techniques and standards.
• Principles and procedures of quality assurance and security related to computer information systems.
• Basic Global Positioning Systems (GPS) concepts and procedures.
• Modern office practices and procedures.
• Proper English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Recordkeeping principles and practices.

Ability to:

• Perform complex analytical tabular and spatial queries.
• Integrate various spatial and non-spatial data from multiple sources.
• Explain technical concepts to non-technical users, and instruct them in software use and procedures.
• Use computer-aided drafting and GIS software to produce digital maps, hardcopy maps, databases, and other documentation as requested.
• Perform various GIS database administrative functions, including developing standards and methodologies for use of the GIS database.
• Estimate time and cost requirements for specific assignments.
• Install, troubleshoot, and upgrade GIS software.
• Prepare clear and concise system and work documentation, and update procedures and technical reports.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Organize work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines while managing multiple and changing priorities.
• Use initiative and independent judgment to make sound decisions within established procedural guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Prepare various graphic maps, diagrams, exhibits, and displays for presentation purposes.
• Provide accurate information in short timeframes.
• Interpret aerial photographs.
• Use standard office equipment.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Newspecs: 2126
IC:cs 12/9/15
CSC Date: 1/6/16