Mapping Technician II

The Assessor’s Office is currently offering an exciting opportunity to become a Mapping Technician II and contribute to its mission to provide timely and accurate assessment services in a manner resulting in fair and equitable treatment for all Alameda County taxpayers.  With a proposed staffing level of 175.47 full‐time equivalent positions, this team of professionals provides mandated assessment services performed in accordance with the California Constitution, Revenue and Taxation Code, Government Code, and State Board of Equalization guidelines and directives.    

The primary mandated services of the Assessor's Office include: locate and identify the ownership of all taxable property in Alameda County; determine the taxability of all property; determine the reappraisability of property changing ownership or having new construction added; annually assess all real estate in accordance with the provisions of Article XIIIA of the State Constitution (Proposition 13); annually assess all taxable personal property at its fair market value; determine and apply all legal exemptions against these assessments; and surrender an accurate assessment roll to the Auditor's Office prior to July 1st each year. 

For more information about the Assessor's Office, please visit the department's website at:  http://www.acgov.org/assessor/ and/or Annual Budget Document found on acgov.org. 

THE POSITION

Under general supervision, Mapping Technician II's perform a variety of detailed mapping and drafting functions which includes producing maps on the geographic information system (GIS); interpret and delineate property ownership; establish and maintain detailed and inter-related mapping systems; interpret and coordinate technical research data; and perform related work as required.  This is the journey-level class in the Mapping Technician series.  Incumbents frequently work independently but within established procedures and guidelines and work is usually reviewed upon project completion.  On more difficult projects, work is reviewed in progress. 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This position is distinguished from the Mapping Technician I level which is a trainee or entry-level position that performs more routine technical mapping functions.  It is further distinguished from the Mapping Technician III level which is the most advanced level in the series responsible for performing the most complex mapping assignments, including the full range of activities on the geographic information system (GIS), which requires independent initiative and extensive specialized knowledge and skill.

IDEAL CANDIDATES

In addition to the minimum qualifications and knowledge and skills listed below, ideal candidates for this position will be especially skilled in versatile map production and editing in manual, CAD, and GIS formats; will be familiar with government agency mapping and/or survey systems along with principles and terminology used in land descriptions; will have an understanding of subdivision design, principles and codes; and the ability to demonstrate and document boundary changes.

Ideal candidates will also exemplify the following critical attributes for success:

• Be well prepared for advancement to a journey-level mapping technician position having achieved a satisfactory level of professional and technical knowledge and skill in the area of cadastral mapping; and strive to keep up with current developments and trends in the field of mapping.
• Take personal satisfaction and pride frequently working independently but within well established procedures and guidelines to perform a variety of technical cadastral mapping functions in support of the Assessor’s Office. 
• Be able to maintain effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjust effectively to working within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures; and adapt quickly and effectively to change.
• Have a keen attention to detail and the ability to accomplishes tasks by considering all pertinent information, accurately following and checking processes, and performing and monitoring work over time for quality assurance.
• Be an effective communicator who clearly conveys information and ideas and interacts with others by relating well to people from varied backgrounds and in different situations; and who exemplifies understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness.
• Be customer-focused to ensure that the customer needs are a driving force behind activities with the ability to craft and implement service practices that meet customers’ and own organization’s needs.
• Be resourceful and able to collect, synthesize, and report information from a variety of stakeholders and sources; compare data from different sources to draw conclusions; and take action that is consistent with available facts.
• Is capable of planning and organizing work activities; prioritizing and performing several tasks at once; and establishing a course of action to ensure that work is completed efficiently.

These are minimum professional requirements for the position of Mapping Technician II:

 Either I

The equivalent of one year of experience in the class of Mapping Technician I or Engineering Aide (with drafting experience) working in the Alameda County classified service.  (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II

Possession of an Associate of Science or Arts degree in Civil Drafting Technology from an accredited college or university AND the equivalent of one year of full-time increasingly responsible mapping or drafting experience.  Experience with computer-assisted drafting (CAD) or geographic information systems (GIS) is desirable.

Or III

The equivalent of three years of full-time experience in mapping or drafting technician work related to maintaining a detailed mapping system.

The most suitably qualified candidates will possess the following competencies:

Knowledge of:

• Modern office practices and procedures including the use of computer hardware, software and related equipment.
• Mathematics, including trigonometry.
• Basic sub-professional engineering drafting materials, techniques and instruments.

Ability to:

• Prepare complete and comprehensive written reports involving the analysis of rules and regulations.
• Interpret plans and documents.
• Prepare neat and accurate mapping work.
• Read and interpret legal descriptions.
• Read and understand maps and property descriptions, surveys and tract descriptions.
• Reproduce and maintain maps.
• Communicate effectively and coordinate the work ofothers.
• Utilize geographic information systems (GIS).

ABOUT THE COUNTY

Alameda County, located on the east side of San Francisco Bay, is California’s seventh-largest county.  The County employs 9,080 full-time employees and operates on an annual budget of $2.39 billion.  Oakland, the County seat, is California’s eighth largest city.  One and a half million people call Alameda County home and live in a variety of incorporated cities, unincorporated communities and rural areas.  As a major urban county, Alameda provides a full range of services to its citizens.  The County is a blend of culturally and ethnically diverse communities, and its mixture of cosmopolitan and suburban areas provides the perfect environment for families and their active lifestyles.  The County offers extensive cultural resources, countless recreational opportunities and an array of fine public and private colleges and universities.

BENEFITS FOR NON-MANAGEMENT POSITIONS

MEDICAL PLANS

The County offers HMO and PPO medical plans.  The County has two contributions structures, 1) County contributes 100% of the lowest cost HMO; or 2) County contributes 90% of the HMO plans and 90% of the lowest cost HMO towards the PPO.  The County contribution can be prorated based on the number of work hours up to 50% of the standard hours in a pay period.  If an eligible employee waives all medical coverage through the County, a monthly stipend may be provided.

DENTAL PLANS

The County offers two Dental Plans: PPO and Dental Maintenance Option (DMO). The County contributes 100% of the family coverage for both plans as long as the employee works at least 50% of the standard hours in a pay period. The PPO option plan design is 100% Preventative, 80% Basic Care, 80% Major Care with a $45 per individual deductible and annual maximum up to  $1,450 per year.  The DMO option has an orthodontic benefit for children as well as adults.

VISION BENEFIT

The County offers two Voluntary Vision Plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for eligible employees.  The two plans consist of a low option and a high option that offer annual eye exams and coverage for various frames and lenses.  The Voluntary Vision Plan is 100% employee paid and is available for employees and their dependents.  In addition, an annual eye exam is covered for participants in the HMO Medical Plans with corresponding co-pay. 

A Vision Reimbursement Plan is available for some union bargaining units who have a provision in their Memorandum of Understanding that after six months of continuous service, Vision Reimbursement for eye lenses or contacts is provided up to a set dollar amount. This vision reimbursement benefit is available to employees only.

COUNTY ALLOWANCE DOLLARS

The County provides up to $300 of flex dollars annually, dependent upon the eligible employee's represented or unrepresented classification.  These flex dollars can be used to pay for medical premiums.  The unused portion of these flex dollars are deposited into a Health Flexible Spending Account for the employee, which can be used for unreimbursed medical expenses. 

HEALTH FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

Employees may opt to salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 for eligible out of pocket medical, dental and vision expenses such as: prescription co-pays, office visit co-pays, prescription eye glasses or contact lenses.

DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

For employees who have either children under age 13 or dependents (parent, sibling or in-law incapable of self-care) that are dependent upon the employee for care can salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 annually. These pre-tax dollars can be used to pay for day care expenses provided by a licensed facility.

LIFE INSURANCE

The County pays for a Basic Life Insurance policy of $9,000 up to $20,000 for an employee based on the affiliation with their appropriate union.

COMMUTER BENEFITS

For the 2011 Plan Year, an employee can set aside up to $230 a month in pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified work-related parking and commuting to and from work transit fees.

HOLIDAYS

Most employees are provided 11 paid holidays plus four floating holidays dependent upon the union bargaining unit.

VACATION AND SICK LEAVE WITH PAY

Vacation accrual ranges from two weeks to five weeks depending upon years of service and the union bargaining unit to which the position is assigned. Sick leave accruals are based on the union bargaining unit and are defined in the corresponding Memorandum of Understanding.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

The County has an EAP available for employees, spouses/domestic partners and eligible dependents.  This program provides services such as: counseling, financial consulting, child and elder care consulting and some legal counseling.

DISABILITY or INCOME REPLACEMENT

Two voluntary plans are offered: Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability can be purchased through a payroll deduction or with accrued vacation hours depending upon the union bargaining unit.

LONG TERM CARE

This voluntary benefit extends care for yourself and/or your spouse and/or your parents who experience a serious accident, chronic illness or frailties of old age. Places where care can be provided are: in one’s home, at a nursing home, at an assisted living facility or adult day care center.

RETIREMENT

The County retirement program is a Defined Benefit plan and is governed under the provisions of the 1937 Act systems. The County’s retirement is based on one’s age upon entrance, compensation, years of service and specific percentage of employee/employer contributions with the County’s portion vesting after five years of employment.
 
DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The County offers a Deferred Compensation program where an eligible employee can voluntarily contribute on a pre-tax and/or after-tax basis, a minimum of $20 per pay period up to the total annual contribution limit.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE
Those claiming additional preference points as a VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form on the day of the oral examination. Those claiming additional preference points as a DISABLED VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form and a letter from the Department of Veteran Affairs confirming eligibility for additional points on the day of the oral examination.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The Human Resource Services Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990, and Alameda County Resolution No. R-83-773.  To request reasonable accommodation, you must notify the Human Resource Representative listed on this bulletin as soon as possible and before the last day to file, in order to make the necessary arrangements during each step of the examination process.                                                               (510) 272-3703 (TDD)

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All government employees are disaster service workers as defined by California Government Code Section 3100.  In addition to everyday duties, employees have the added responsibility of helping throughout any disaster.

DMV EMPLOYER PULL NOTICE PROGRAM
All county employees who drive on county business are required to enroll in the California Department of Motor Vehicles Employer Pull Notice Program in an effort to promote driver safety.  Employees’ driver record reports will be released to the County Safety Officer in Risk Management to ensure that employees have valid driver’s licenses and are eligible to drive on county business.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
An applicant’s previous employment may be investigated.  Results of this investigation may be cause for disqualification.  Also, all convictions will be reviewed and may result in a request for additional information or termination of employment.  A conviction record will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment.  Each case will be given individual consideration, based on job-relatedness.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION
All prospective county employees must pass a medical examination before beginning employment.  For positions which require a commercial driver’s license and the performance of functions defined as “safety sensitive,” Federal law and County policy requires that the examination include a drug screening process.  Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of this examination.

Alameda County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  Women, ethnic and racial minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other non-job-related factor.