GIS Analyst / Coordinator (REGIS - Regional Geographic Information System | REGIS)

REGIONAL GIS (REGIS) AGENCY
AN AGENCY OF GRAND VALLEY METRO COUNCIL
The REGIS Agency is the 2007 recipient of
URISA's Exemplary Systems in Government (ESIG) Award for Enterprise Systems

JOB DESCRIPTION

SENIOR GIS ANALYST/COORDINATOR
(With Project Management Responsibilities)


Supervised By: Regional GIS Director
Supervises: No supervisory responsibility


General Summary: Under the supervision of the REGIS Director, performs various technical functions associated with GIS data management, complex data analysis, cartography, user training, and research and presentation of GIS applications in multiple disciplines. Manages and delivers a multi-level user training program. Provides support for more advanced GIS applications such as 3-D, business, and network modeling. Duties also include designing and maintaining spatial data layers and associated databases, and recommending workflows to create and maintain spatial data. Senior GIS Analysts act as a major participant in the development and implementation of standards. Responsibilities involve assisting in capacity planning for data storage, processing and networking impact of GIS applications. A portion of the position will also be allocated to perform project coordination and management for consortium-wide projects.

The Ideal Candidate: will require: in-depth knowledge of GIS concepts and methods and hands-on experience in the advanced GIS analysis and modeling; excellent communication skills in imparting training and presenting projects in both one-on-one and group settings; 3 years of GIS project management experience with local governments; and good understanding of ArcIMS and Oracle RDBMS. Knowledge of systems administration is highly preferred.

The REGIS Agency: The Regional Geographic Information System (REGIS), an agency of Grand Valley Metropolitan Council, is a unique consortium consisting of 22 local governments and government agencies in West Michigan that have worked together to build a shared GIS (Geographic Information System) as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible. The REGIS agency was formed in 1997. One of the current goals of the agency is to further implement GIS technology in its member agencies’ day-to-day operations and long-term planning by developing agency specific advanced GIS solutions. The REGIS agency is the 2007 recipient of URISA's Exemplary Systems in Government (ESIG) Award in Enterprise Systems category. For more information on REGIS Agency, visit REGIS website at www.gvmc-regis.org.

The Community: Grand Rapids, in the heart of West Michigan, is the home of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council. The West Michigan region stretches from the shores of Lake Michigan eastward beyond the dynamic downtown of Grand Rapids. The thriving metropolitan area is filled with abundant entertainment and cultural opportunities. Its four seasons of natural beauty support a flourishing tourism industry with a bounty of recreational options including biking and hiking trails, golf, skiing, and numerous festivals and celebrations.

Hours Per Week: 40

Compensation: Hiring Salary $63,956 - $68,753 DOQ plus an attractive benefit package. Medical insurance premiums are fully paid by the employer as part of the benefit package.

To Apply:Candidates are encouraged to submit applications A.S.A.P. Resumes will be considered as they are received until the position is filled or by 5/21/08 at the latest. Submit letters of interest and resumes to mccrathg@gvmc.org or Gayle McCrath, GVMC / REGIS, 40 Pearl St. NW, Ste. 410, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. EOE. For more information go to http://www.gvmc-regis.org/employment.html

Essential Job Functions:
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Manages, maintains and delivers a multi-level GIS training program. Interacts with REGIS participating organizations to determine training needs and to communicate available training programs. Assist support staff in coordinating training schedules. Ensures proper facilities and equipment are available and ready for use.

2. Researches and presents proof-of-concept on potential GIS applications for consortium-wide and member-specific uses.

3. Performs advanced spatial analysis and modeling. Provides advanced level support for more advanced GIS applications such as 3-D, network, and business modeling.

4. Performs application need assessment and assists the programmer in the design and development of custom applications.

5. Assist with the quality control testing of custom applications. Ensures that applications meet specifications and achieve technical objectives.

6. Maintains all associated documentation on training and use-instructions for GIS software and custom applications.

7. Assist REGIS help desk to support all GIS software, extensions and custom applications. With the help of a GIS Technician, monitors help desk usage and interact with REGIS participating communities staff to ensure that adequate technical support is provided.

8. Interacts with vendors to determine available GIS services. Makes recommendations for contracted services to the REGIS Director.

9. Completes special projects as requested by the REGIS Director.

10. Keeps abreast of GIS and related technological developments, information sources, and current issues through continued education and professional growth. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate.

11. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with vendors, department administrators, other employees, professional colleagues, and other interests.

12. Maintains communications with supervisors and co-workers in a professional, respectful and cooperative manner. Establish cooperative relationships with the staff members

13. Performs related work as required.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in geography, computer science, or a related field

• Five years working with a Geographic Information System.

• Knowledge of coordinate geometry, geography terms, vector maps, and the general uses and capabilities of Geographical Information.

• Skill in researching, assembling, refining and analyzing data, and in building layers within the GIS.

• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology including GIS relational databases (Oracle), personal computers and related software, and ArcGIS, ArcSDE, and ArcGIS extensions.

• Knowledge of and experience with ArcIMS and Oracle database is highly preferred.

• Ability to read and understand survey drawings, design plans and maps, and translate data sources into usable information.

• Ability to design and implement GIS applications.

• Ability to research, identify, cultivate and access sources of data and information for use in the GIS.

• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with department administrators, employees, vendors, representatives of other governmental units, and professional contacts.

• Ability to critically assess situations, solve problems, and work effectively under stress, within deadlines and with changes in work priorities.


Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the 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 regularly required to communicate with others in person and on the telephone. The employee must compose and read written and computerized documents, plans and maps. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items of light weight.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a business office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.