Principal GIS Analyst

Job Summary

Performs the most complex and difficult GIS applications design, analysis, development, testing, and implementation to deliver new and innovative solutions for Scott County. Accountable for application security and integrity, works with considerable independence on complex GIS systems and solutions and is expected to be thoroughly knowledgeable in all phases of the software development life cycle. Initiates corrective action within standard change management and release management practices. Employees possess and continually enhance an expert level knowledge of GIS, leveraging GIS integration with other applications and systems, and provide project management with business analysis services to the county. May provide work direction and training to other technical staff. Requires the exercise of independent judgment while working with vendors and outside contractors.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provides expert technical leadership for Geographical Information System (GIS), Information Technology (IT), and the county through GIS project management and other associated project leadership services implementing technology solutions for systems software upgrades, new initiatives, GIS software development, business process improvements, and spatially enabled decision making.

• Performs highest level of GIS software development functions, including, but not limited to: GIS application analysis and design, application upgrades, database development, application integration; testing and documentation, and application security and monitoring; responsible for application data security and integrity; mobile application design, development, implementation, and deployment.

• Develops, gathers, and authors business requirements documentation in conjunction with business departments and reviews them with business users; uses information to determine and develop creative, high-level design, and spatially-enabled solutions for business problems: presents high quality solutions to senior business leadership.

• Maintains and enhances all existing business and technical applications; evaluates and recommends new technologies for fit with IT strategic plan.

• Conducts training and informational sessions on new and emerging applications, services, and technology.

• Develops and documents standards and procedures for the county GIS, user applications, and user training; provides technical assistance to staff regarding hardware and software.

• Recommends and ensures optimal system design and that application and system standards and procedures are followed in areas of testing and documentation; writes documentation (e.g., design solution, training material, system architecture, database architecture, etc.).

• Provides mentoring, coaching, and work direction to other professional staff.

• Performs GIS software maintenance, assists in other system administration tasks and maintains, and continuously monitors for software alerts, upgrades, patches, and fixes for vendor applications and web application servers. Analyzes, discusses, and decides on applying upgrade or patch, testing, and upgrading. Services provided are often outside of normal work hours (nights and weekends).

• Frequently plans, directs, coordinates, and evaluates vendor contract work for designated projects.

• Performs application and/or database maintenance and problem resolution on assigned systems/programs; occasionally required outside of normal working hours.

• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with users, IT professionals, business partners, and others with whom we collaborate through the course of work.

• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

• May participate in the IT on-call services that provides after hours services to county wide critical systems.

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires equivalency of a Bachelor's Degree and five years of complex IT experience in GIS (map creation, general computer usage, GIS analysis, and database manipulation); OR, programming/development of environments with ESRI products; OR analyst experience manipulating data, integrating data formats, and organizing data using database products. Incumbent must have a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

Technologies used will include: ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Runtime SDK for Android, iOS and Windows, REST, ArcGIS Online, MS SQL Server, Python, XML, Visual Studio, MS SharePoint, JavaScript, ASP, and C#.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under the general guidance and supervision of the Planning & Resource Management Director.  The Planning & Resource Management Director will make work assignments via verbal and/or written instructions and provide assistance as required. Work is infrequently reviewed for adequacy and compliance with policies and/or instructions.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of county key technologies, including: ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Online, MS SQL Server, MS SharePoint, web-related technologies, relational database technologies, and multiple programming languages.

Knowledge of application development and/or database design/data modeling methodologies and tools utilized by the county.

Knowledge in technology and industry solutions, including automation, data processing techniques and practices, and software development methodology.

Knowledge of relationships between internal and external agencies and governing entities.

Knowledge of Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Service Management and its service and delivery components.

Abilities – Ability to exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality when working with personal and highly confidential client files.

Ability to work under the pressure of time constraints and frequent interruptions.

Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.

Ability to understand user needs and to communicate clearly with customers.

Ability to work independently without close supervision.

Ability to work in a team environment and to work effectively with both technical and functional staff.

Ability to remain flexible without losing focus on priorities, deadlines, and customer service perspective.

Ability to work under the pressure of time constraints and frequent interruptions.

Ability to evaluate and recommend new GIS technologies to support the county business functions in the short and long term; including system architecture, application architecture, and database architecture.

Ability to initiate and implement problem resolution, escalating issues appropriately.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. Evening and weekend hours may be required based on project and services demands. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing the needs/demands of service.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.  

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.