The GIS Technician performs standard entry-level paraprofessional work compiling, verifying, maintaining and inputting spatial information into multiple databases; utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) software and hardware to capture and enter data. Position performs entry level Information Technology (IT) technical work supporting desktop, legacy systems, databases, and GIS functions. The GIS Technician also generates schematics,
maps, and graphic presentations in order to support company and/or client operations and applications. Position performs related duties as required.

The main responsibilities for the GIS Technician revolve around collecting, translating, and maintaining data within multiple databases. A GIS Technician may perform basic geographic analysis and map production under well established guidelines where work is under continual review. GIS Technician works closely with the GIS Analyst position and can assist in working with more complex types of data, which involves using multiple analysis techniques to generate geospatial data and products. In addition, the GIS Technician works with clients and customers to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations.  The GIS Technician learns, applies, and maintains proficiency in various hardware and software technology used by the company as well as becomes knowledgeable on the various products and services the company provides.

Guidelines, Difficulty and Decision Making Level:

Guidelines are generally numerous, well established and directly applicable to the work assignment. Work assignment and desired results are explained by general oral or written instructions. Duties assigned are generally repetitive and restricted in scope but may be of substantial intricacy. GIS Technician primarily applies standardized practices. Decisions or recommendations on non-standardized situations are limited to relating organizational policies to specific cases. Problems that are not covered by guidelines or are without precedent are reviewed  with the GIS Supervisor.

Level of Supervision Received and Quality Review:

Under normal supervision, within a standardized work situation, the GIS Technician performs duties common to the line of work with  supervision or detailed instruction. Work product is subject to continual review.

Interpersonal Communications and Purpose:

Contacts with the company clients or fellow employees where explanatory or interpretive information is exchanged gathered or presented. Some degree of discretion and judgment are required within the parameters of the job function.

Level of Supervision Exercised:

None

• Digitizes information and creates, maintains, updates, queries and views GIS data to provide easier access and retrieval of processed information on multiple databases to support valid statistical analysis and accurate map, plat, and schematic making, utilizing methodologies such as trace digitizing, coordinate geometry (COGO), and graphic input from a variety of formats and sources.

• Creates accurate grid references utilizing appropriate GIS software, coordinate geometry and graphics to correspond with the information and/or design drawing, legal surveys, maps and addresses needed to update information for infrastructure mapping.

• Creates cartographic maps, graphics, diagrams, illustrations, imagery, and reports in hard copy and digital formats for company use as well as for other clients and customers.

• Interprets and prepares data such as GPS field data, record drawings, legal descriptions, address information, and regional street network for use in analyzing data and updating various maps and databases.

• Prepares and maintains metadata for all spatial data layers and databases.

• Converts hardcopy-engineering drawings into electronic formats.

• Follows established quality assurance/quality control procedures on GIS data when, entering data, reconciling errors, verifying validity of information, and assign attribute information as appropriate.

• Assists and provides interested parties with specific processed spatial data including reports, maps and charts.

• Compares field and office mapping to resolve incongruous information issues, and may utilize Global Positioning System (GPS) or mobile GIS systems to collect or verify the accuracy of the GIS data.

• Creates and updates various map types using planimetric and thematic mapping techniques and aerial and terrain  data, and maintains map collections.

• Utilizes vector or grid overlay techniques to generate new GIS layers from existing ones.

• Performs field data collection techniques and assists with large scale GPS data capture projects, requiring business travel to provide on-site support. 

• Assists with company clients/users with GIS questions or supporting items.

• By assignment maintains geospatial data structure within the company GIS Spatial Directory.

• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.