Associate Planner (GIS Analyst)

Job Description:

Associate Planner (GIS Analyst)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Recruitments posted as "Continuous" are subject to close at any time following an initial two-week posting period. Upon closing, the applications received will be screened and notices will be sent to the applicants regarding the status of their application.

Under general supervision of the Director of Community Development and Chief Planning Manager, performs professional current and long-range planning duties in addition to performing GIS analysis and data management duties.

This position is allocated to the Community Development Department but works with a variety of City Departments, regional stakeholders, and agencies. Incumbents perform work of a technical nature, utilizing skills that require a thorough understanding of technical geographic information systems procedures and processes, as well as current and long-range planning.

This is a journey-level class distinguished from the advanced journey level class by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment of matters allocated to the advanced journey level. As knowledge and work becomes broader in scope, assignments are more varied and are performed under more general direction. This class is alternately staffed with the Planning Manager/Cartographer, and incumbents may advance to the higher-level class after gaining the knowledge, skills, and expertise that meet the qualifications for and demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The examples of work performed are neither restricted to nor all-encompassing of the duties to be performed under this job title.

• Evaluates the GIS program needs of the City and determines appropriate GIS architecture to meet those needs.
• Develops and applies quality control measures on citywide and departmental GIS datasets; and ensures spatial integrity, attribute consistency, and proper integration with other business systems.
• Designs, prepares and prints maps for use in analysis and to aid in making determinations.
• Designs, implements and maintains web-based mapping applications for use by Department staff and the public.
• In conjunction with senior Community Development staff, facilitates address assignment, address correction and address verification requests; zoning verification letters; lot line adjustments and other subdivision related activities, as needed.
• Collects and records land use data and prepares base maps, zoning maps, charts, and graphs.
• In conjunction with Utility staff, collects and records utility facility and infrastructure data, preparing base maps, utility system maps, asset inventories and spatial analysis tool for decision making.
• Coordinates work plan and supports special mapping and data analysis projects and services for other City departments, including but not limited to the Department of Community Development, Department of Community Services, Department of Public Works, Electrical and Water Utilities, Information Services, City Manager’s Office, and Ukiah Valley Fire Authority, outside agencies, and the public.
• Facilitates technical discussions with engineers, planners, and utility staff to define GIS data requirements, mapping standards, and integration specifications for infrastructure projects, utility systems, and asset management.
• Supports a variety of planning related applications by preparing maps for use in analysis and to aid in making determinations.
• Provides mapping and tracking of all types of data including, but not limited to public safety call responses, crime statistics, and maintenance service calls by location.
• Provides mapping and tracking of key public works and utility related data, such as road maintenance schedules, utility services areas, stormwater management and facility locations.
• Prepares and maintains GIS datasets using specialized mapping applications and hardware; creates, edits, and manipulates vector data and their associated attribute data; completes data conversions and performs technical quality analysis.
• Conducts field inspections and collects geographic data using geographical positioning system (GPS) receivers, ensuring accuracy in facility locations, infrastructure improvements, and maintenance records.
• Enters data into base layers; ensures the integrity, quality and accuracy of information and data; conducts on-site inspections to identify and verify locations, markers and monuments.
• Researches and recommends new tools, equipment, and methodologies to improve processes, in coordination with local, regional, and state stakeholders.
• Develops and provides user training for City staff to facilitate basic GIS functions, such as those utilized for address verifications, mailing lists, and the creation of basic maps.
• Assists with the preparation of grant applications and local, state, and federal reports.
• Reviews and processes various land use permit applications.
• Prepares written reports and may recommend actions on land use applications.
• Responds to inquiries from the public on planning and GIS/mapping questions and concerns.
• Staffs assigned commissions and advisory committees.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, AutoCAD, and other GIS software.
• Spatial analysis, geoprocessing, and database management.
• Coordinate systems, projections, and cartographic design principles.
• Principles, methods, and techniques related to land use planning, public infrastructure, and utility systems.
• Principles and practices of cartographic design and production.
• Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations.
• Social, economic, and financial principles and practices associated with public planning projects.
• Computer hardware and software, particularly GIS and GPS.
• Principles of basic finance and mathematics.

Ability to:

• Read, analyze, and interpret maps, professional periodicals and journals; and digitize aerial photos.
• Organize work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Work effectively with various departments and disciplines.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Use GIS and other software and hardware, including ESRI ArcMap, ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro.
• Design and prepare maps and mapping systems.
• Compose planning reports, technical studies, and other related documents.
• Identify and analyze problem situations, establish priorities of action based on analysis, and take appropriate action to resolve problems.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with public agencies, decision makers, state and federal staff, community groups, and City staff.
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• React to change productively and to handle other tasks as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain required qualification would be:

At least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in cartography, planning, environmental science, geography, GIS, or a related field.

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.

Language Skills:

English (read, write, and the use of proper grammar).

Necessary Special Requirements:
Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications must be filled out completely. Resumes submitted in lieu of completing an application will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed by a screening committee and those applicants who appear to be among the best qualified will be selected for the examination process. This process may include a variety of techniques designed to test applicants’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job. An eligibility list will be established by ranking candidates by their overall score and a selection will be made from the candidates on this list. All employment offers are subject to a City-paid physical examination and a thorough reference and background check.

In accordance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, the City must verify, once an employment offer has been made, that all persons have written proof of their right to work in the United States.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 463-6244 so your request may be reviewed prior to the occurrence of the test.

The City of Ukiah is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce.

Continually working to promote diversity, equity, transparency, and justice through the adoption and implementation of City practices, policies, and procedures.

Salary:

$72,865.56 - $88,568.52 Annually