GIS Technician

Position Summary:

The GIS Technician in DES' Maps and Data Services Program will perform technical work in support of GIS functions for the Department of Environmental Services. Under direction, the technician will perform entry and intermediate level tasks associated with maintaining and updating layers of GIS for engineering and operations to include water, wastewater, watershed management, transportation and parks infrastructure.

This position may directly support field operations including data collection and processing with mobile mapping systems using GPS and/or ArcPad. The GIS Technician is also responsible for preparing maps displaying layers and attribute data from spatial databases, documenting data, performing QA/QC, and basic spatial analyses.

This is an AmeriCorps position with the newly created Professional Placement program (P2) and offered through the Northwest Service Academy's Lower Columbia Center. P2 has been designed to provide opportunities for highly qualified men and women to serve on compelling, environmentally focused projects. A win-win situation is achieved by placing highly qualified professionals in an environment that allows them to transition into this promising field while contributing to the developmental needs of a small non-profit or a transitional program with a larger organization. See www.p2professional.org or www.p2professional.org 

Responsibilities:

GIS Mapping, Data Development, and Analysis

* Facilitate a team of GIS professionals in serving the needs of the Department and the public interest 
* Update existing GIS data layers based on engineering drawings, field edits, plat maps, or other auxiliary data sources 
* Provide custom hardcopy and digital maps upon request for a variety of projects including field initiatives, land use analysis, and infrastructure development.
* Maintain detailed documentation for projects and datasets 
* Assist in the identification of processes that may be automated by scripting or modeling, and, where possible, build automated routines 
* Perform quality control and review on maps and data produced by other GIS staff and external agencies
* Assist with geodatabase design and development 
* Assist in the interpretation and use of newly acquired LiDAR data for DES projects
* Perform analysis as needed, including overlay operations, querying, and length/area calculations 

Field Operations 

* Work with DES Operations staff to assist in the collection of field data using GPS units and mobile mapping devices
* Assist in the maintenance of field-collected data and its integration with existing geodatabases 
* Provide assistance with the integration of proprietary database systems with GIS data 
* Provide hardcopy and digital maps as well as infrastructure inventories as needed by Operations staff 

Qualifications:

* Two years of formal training or demonstrated experience using GIS software applications e.g. ArcGIS, ArcPad
* Experience producing maps for diverse audiences and purposes 
* Data gathering and research skills 
* Excellent interpersonal skills
* Ability to work on a team or independently 
* Manage project goals within specific timeframes 

Preferred Qualifications: 

* Familiarity with the principals and practices of civil engineering and public works
* GPS experience 
* Remote sensing (particularly LiDAR) experience
* CAD experience
* Advanced cartographic/graphic design skills
* Familiarity with MS Access
* Scripting or programming skills in Python, VB, or VBA 

Stipend/ Benefits: Benefits include a living allowance of approximately $1250/month, basic medical insurance, workers compensation, qualified student loan forbearance (after successful completion of term of service, AmeriCorps may pay the accrued interest on qualified student loans) and a training fund of up to $500. Upon completion of term of service, an education ward of $4,725 can be used to repay existing student loans or further your education.

The City of Gresham provides a dynamic work environment, opportunities to see and use GIS in a variety of applications, and a chance to develop experience in public service.

To Apply: 

Step 1: Email or mail a letter of interest and resume to:
No phone calls or visits please.

Molly Vogt, 
GIS Specialist, 
City of Gresham,
1333 NW Eastman Pkwy,
Gresham OR 97030   

Step 2: After doing so, please complete an online application. The program identification number is: Lower Columbia Center 95ADNOR0050001-4 2. 

Be sure to download, sign and mail your AmeriCorps Application Certification Form to
Margi Guilfoyle 
55 SE Main Street,
Portland, Oregon 97214