GIS Section Supervisor

Overview

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a Section Supervisor to serve as the central coordinator for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) across the department. This role bridges the gap between technical spatial data and natural resource management. The successful candidate will lead a team of GIS specialists, oversee federal grants (FEMA), and act as the primary liaison between the DNR, other state agencies, and the public.

They will also serve as a professional ambassador for the Department’s GIS initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications and other selective requirements are listed below and must be met to be placed on the eligible list. The DNR encourages applicants to upload a current resume and cover letter with the online application.

• Personnel Supervision & Team Leadership
• Direct Supervision:
  Manage all personnel tasks for the GIS Section, including hiring, disciplinary actions, and annual performance appraisals.
• Professional Development:
  Create tailored training plans for staff to enhance their growth and ensure the section meets or exceeds departmental expectations.
• Culture:
  Foster a work environment built on innovation, trust, and cooperation; model the department’s guiding principles.
• Strategic Operations & Project Management
• Workload Management:
  Determine project priorities, assign duties, and resolve conflicting deadlines to maximize efficiency.
• Quality Assurance:
  Review staff work products for technical accuracy and compliance with state/federal laws.
• Process Improvement:
  Analyze permitting and planning workflows to identify bottlenecks and implement efficiency improvements.
• Departmental & External Coordination
• GIS Services Coordinator:
  Interact with users from all DNR bureaus and state agencies to assess needs and communicate available services.
• Public Liaison:
  Provide GIS research and data to the general public and private industry regarding Iowa's natural resources and development potential.
• Committee Leadership:
  Organize, lead, and participate in advisory committees, boards, and task forces. Represent the DNR's GIS interests in legislative reviews and fiscal note preparations.
• Fiscal Oversight & Administration
• Budgeting:
  Prepare and monitor the section budget, justifying expenditures based on sound fiscal reasoning.
• Grant Management:
  Negotiate and manage grant applications from FEMA, maintaining strong relationships with federal partners.
• Information Systems:
  Implement record-keeping systems that enhance the department's ability to plan and evaluate long-term programs.
• Professional Representation
• Public Speaking:
  Prepare and deliver high-level presentations to internal stakeholders and external professional audiences.
• Continuous Growth:
  Attend relevant training workshops and professional development courses to keep the department at the forefront of GIS technology.

• Provide supervision to staff and ensure objectives are met.
• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing with constituents, DNR staff, management personnel and other state and federal agencies.
• Analyze organizational and operational problems and develop timely and economical solutions.
• Create and manage budgets in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Establish program objectives or performance goals and assess progress toward their achievement.
• Comprehend, comply with and communicate state and departmental rules, policies and procedures effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Use PC-based computer systems and software to write documents, use databases, develop spreadsheets, research reference documents and analyze data.

Accountability, High Productivity, Interpersonal Skills, Integrity, Communication Skills, Team Player, Common Sense, Customer Focus, Self-Management, Supervisory Skills, Leadership Skills, Technical Skills - Environmental Compliance, Technical Skills - Grant Writing and Management, and Technical Skills - GIS.

• A competitive pay plan and rewarding work.
• Insurance benefits that start the first of the month following 30 days of employment. (Premiums can start as low as $64/month for single and $210/month for family coverage).
• Separate vacation and sick leave accruals that start on the first day and can roll over annually.
• Nine paid holidays/year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match.
• Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match.
• Professional training opportunities.
• Family friendly and professional work environment.
• Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling).
• The State’s total compensation package features benefits worth about 30% of total compensation. See the DAS website for more information.
• Flexible work schedules (as approved by the supervisor).
• Opportunities for hybrid telework (as approved by the supervisor).
• Workout/Gym facilities available onsite at 6200 Park Ave.

This position requires that…