Geographic Information Systems Specialist III

Position Overview

With supervisor approval, incumbents may be eligible for intermittent remote work; however, they must physically reside within the Sacramento region or have the ability to regularly report to a City of Sacramento physical worksite with little notice.

The City of Sacramento is seeking a Geographic Information Systems Specialist III to help design, support, and improve citywide mapping systems that enhance public services, operational efficiency, and data‑driven decision‑making. This role offers the opportunity to work on high‑impact projects that directly support the City’s mission and benefit the community.

• Experience designing, implementing, and maintaining enterprise GIS systems, including building and supporting web maps, applications, and spatial services.
• Experience with Python, Structured Query Language (SQL), Feature Manipulation Engine (FME), and automation tools to streamline workflows.
• Knowledge of integrating multiple data sources and systems, as well as designing or maintaining large spatial databases and advanced data models.
• Ability to troubleshoot issues across servers, databases, applications, and data pipelines, with an understanding of system security best practices.
• Ability to independently lead complex, multi‑department GIS projects, propose system improvements and new technologies, and mentor or guide team members on technical tasks.
• Manages priorities effectively, meets deadlines, and communicates clearly with both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Writes clear documentation, explains technical concepts simply, and provides excellent service across departments.
• Collaborates well in a team environment, works independently, pays attention to details, and produces high‑quality, reliable work.

To perform a variety of professional analytical work in the analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance of an automated geographical information system.

• Develop geographic information systems layers/data elements consistent with the existing standards.
• Coordinate the maintenance and scheduling of the geographical information system base map in conjunction with all other land‑based systems and/or files in the City.
• Evaluate and recommend acquisition of computer hardware and software necessary to implement the geographical information system.
• Plan and coordinate the administration and maintenance scheduling of all layers defined in the geographical information system in conjunction with all other land‑based systems and/or files in the City.
• Perform digitizing and drafting as required.
• Train users in the use of GIS and related software, workstations, printers, and plotters, digitizing tablets and tables, and GIS networking systems.
• Develop and document GIS procedures.
• Develop prototype GIS products and cartographic quality maps.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate subordinates.
• Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification.

• Principles of geography and cartography.
• Principles, procedures, techniques, nomenclature, and operation of GIS workstations.
• Techniques of digitizing, drafting, and automated mapping.
• Principles and characteristics of automated geographic information systems.
• Techniques of GIS database design and advanced programming languages.
• City operations and functions.
• GIS technology implementations in a variety of settings.
• Techniques and practices of project management.
• Multiple computer operating systems.
• Principles of supervision and training.

• Perform technical research in geographic information systems.
• Produce maps which satisfy departmental user requirements.
• Operate GIS workstations, related peripherals, and communications networks.
• Perform digitizing and drafting using GIS software and digitizing equipment.
• Develop and maintain user documentation.
• Troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance on GIS workstations, related peripherals, and communications networks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Analyze geographic information system users’ needs and requirements; identify goals,…