GIS Specialist

Come join the GIS team at the City of Yakima! Being a full-service city, the ITS Division uses the latest GIS technology to create solutions for city departments and the public. With a large variety of GIS demands, we need an experienced GIS Specialist to keep us moving forward!

High school diploma or GED and four (4) years progressively responsible experience as a GIS Specialist or GIS Analyst. A GISP (Certified Geographic Information Systems Professional) or Bachelor’s degree in GIS, geography or computer science or a related field from an accredited college or university may substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience.

Candidates must be able to pass a background investigation regarding applicant's aptitude, character, judgment, credit, driving record and criminal history.

Must obtain/possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Under general supervision of the Information Technology (IT) Services Manager or designee, exercises independent judgment in analyzing problems, issues and situations; develops and implements recommendations. Organizes, leads, coordinates, facilitates and/or performs the planning, design, development and implementation, organization and maintenance of City Geographic Information System (GIS) services; implements and analyzes program effectiveness; coordinates the collection and analysis of data and other information.

Provides leadership, guidance and technical expertise for City of Yakima GIS. Monitors, delegates and follows-up on assignments to assigned staff. Ensures compliance with local, state and federal standards, rules, regulations and requirements.

Maintains and analyzes complex geographic data. Provides GIS database editing, geocoding, geoprocessing, data conversion, workflow management, spatial analysis, and quality control processes in desktop and web-based environments. Publishes GIS data, maps, analysis, reports, charts, and graphs in the form of static and online content. Researches, creates, and produces spatial layers, analysis, maps, regulatory map reports, charts, and cartographic displays. Manages user access and security roles to ensure employees have appropriate access, limited to areas required to perform their assigned duties.

Trains, troubleshoots and provides user support for city applications. Updates user access rights for data and/or applications. Supports and maintains software integration between city applications. Provides timely response to user requests for assistance. Works to identify user needs and assists with implementations required for city applications systems. Coordinates and acts as a lead for multiple concurrent GIS and other IT Services projects and/or programs as assigned.

Documents activities and resource demands; researches, analyzes and makes recommendation regarding website design, upgrades and/or security. Researches, retrieves, updates and analyzes complex information and data. Formulates related reports, including current analysis, recommendations, conclusions and possible ramifications. Communicates research findings and proposes solutions as needed.

Completes required documents to procure contract services. Researches, identifies, prepares, submits, facilitates and utilizes grants in meeting program objectives. Monitors and ensures compliance with grant and contract requirements. Works effectively with vendors regarding website development, security and other matters.

Works efficiently, professionally and cooperatively with internal and/or external customers, including but not limited to, finance, legal, human resources and community relations personnel regarding GIS services such as grant compliance, website financial transactions, internal control issues, records retention and other legal requirements. Initiates, develops and maintains positive long-term working relationships with grantors, vendors, contractors, regulatory agencies, co-workers and other members of the public.

Works to facilitate consumer understanding of municipal processes, and may discuss GIS functionality with community users. Provides training and assistance to internal and external users to ease accessibility and utilization of GIS applications.

May participate in the selection of staff and interns; provide initial orientation and training; review and direct work; and, provide input on performance evaluations as needed.

May provide input for the development of annual…