Principal Technical GIS Analyst

*TO APPLY, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.CITYOFTACOMA.ORG/JOBS. PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY AT OUR CITY WEBSITE. THIS ROLE IS BASED IN TACOMA, WA.*

Under direction of the UTS GeoSpatial Technologies Manager, perform a variety of technical information systems work including, application analysis and development, computer systems programming, data modeling, GIS application development and Enterprise Geo-database administration.
 
This lead position will serve as the Tacoma Public Utilities principal technical expert for enterprise Utility Technology GIS service delivery, GIS infrastructure administration, geospatial data design and GIS web development.  The principal GIS position will work closely with the GeoSpatial Technologies Manager to help guide the direction and development of GIS technology within TPU while also leading efforts to plan, coordinate and implement the many GIS technology projects either currently underway or on the horizon.

The TPU GIS ITA Principal role will be required to possess and demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of utility business-related processes and workflows. Using this utility knowledge, this lead position will be expected to directly translate these processes into successful applications of the ESRI GIS technology.  

This position includes leading a team of 4-5 IT analysts in assigning, scheduling, prioritizing, checking and approving work products on a continuing long-term basis.
 
In addition to the above responsibilities, this position will play a key role in helping to create and shape the overall Tacoma Public Utilities GIS strategic direction from both an architectural and implementation perspectives. A key aspect of the work will be to interface with ITD and UTS technical staff to make modifications to our TPU GIS infrastructure, provide training, giving technical presentations, and supporting business processes that align with that strategy.

This position will seek out opportunities to partner with Utility Business Units and build relationships that maximize the TPU GIS technology investments.  Ultimately, this position will be directly responsible for the development, implementation, and ongoing improvement of Tacoma Public Utilities GeoSpatial portfolio of technologies by providing expert level GIS technical skills, and ongoing technical support to professional staff in the Utility business units.
 

 Essential Duties:
(The work described below is not intended to be all inclusive but representative of the level of duties/responsibilities carried out by this job classification)
 

• Lead an assigned workgroup - assign, instruct and check the work of those employees on an ongoing basis.
• Function as subject matter expert and technical lead in performing highest- level systems analysis duties in the design, development, implementation and maintenance of information systems, support of computer hardware and software applications.
• Lead the administration, design, architecture, configuration, and implementation of solutions that leverage TPU’s web GIS platforms, including the following: ArcGIS Enterprise deployments, monitoring, and administration, web service security, manage server SSL certificates, ArcGIS Pro licensing (AGOL and Enterprise), performance/system monitoring (ArcGIS Monitor, Geocortex Analytics), geodatabase/data store administration, system patching, python automations and reporting system uptime.
• Troubleshoot computer hardware, software, and system difficulties; propose solutions, track and assure resolution through appropriate follow-up methods.
  • Develop and implement procedures for geospatial data design, processing, quality control, automation, documentation, maintenance and ETLs. Web GIS API services that interface with data storage formats primarily consisting of SQL Server-based geodatabases in addition to file geodatabases and other file-based data.
  • Perform geodatabase design, and geodatabase maintenance as well as maintain database integration with other systems and troubleshooting issues with ESRI Support staff.
  • Manage databases in the TPU Web GIS environments across various business units at TPU and make data available via ESRI web services.
  • Maintain spatial and tabular data storage best practices that best fit a Web GIS architecture development pattern.
  • Develop and Maintain data and metadata quality and standards using industry best practices.
  • Develop and Maintain protocols and procedures for sharing data with other collaborating agencies such as Pierce County and WA Department of Natural Resources (WA DNR).
  • Identify opportunities to consolidate and replace legacy data and application integration methods with reusable, standards-based integration solutions that can serve multiple purposes.
  • Develop and maintain robust and reliable SAP/GIS integrations using a variety of programming techniques, tools, and methods.
  • Endeavors to understand and carefully listen to the needs of our customers; researches and evaluates new application software functionality and makes recommendations to management on the best use of software to meet the business needs of the city.
  • Attend ESRI User Conference annually and follow a path of continuous GIS technology learning.
  • Research best practices for ArcGIS environments and related infrastructure.
  • Present at conferences, meetings, seminars and workshops and work with other internal and external stakeholders to share ideas and encourage partnerships.
  • Provide excellent customer service and build organizational confidence in the UTS BIDS GIS team.
  • Serve as the last internal escalation/referral point for technical issues and problems; resolve unique or non-routine problems.
• Participate in evaluations and testing of system upgrades and quality control procedure development related to area of work.
• Responsible for developing technical specifications to ensure applications are built to meet business operation requirements.
• Prepare and adhere to project plans and timelines, estimate resource requirements, conduct feasibility studies, communicate status to project manager/supervisor. May provide benchmarking information and metrics. Acts as project coordinator, as assigned.
• Keep current on a diversity of programming software solutions, develop schema for information storage of user's applications, and produce consistent code, conforming to accepted good practice and department policy and standards.
• May coordinate activities of project team and act as a source for direction, training and guidance for less experienced staff.
• May be assigned to work with management on budget development, strategic planning, employee development reviews and special assignments.
• Prepare, design, and produce a variety of maps and other graphic representations displaying layers and attribute data from the database using cartographic techniques to represent spatial data; develop and maintain data layers, using GIS tools, CAD tools and databases; enter attribute data pertaining to specific features into databases; incorporate maps, charts, spreadsheet data and text into reports.

Qualifications

Equivalent combination of: 

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field. Bachelor's degree in information technology, engineering or geography preferred.

AND

Six or more years of work experience directly related to information technology. Geographic information system experience preferred.

 

Desired Qualifications:
                   
 

• Master’s Degree in Geography, Business Administration and/or related field
• Esri Utility Network Technical Certifications
• Completion of a college level professional GIS Certification Program
• Professional Leadership Training, Public Speaking, and community service
• Power, water, and telecommunications Utility experience
• Python, Arcade, .NET programming experience
• Current FAA Drone Pilot License and UAS training for GIS applications

 
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
 

1. A valid Washington State Driver's License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter.
2. Successful Completion of the TPU Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) training and background check within 30 days of hire date
3. Current/valid GIS Professional (GISP) certification
4. Python programming Certificate from an accredited college institution

Knowledge & Skills

• Expert knowledge of computer technology principles, their application, and troubleshooting techniques. Expert knowledge of specialized technologies, such as applications, tools, systems, and/or databases.
• Expert knowledge of system security systems, backup, disaster recovery and related processes.
• Expert knowledge of data and system security, and other similar technical processes.
• Expert knowledge in detecting, diagnosing, and correcting the source of errors in logs.
• Knowledge of principles and concepts of total quality and problem-solving methods.
• Skill in applying advanced technical knowledge to evaluate and resolve complex tasks such as planning and directing projects, conducting capacity planning, coordinating, or facilitating the installations of complex systems, hardware, software application interfaces or applications.
• Ability to follow direction under broad guidelines, explore and evaluate technical directions.
• Understand concepts of information technology including computers, peripherals, operating systems, and applications.
• Understands and applies principles and practices of leadership, motivation, and teambuilding.
• Skill in programming and the understanding of development and design best practices.
• Excellent communications skills; understand, follow, and give oral and written directions.
• Work confidentially and with discretion.
• Meet project schedules and timelines.
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Accurately analyze situations and follow an effective course of action.
• Adept at estimating the level of effort and resources for technical projects within a minimal tolerance and coordinating technical projects.
• Consultation and vendor relationship skills.
• Maintain technical fluency through journals and periodicals.
• Skill in maintaining appropriate technical documentation.
• Skill in conveying technical information to non-technical users.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Concepts and principles of coaching and mentoring.
• Expert skill in handling multiple competing priorities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Customer service skills.
• Skill in providing user support.
• Skill in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Develop and conduct presentations.
• Conduct interviews and facilitate meetings.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

To be considered for this career opportunity:

Please apply online and attach the following:
 

• A detailed Resume
• Cover Letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position

In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement. Applications received without the required resume, cover letter, will not progress in the selection process.
 
Candidates who are eligible for Veteran's Preference scoring criteria must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4, (proof of military discharge form) at time of application, to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points, with redacted birth date and social security numbers.
 
Examination Process: 
This is a competitive selection process. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to Supplemental Questions # 7-14 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test. It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers. DO NOT respond with "see resume" in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score.  

Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates and appointment is subject to passing a background check. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 120. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.
 
The City of Tacoma
Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city that sits along the Puget Sound with a population of nearly 210,000. The third largest city in the state of Washington, it is a diverse, progressive international gateway to the Pacific Rim.
 
When you work for the City of Tacoma, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible schedules with some job classifications, continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
 http://www.cityoftacoma.org/ 
 http://www.traveltacoma.com/ 

The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
 
In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.
 
For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, or questions regarding this job announcement, please call Human Resources at (253) 591.5400 before4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement.