GIS Technician

Under the direct supervision of the Utility Planning & Development Engineer, and in collaboration with utility department supervisors, this role supports the City’s electric, gas, water, wastewater, and steam utilities. This on-site position is responsible for maintaining accurate utility asset data, supporting field and office workflows, and assisting with capital planning and maintenance projects. 

The GIS Technician works closely with engineering and operations staff to update maps, integrate GPS and field-collected data, manage utility datasets, and develop internal and public-facing GIS tools using Esri technology. This position offers a balanced mix of fieldwork, data management, and technical mapping.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

GIS Development & Mapping

• Maintain and update GIS data layers representing utility infrastructure.
• Create custom maps and spatial reports for engineering, maintenance, and capital planning needs.
• Develop, maintain, and improve internal and public-facing GIS web maps and applications using Esri tools.
• Ensure GIS mapping is accurate, consistent, and aligned with CAD and asset management data.

Field Data & Survey Integration

• Conduct GPS data collection of utility assets for GIS integration.
• Coordinate and process GPS or UAV (drone) survey data from internal teams and external consultants.
• Support drone-based inspections or aerial imagery collection for mapping updates.
• Translate GPS and UAV data into usable formats for GIS and CAD systems.

Database & Asset Management

• Perform SQL-based data management and reporting tasks within utility infrastructure databases.
• Collect and maintain accurate and consistent data for all mapped utility assets, like pipes, valves, meters, etc.  
• Assist in the integration of GIS data with utility asset management and AMR (automated meter reading) systems.
• Utilize APIs and REST services to integrate various data sources into the GIS environment.

CAD & Drafting Support

• Create and update CAD drawings for plant facilities and utility systems (water, wastewater, electric, steam, gas).
• Convert field survey data, construction plans, and hand-drawn sketches into digital CAD formats.
• Coordinate the creation and maintenance of record drawings and drawing archives.

Technical Support & Collaboration

• Provide maps, plans, and digital tools to support engineering, construction, and maintenance crews.
• Collaborate with utility supervisors to keep mapping and asset information up to date.
• Offer basic GIS and CAD support or training to field or office staff as needed.
• Work closely with consultants to manage drawing and data submittals.

The aforementioned functions are normal for this position.  They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA’s)

• Proficiency in Esri ArcGIS software, including Desktop, Pro, Online, Field Maps. 
• Experience with SQL databases, GPS data collection, and imagery handling. 
• Ability to read, interpret, and draft from engineering drawings, field notes, and survey data.
• Experience using Google Earth and KMZ files.
• Familiar with LiDAR datasets and applications.
• Strong organization and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal staff, consultants, and external partners.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Associate degree or certificate in GIS, Geography, Computer Drafting, or a closely related field.
• Experience using Esri ArcGIS Pro for mapping, editing, and data management.   
• Experience with GPS-based field data collection tools (e.g., ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey 123, Trimble, or similar).  
• Basic experience with CAD drafting, or willingness to learn utility drafting workflows.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).   
• Valid driver’s license.  

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Planning, Natural Sciences or other closely related field.  
• Experience working with utility datasets (water, wastewater, electric, gas, or steam).  
• Experience using ArcGIS online, ArcGIS enterprise, Field Maps, and/or web map/app configurations.
• Experience with SQL database, asset management systems, or AMR/AMI integrations.
• Experience with engineering drawings, surveys, or interpreting field notes.
• Experience with CAD-to-GIS integration or utility record drawing management.
• Experience or interest in Python scripting (e.g., ArcPy, Pandas) for automation or data clean up.
• Strong organization and communication skills for working with field staff, consultants, and engineering teams.

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting and occasionally requires repetitive motions; work requires close vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception and color perception; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).