Posted: Oct 9, 2026
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Geographic Information Systems Specialist I

City of Sacramento - Sacramento, CA
Full-time
Salary: $83,419.00 - $117,379.00 Annually
Application Deadline: Oct 19, 2026
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.

This GIS I position is in the Information Technology Department and may work with multiple departments and Charter offices, providing GIS support and services such as data management, mapping, spatial analysis, and development of mobile and web GIS applications. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The ideal candidate will have have experience in editing and maintaining GIS data, developing web-based mapping applications and supporting map services using ESRI GIS software, technique, and tools. Additionally, a demonstrated working knowledge of spatial analysis and automation using ESRI geoprocessing tools and industry best practices is essential. The ideal candidate will be highly self-motivated, detail-oriented, and quick to learn new technologies. Proactively proposing improvements, and thriving in a collaborative, dynamic team environment are key attributes in the ideal candidate. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have the ability to understand and define user requirements, analyze complex problems, research and evaluate alternatives, and communicate effectively.

Experience with the following is desirable in the ideal candidate:

  • Geodatabase editing in enterprise GIS databases
  • Industry standards and terminology in municipal government, including supporting local government’s public works and parks essential functions such as street infrastructure management and maintenance, traffic engineering, parks maintenance, and solid waste operations
To perform a variety of professional analytical work in the analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance of an automated geographical information system.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Geographic Information Systems Specialist I is the first working-level class in the series. Incumbents in this class perform difficult professional analytical work related to an automated geographical information system. Assignments are generally limited in scope and within the design and procedural framework established by higher-level employees. However, as experience is acquired, the employee is expected to perform with increasing independence.

Geographic Information Systems Specialist II is the journey-level class in the series. Work in this class is distinguished from Geographic Information Systems Specialist I by the greater complexity of assignments received and the greater independence with which the incumbent is expected to operate. Positions are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from Geographic Information Systems Specialist I. When filled from the outside, significant prior automated geographical information system experience is required.

Geographic Information Systems Specialist III is the advanced journey-level class in the series. Work in this class is distinguished from Geographic Information Systems Specialist II by serving as a principal City-wide specialist responsible for analyzing, designing, and implementing the automated geographic information system. Positions in this class are responsible for the most complex and varied research projects, and independently design, test, deploy, and integrate complex disparate spatial databases and computer applications for City program operation and policy analysis. Positions are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from Geographic Information Systems Specialist II.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by a higher-level position. Responsibilities may include direct and indirect supervision of lower-level positions.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Depending upon assignment, typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • 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

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Geographic Information Systems Specialist I

Knowledge of:

  • 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.
     
  • Principles of supervision and training.

Ability to:
  • 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.
     
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental staff, other City departments, and vendors.
     
  • Lift and move computer hardware weighing up to 50 pounds. Lifting restrictions may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

Education:

A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Geographical Information Systems, Geography, Information Systems, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field.

-AND-

Experience:

Two years of experience in operating, maintaining, and implementing automated mapping and/or GIS systems -OR- One year of experience as a City of Sacramento Information Technology Trainee.

Substitution:

An AA degree plus two years of additional experience can be substituted for the higher education requirement.