Computer Services Technician (GIS)

City of Alameda; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Alameda is seeking a Computer Services Technician (GIS) to support the GIS team. This entry-level position involves data management, mapping services, and various GIS tasks. The ideal candidate will have solid organizational skills and proficiency with GIS software, contributing to the City's technological goals and community support. The role offers comprehensive benefits including health coverage, vacation, and retirement plans, fostering a dynamic work environment.

Benefits

CalPERS Retirement

Medical coverage with City contribution

Comprehensive dental coverage

Paid vacation and sick leave

Flexible holidays and work hours

Qualifications

• Ability to work with GIS applications like ArcGIS Pro.
• Experience in data management and analysis.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively.

Responsibilities

• Input and manage GIS data in the Enterprise Geodatabase.
• Assist with GIS web mapping applications.
• Perform routine data management tasks.

Skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Python

GIS data management

Communication

Education

High school diploma with college coursework in computer science

Tools

ArcGIS

RDBMS

Job description

Nature of Position

The Information Technology Department serves our community by exploring, developing, implementing and supporting effective and innovative use of technology through teamwork, collaboration, innovation, and accountability to our departmental partners. Responsibilities include planning, developing, implementing, and supporting the IT systems and networks throughout the City of Alameda.

Our Mission: Make work life easier through the use of technology.

Our Goals

• Customer Service – work collaboratively with other departments and organizations to improve the quality of life in the City through economic development establish and maintain partnerships with entities city-wide to create a city-wide support infrastructure for technology and telecommunications that will increase support and services to the City of Alameda team members and constituents.
• Embrace Innovation - achieve innovative, practical, and reliable solutions to City problems, optimize processes through information technology leadership and professional services
• Networking Infrastructure – implement and maintain a high-speed, reliable and secure networking infrastructure that provides highly available and secure applications and web services.
• Project Management – develop, maintain and implement technology projects in a cost effective, timely and efficient manner.
• Team Building - provide an exciting, challenging, and rewarding environment where team members derive satisfaction from challenging assignments, continued professional growth, personal accomplishments, and the success of the City of Alameda departments in meeting their operational and service objectives.
  
  

The Computer Services Technician (GIS) is an entry-level technical role with the Information Technology Department’s GIS team. The GIS team provides support for developing, accessing, maintaining, and distributing GIS data, technology, and mapping services to all City departments. The GIS Technician is responsible for various tasks including data entry, data editing, database management, and data output of moderate difficulty. They work under the immediate supervision of the GIS Analyst and may direct the activities of part-time employees as needed. This role does not involve supervisory responsibilities over other employees.

The Ideal Candidate

In addition to meeting the established employment standards the ideal candidate will have the skills and abilities to:

• Read and interpret maps, drawings and sketches.
• Digitize and/or convert drawings and plans.
• Compile, organize and input data in ArcGIS.
• Be well organized and able to prioritize tasks and projects.
• Conduct minor field surveys.
• Input data into a relational database management system (RDBMS).
• Multitask and think creatively when problem-solving.
• Ability to communicate technical information in writing and orally.
• Acquire new GIS-related tools and skills in a rapidly evolving technical environment.
• Knowledge of Python, or other coding languages a plus.
  
  

Benefits Of Employment

For a comprehensive listing of benefits, see the Benefit Matrix HERE

• 36-hour workweek
• CalPERS Retirement: Classic Members: 2% at 55 formula, 8.868% contribution; New Members 2% @ 62 formula, 8.75% contribution.
• Medical: The City contracts with CalPERS to provide comprehensive health coverage to employees. Multiple HMO and PPO plans available, with a generous City contribution
• Dental: Comprehensive dental coverage provided to employees and their eligible dependents.
• Vacation: Starting with 75 hours annually and increasing with years of service.
• Holidays: 11 City Holidays and 3.5 floating Holidays.
• Sick Leave: 90 hours per year; unused sick leave is converted to service credit at retirement.
• Deferred Compensation: Up to 1% 457(b) matching City contribution after 1 year of continuous service.
  
  

Examples of Duties

• Prepare, collect, organize and input data into the City of Alameda’s Enterprise Geodatabase.
• Adhere to established data standards and best practices.
• Perform routine data management tasks, such as data creation, validation and correction, queries and editing in GIS as well as relational database management.
• Publish and update data layers to ArcGIS Online and Portal from ArcGIS Pro desktop.
• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of web maps, web mapping applications and mobile applications using ESRI’s Arc GIS Online and Arc Portal platforms.
• Prepare maps, or graphics with ArcGIS Pro desktop software.
• Operate GIS Windows based workstation. Troubleshoot hardware and software problems.
• Undertake minor field surveys.
• Assist with training and familiarizing City staff with GIS related data and applications.
• Perform other duties as required in support of system and users.
• Review full class spec here: Class Specifications | Computer Services Technician | Class Spec Details (governmentjobs.com)
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Indoor office environment.
• Ambient office sounds and noises such as speaking, working office equipment and software.
• Travel to City work sites and locations to conduct work.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.
• Seeing to read a variety of materials.
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations.
• Ability to transport and install computers and related equipment involving physical dexterity, moderate lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds.
  
  

Employment Standards

Education/Experience

Any combination equivalent to education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education

Graduation from high school supplemented by college or technical course work in computer science and information systems.

Experience

Progressively responsible journey level experience in the installation, setup, troubleshooting and maintenance of computers and peripheral equipment, and in providing technical user support for computer hardware and software. Experience with designated environments in GIS, equipment, systems and /or software is highly desirable. Certifications in CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+

Knowledge

Knowledge of computer equipment, applications, operations, and peripheral equipment; basic theory and principles of electronics; methods, tools and procedures used in the installation, repair, maintenance, enhancement and configuration of computers, peripheral equipment and workstations; designated hardware, software, and operating systems.

Ability

Ability to effectively install, configure, trouble-shoot, and maintain a variety of computers and peripheral equipment; train and provide technical support to users in computer operation and software use; learn and train users in software specific to staff needs; read and interpret documents such as operating and maintenance instructions and technical procedure manuals; effectively present information and respond to questions from staff, vendors and the general public; define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions and work effectively with abstract and concrete variables; schedule and perform work to meet established time lines; establish and maintain accurate records; prepare reports and summaries; maintain level of knowledge required for satisfactory job performance; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, vendors, contractors and the public.

Special Requirements

Willingness and ability to work outside regularly scheduled hours to meet operational needs.

Other Requirements

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record at the time of appointment is required as a condition of initial and continued employment only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than the employee’s ability to get to/from various work locations in a timely manner, is necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

Selection Process

It is important that both the application on and questionnaire are completed thoroughly and accurately. The examination process may test for but is not limited to the essential knowledge and abilities listed the job specification and announcement and will be designed to provide a comprehensive review of candidate's technical knowledge and overall suitability for the position. Qualified applicants will be notified of the exact date, time, and location of examinations approximately two weeks in advance. If applicants have not received written notice at least one week prior to the tentative test date listed in the flyer, they should contact the City of Alameda Human Resources Department at [phone].

Candidates passing all components of the examination process will be placed on an Eligible List. A list of names is certified to the department(s) having vacancies based on the type of examination conducted pursuant to the provision of the City's Civil Service Rules. Final selection will be made from the Eligible List by the Department Head subject to approval by the City Manager. The Department Head may utilize additional selection procedures to make a final hiring decision. Placement on an Eligible List does not guarantee employment. Prior to appointment, a thorough reference check will be conducted which may include a credit check and background. The selection process may be evaluated and revised based on the number of qualified applicants.

Federal law requires that prior to employment, you must furnish proof of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States, as required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

e -verify

The City of Alameda utilizes the Federal government's E-Verify program and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization, which includes showing a valid United States Social Security card at the time of hire (photocopies not accepted).

Veteran's Preference Credit

A job applicant qualifies as a veteran if honorably discharged from active military, reservist, or National Guard duty of at least 18 consecutive months within the past five (5) years of the date of application. In case of discharge attributable to service-connected injuries or illnesses, the 18 months active-duty requirement need not be fulfilled. An applicant claiming veteran's preference credit must attach to their application, a legible copy of their DD-214 verifying the type of discharge and date(s) of active service. NO OTHER DOCUMENTATION WILL BE ACCEPTED.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

In compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations, the City of Alameda will employ and promote qualified individuals without regard to disability. The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must do so no later than final filing date for receipt of applications, otherwise it may not be possible to arrange accommodations for the selection process. Such requests should be addressed to the Human Resources Department | 1- 510-747-4900 | [e-mail] | 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Rm. 290, Alameda, 94501. Requests can be made via email, phone, or in writing via U.S. mail.

The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

For Benefits information, please visit our website at www.alamedaca.gov. A detailed summary for this position can be found under MCEA.

01

Please describe your experience using GIS software. Include which applications you’ve used (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS), the types of tasks you performed, and any relevant coursework or projects.

02

Have you ever explained GIS or other technical concepts to a non-technical audience? If so, please describe how you explained the information and how your audience responded.

03

Have you completed a GIS-related project or class assignment? If so, briefly describe the project or assignment, the software you used, and the outcome.

04

What interests you about working in GIS for a local government agency? Share what attracts you to this field and this type of organization.

• Required Question