Engineering Specialist GIS

Austin Community College; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional educational institution is seeking a GIS Specialist to provide comprehensive technical expertise in GIS to support engineering programs. The role involves analyzing and troubleshooting GIS applications, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and developing geospatial databases. Ideal candidates will possess a degree related to GIS or engineering, effective communication skills, and a strong knowledge of various data conversion processes. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to impactful infrastructure projects within the community.

Qualifications

• Strong ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers.
• Experience in converting various data types into GIS.
• Ability to gather data and prepare comprehensive technical reports.
• Considerable knowledge of highway construction methods.

Responsibilities

• Provide GIS expertise for program management support.
• Analyze and resolve issues with GIS applications and tools.
• Ensure compliance with safety policies and environmental directives.
• Develop and maintain geospatial databases and applications.

Skills

Effective communication

Data type conversion (GPS, CADD, Microstation)

Relationship management

Data analysis and technical reporting

Teamwork and collaboration

Highway construction knowledge

Python programming

GIS resources knowledge

Computer skills

MS Office proficiency

Cartographic skills

Education

Degree in GIS, Geography, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

ESRI ArcGIS Suite

MS Office

Job description

Contact Email: [e-mail]

Provide complex technical GIS expertise to assist in supporting program management efforts. Provide technical support to assigned engineering program.

How you will contribute

• Analyses, Trouble shooting and Process Improvement: Performs analysis/trouble shooting and searches for process improvements to resolve issues with the applications including any issues with GIS and GPS problems on the desktop and mobile applications. Communicates with internal and external technical resources to resolve end user issues and other problems associated with existing GIS applications, tools and data. Provides job aids/guidance on methods for creating applications/projects and for correcting reported problems. Analyzes current geospatial systems to determine if improved methods are possible through automation, processes and streamlining workflows using software programming or scripting languages to extend capabilities of GIS and its associated applications. Uses aerial imagery products, creates maps, reports, and presentations in support of various GIS projects. Works with cross-departmental teams to improve collaborative efforts in GIS. Work independently and help develop projects, programs, or process improvement efforts as directed by management.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all Construction Directives (CDs), environmental safety, EO, Materials, acceptance testing and quality directive. Ensure assigned project is compliant with VDOT, District, and regional environmental and safety goals. Ensure environmental discrepancies and safety violations are corrected. Monitor and assure compliance with all VOSHCP, OSHA, DPOR and VDOT safety policies and regulations.
• Engineering Technology Solutions: Provide engineering technology solutions to complex or unusual cases and projects.
• GIS: Work with ESRI’s ArcGIS Suite for desktop and web platforms including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Survey123, Fieldmaps, etc. to develop GIS projects based on user requirements on projects. Create and maintain geodatabases, mobile applications, web-based applications and dashboards which can be published internally and externally supporting GIS data needs within sections/divisions including creation and development of viewers, custom tools, and web services for data visualization. Work with GPS, CADD files, and Microstation files converting them into to workable data in GIS sets and vice versa converting them back into CADD/Microstation format. Perform quality assurance and quality control of geospatial data and ensures data meet data standards and formats.
• Guidance, Training and Project Teams: Provide technical guidance and training to staff, especially as is related to sound use of GIS technology to support project development and program management. Assist management with strategic planning by identifying engineering business processes that may be improved with technology applications. Participate in strategic planning and software methodology sessions. Participate in interagency development projects as assigned by management. Help research and develop recommendations on projects. and, if requested, lead research and conduct or coordinate activities related to one or more projects.
• Job Safety: Determine and demonstrate proper work site protection techniques. Ensure workplace safety by identifying workplace hazards and making suggestions for improvement. Wear proper personal protection equipment. Maintain current knowledge of safety rules, regulations, laws and procedures (OSHA, VOSHA, etc.). Ensure equipment is used properly and safely. Apply MUTCD for detours, lane closures, work zones, etc. Maintain clean, orderly, and safe work environment. Follow VDOT safety regulations and practices.
• Maintain Records: Research information and update records or databases on for activities in assigned program area. Collect and verify project data, maintain files and recommend updates when discrepancies are found.
• Special Studies: Perform special studies and assignments to support and decision making for assigned engineering program area. Prepare project related correspondence.
• Technical Advice and Guidance: Serve as a technical resource and consultant to inspectors, contractors and agency management. Instruct and guide field staff to assure work conforms to Agency, OSHA, VOSH and contract safety policies, plans, specifications and contract documents.
• Time Management: Ensure work assignments are performed to achieve on schedule completion of activities on projects. Manage multiple projects and adjusts priorities as needed.
• Training: Assist in developing and performing employee training for assigned program areas. Assist in mentoring field staff and work with team members to monitor training programs.
• VDOT Representative: Represent VDOT with outside contacts, which include handling and resolving concerns of contractors and the public.

What will make you successful

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with internal and external customers.
• Ability to convert different data types such as GPS, CADD files and Microstation files into GIS and exporting back to original files.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with inspection staff, consultants, contractors and VDOT management.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to gather and analyze data and prepare technical reports.
• Ability to interpret plans, specifications and contracts.
• Ability to work as a team member and collabortate with others for solving problems.
• Considerable knowledge of highway construction methods, procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of Python, SQL or other programming language such as Java, Java Script, R, etc. for simple scripting for automating and improving processes.
• Knowledge of department, local, state, and federal GIS resources.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications.
• Working knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS Suite including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS online, Survey123, Fieldmaps, mobile applications, web map builder/Experience Builder, and dashboards.
• Working knowledge of GIS theory and applications including geodatabase creation, development, schema, and behavior.
• Working knowledge of MS Office including Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• Working knowledge of cartographic skills, data management and project management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with customers.
• Ability to develop, interpret, apply changes to policies, and prepare technical reports.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and training to staff, especially as is related to sound use of GIS technology to support project development and program management.
• Ability to work independently and help develop project, program, or process improvement efforts as directed by management.
• Considerable knowledge of relational databases, database design, data integrity, and metadata documentation.
• Knowledge of ArcGIS Desktop extensions, ArcGIS Spatial Analysts and ArcGIS 3D Analyst.
• Working knowledge of Access, ArcGIS Desktop, ArcInfo Workstation, ArcVIew or other ESRI desktop software products.
• Working knowledge of ESRI geodata base schema and behavior.
• Working knowledge of GIS theory, applications, architecture, and technology trends.
• Working knowledge of Windows operating systems.

Additional Considerations

• A combination of training, experience or education in Engineering, GIS, Geography, Computer Science, Information Systems, Enviromental Science, or related field desired.
• Cartography skills as well as knowledge of Project Wise.
• Experience in the independent planning, design, and implementation of enterprise spatial data systems and applications.
• Experience using GIS for transportation planning and analysis.
• Working knowledge of VDOT GIS applications and GIS operations, policies, procedures, and standards.