Geographic Information Systems Technician

County of San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of San Diego is seeking a Geographic Information Systems Technician to design, operate, and analyze GIS data within a large spatial database. The role involves maintenance of data structures and creation of mapping services to support decision-making.

Duties include data entry, updating GIS data dictionaries, and preparing spatial data for GIS software. Interviews are scheduled the week of November 16, 2026, with offers the week of November 25, 2026.

Qualifications

• 1 year of progressively responsible GIS experience administering and operating GIS applications software to develop GIS data, digital maps, or other digital displays for land use or spatial analysis.
• An associate's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in geography, earth sciences, civil engineering, urban planning, information technology, biology with an emphasis in GIS, computer science, or a closely related field.
• Successful completion of a college-level GIS certificate program.

Responsibilities

• Enter data and maintain the GIS data structure, data dictionary, and access systems.
• Prepare or update online mapping services, GIS data, and analytical files available on the Internet/Intranet.
• Input tabular, mapping, or imagery data using GIS software programs.
• Prepare externally generated spatial data for input into a GIS.

Skills

GIS experience

Data entry

Mapping/analysis

Education

Associate degree in geography/earth sciences/civil engineering/urban planning/IT

GIS certificate program

Related field degree

Tools

GIS software (ArcGIS)

Job description

The County of San Diego has current openings for Geographic Information Systems Technician

Interviews will take place the week of November 16th, 2026 and job offers will take place the week of November 25th, 2026.

Future Salary Increases

July 2027 - 4.77% increase to base pay (3.00% Across-the-Board + 1.77% Market Increase)

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) class series is responsible for the creation and analysis of spatial data layers in a large spatial relational database system. This includes, but is not limited to, the maintenance and complex analysis of digital spatial data to support decision-making. The first working level class, GIS Technicians perform the design, operation, and administration functions related to the development and analysis of various GIS data pertaining to the County of San Diego. GIS Technicians may perform the following duties:

• Enter data and maintain the GIS data structure, data dictionary, and access systems.
• Prepare or update online mapping services, GIS data, and analytical files available on the Internet/Intranet.
• Input tabular, mapping, or imagery data using GIS software programs.
• Prepare externally generated spatial data for input into a GIS.

The current vacancies are in the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk (ARCC); however, this list may be used for vacancies in other County of San Diego departments.

Hiring Timeline and Date

• Job Offer and Background Process begins November 2026. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
• Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
• Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Minimum Qualifications

• 1. One year of progressively responsible GIS experience administering and operating GIS applications software to develop GIS data, digital maps, or other digital displays for land use or spatial analysis; OR;
• 2. An associate's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in geography, earth sciences, civil engineering, urban planning, information technology, biology with an emphasis in GIS, computer science, or a closely related field; OR;
• 3. Successful completion of a college-level GIS certificate program.

NOTES: If applicants wish to use the college education requirement (#2) to qualify, then they must submit a copy of an official or unofficial transcript from an accredited U.S college or university, or a copy of a certified foreign studies equivalency at the time of application. If applicants wish to qualify under the GIS Certificate requirement (#3), then they must attach a copy of this certificate at the time of application.

Blind Applicant Screening

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.

Conditions of Employment

As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

Evaluation

The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization.

Veteran’s Preference Policy

The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.

Military Skills Translator

Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.

Strategic Plan

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of these values is infused throughout our operations. The County also embraces a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Read more about the Strategic Plan for more information.

Disaster Service Worker

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

Diversity & Inclusion

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.