GIS Technician

The City of Elkhart; Elkhart (IN); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Elkhart is seeking a GIS Technician to assist in maintaining and managing the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) and infrastructure records. You will support the GIS Manager by collecting, updating, and analyzing GIS data, conducting field investigations, and ensuring accurate asset management for city departments.

The hybrid role involves converting legal descriptions to GIS data, preparing maps and reports with ESRI GIS products, and training City staff in GIS tools while

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in GIS, geography, database design, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years’ technical experience with ESRI GIS or similar products.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage the City’s GIS and infrastructure records.
• Collect, update, and analyze GIS data; conduct field investigations.
• Convert legal descriptions and record drawings into GIS data.
• Prepare maps and reports using ESRI GIS products and Microsoft Office.
• Assist the public by answering questions and addressing inquiries.

Skills

ESRI GIS proficiency

Asset management

Microsoft Office

GPS data collection

GIS data interpretation

Reading & interpreting maps

Analytical math skills

Team communication

Education

Associate or Bachelor degree in GIS/related field

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

ESRI GIS software

GPS technology

Asset management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

CITY OF ELKHART – JOB DESCRIPTION DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS
POSITION: GIS TECHNICIAN
DIVISION: ENGINEERING
STATUS: FULL-TIME
CATEGORY: SALARY UP TO 60,600
FLSA: NON-EXEMPT
REPORTS TO: GIS & RECORDS MANAGER
DATE: 2026

JOB SUMMARY

The GIS Technician is responsible for assisting in the maintenance and management of the City of Elkhart’s Geographic Information System (GIS) and infrastructure records. This position supports the GIS Manager by collecting, updating, and analyzing GIS data, conducting field investigations, and ensuring accurate asset management for city departments.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collects and updates infrastructure data through ESRI GIS products, Microsoft Office, GPS devices, and other software.
• Conducts field data collection using GPS units and other tools to update GIS datasets.
• Researches and interprets record drawings and legal documents (easements, annexations, deeds, etc.) and converts them into GIS data.
• Reads, interprets, and draws legal descriptions using GIS software.
• Scans, archives, and links historic maps and documents to GIS datasets.
• Prepares maps and reports related to city assets using ESRI GIS products and Microsoft Office.
• Assists the public by answering questions and addressing complaints in person and over the phone.
• Attends City meetings as needed and transfers maps for scanning.
• Provides support and training for City staff in using GIS-related software and field data collection tools.
• Assists in updating the City website and social media with GIS-related content.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• May be required to work extended hours or evenings as needed.
• Periodic travel for training and conferences, including overnight stays.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate or Bachelor degree in GIS, geography, database design, or a related field, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years’ technical experience with ESRI GIS or similar products.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Proficiency in ESRI GIS products, asset management software, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to read and interpret record drawings and legal descriptions and translate them into GIS data.
• Familiarity with database design principles and GPS technology.
• Strong mathematical skills, including algebra and geometry.
• Working knowledge of office procedures, grammar, spelling, and report writing.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, scanners, copiers, and GPS units.
• Experience using hand and power tools, such as metal detectors, probes, and measuring wheels.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, work efficiently under deadlines, and adapt to changing work conditions.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND VISUAL SKILLS

• Frequent use of computer and office equipment.
• Lifting and carrying objects over 30 pounds.
• Bending, kneeling, reaching, and working on uneven terrain.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking.
• Exposure to outdoor elements, including extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to work in noisy environments and around construction equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Hybrid work environment, including office and fieldwork.
• Exposure to traffic, construction zones, and potential hazards.
• May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Requires working in all types of weather conditions.

POST OFFER TESTING REQUIREMENTS

• The City of Elkhart is a Drug Free Workplace. Therefore, successfully passing a post offer drug screen is required (random drug testing may be conducted after employment).
• Background checks producing acceptable BMV and criminal history reports required.

POLICY STATEMENT

• The person assigned to this position is required to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities, and the physical, mental, and visual skills described in this job description to perform the principal duties, responsibilities and essential job functions.
• This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. Principal duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job, and "other" duties and responsibilities include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job.
• This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employee holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by the Manager, Director of Public Works, or Mayor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.