GIS Technician / Planning Department

GJC; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Athens-Clarke County Unified Government is seeking a GIS Technician in the Planning Department to perform technical GIS tasks, develop maps, update layers, and support planning staff. The role emphasizes preparing graphics for meetings, maintaining GIS databases, and producing data for reports and grants.

Applicants should have an associate degree in a related field and at least one year of GIS experience; a valid driver's license is required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in drafting, cartography, computer graphics, geography, landscape architecture, planning/land use, or related field required.
• One year of experience with GIS database design, implementation, and/or the production and maintenance of GIS data layers.

Responsibilities

• Prepare site location maps and signs for COA, variance, and zoning requests; meet with staff to receive input for maps and signs.
• Prepare COA, variance, and zoning signs; maintain status log of individual signs.
• Prepare graphics for PowerPoint presentations for hearings and planning meetings.
• Create and maintain GIS data layers and digital databases; support data requests for projects.
• Assist with mapping projects and production of graphics for public meetings, studies, reports, and grants.

Skills

GIS knowledge

Education

Associate degree in drafting / cartography / geography / planning

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Organization: Athens-Clarke County Unified Government

Title: GIS Technician / Planning Department

Location: Athens, GA

Posted: 2026-09-29

Application Deadline: 2026-10-13

Position Description

REPORTS TO: GIS Analyst

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System; This position requires successful completion of a six month probationary period.

PAY GRADE: 115 -- $49,497.00 Annually

SAFETY SENSITIVE: No

Purpose of Job

The purpose of this job is to perform technical functions associated with the department's Geographic Information System (GIS) needs. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to preparing maps and signs for zoning and variance requests; producing and updating GIS layers; performing research; preparing correspondence, reports, and documentation; and performing additional tasks, as assigned.

Job Related Requirements

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM with occasional after hours meetings required.

May be required to work on religious holidays.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Must work cooperatively with others.

When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.

Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Associates degree in drafting, cartography, computer graphics, geography, landscape architecture, planning/land use, or related field required; one year of experience with GIS database design, implementation, and/or the production and maintenance of GIS data layers; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.

Must possess a valid driver's license.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities

• Prepare site location maps and signs for COA, variance, and zoning requests; meet with appropriate staff to receive and collect input for the preparation of maps and signs. Maintain status log of individual signs.
• Prepare COA, variance, and zoning signs.
• Prepare graphics for PowerPoint presentations for Hearings Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Mayor and Commission and Planning Commission meetings.
• Prepare large format and reduction copies of plats.
• Assist with posting notices and agenda items for Plans Review, Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and Hearings Board on the Athens-Clarke County website.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of various databases of information needed to support ongoing or project-specific analysis.
• Assist in the preparation of data for reports; e.g. vacancy rates, single family units and multifamily units.
• Assist with mapping projects and/or the production of graphics and visual aids used by Department and other government agencies in public meetings, studies, reports, and grants.
• Assist in the production and maintenance of the County's GIS; creates digital databases; maintains and updates GIS layers.
• Assist in the collection, production, cleanup, analysis and maintenance of data requested for projects.
• Assist in the address assignment and maintenance of the Athens-Clarke County master address database.
• Assist with address update and maintenance of HTE Land-Base System.
• Assist with fieldwork, inventory, upkeep and maintenance of supplies.
• Assist with maintenance and organization of all maps, supplies, and equipment.
• Maintain and updates procedural guidelines (SOPs) for data collection, retention and sharing for the GIS Division, as directed.
• Participate in the selection of consultants for specific projects requiring GIS expertise.
• Answer departmental telephones and take messages as needed, greet the public and department visitors providing direction and instruction.
• Provide miscellaneous services such as running errands, delivering packages, and filing.
• Perform other related duties as required.