Manatee County, FL – IT – GIS Senior Specialist

Manatee County Government; Bradenton (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Manatee County Government in Bradenton, Florida seeks an IT Senior Specialist for GIS to manage the County's GIS environment, including Esri ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Online. You will provide advanced technical support, administer databases, and collaborate with IT teams on upgrades and integrations.

The role requires strong Python, SQL, GIS scripting, and Esri APIs, plus mentoring of staff and participation in project governance. Reports to a senior manager.

Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in two or more IT fields with emphasis on Microsoft platform administration.
• Experience with Active Directory, Windows Server, PowerShell, Azure, Office 365, SharePoint, Power BI.
• Knowledge of GIS concepts and systems is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced GIS technical support and administration of the County's GIS environment (Esri ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online).
• Manage GIS services, databases, user/group permissions, data connectivity, and performance monitoring.
• Collaborate with IT teams to implement system upgrades and integrations.
• Develop automation and integration scripts using Python and SQL to improve efficiency.
• Mentor GIS staff and contribute to project plans and governance processes.
• Deliver presentations and provide training related to GIS tools and workflows.
• Maintain documentation, service level commitments, and customer satisfaction.

Job description

Work Location:1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida 34205

Work Hours:7:00am – 4:00pm, 1-hour lunch (negotiable within 8hr per day requirement)

Expected Starting Salary Range: $65,118.41 – $84,653.94

Professional and tactical information technology work that requires an incumbent to produce advanced analytical and technical work products. The incumbent identifies and resolves major work problems and projects of a nature that lower-level employees are unable to solve or overcome, including analysis, design, development, configuration, testing, training, documentation, and production support. Work requires creative and original thinking and is performed under the general direction of senior professionals with significant latitude for individual and team initiative, judgment, and discretion. The incumbent works with customers to determine hardware, software, and system functional requirements through business analysis, and facilitates strategic planning initiatives to achieve business value through partnership. The incumbent reports to a senior manager or designee.

Working Conditions:
Indoor office environment; high-noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting equipment up to 50 lbs. alone; up to 75 lbs. with assistance. Work a variety of schedules, including compulsory periods such as callouts, maintenance windows, special assignments, emergencies, and disaster situations.

Job Description

Essential Functions

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

• Area of Assignment – Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• The IT Senior Specialist assigned to GIS provides advanced technical support and administration of the County’s enterprise Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environment, including Esri ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, hosted GIS services, and shared enterprise geodatabases.
• Responsibilities include GIS service and database administration, user and group management, roles and privileges, data connectivity, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting of GIS applications, services, and related systems.
• The position serves as a technical resource for GIS Systems Analysts, departmental GIS staff, and other IT professionals to ensure the availability, security, reliability, and performance of enterprise GIS resources.
• Requires strong proficiency in Python, SQL, GIS scripting, and Esri APIs to support troubleshooting, process automation, system integrations, and operational improvements.
• Works collaboratively with senior technical staff and other IT teams to support system maintenance, upgrades, infrastructure changes, and the continued development of the County’s enterprise GIS environment.
• The incumbent is an effective team player and provides technical leadership skills in a manner that fosters commitment, team spirit, pride, and mutual trust and respect; and manages the work of others.
• The incumbent is self-motivated, promotes organizational change, and challenges the status quo; is proficient in using business process disciplines to perform work assignments effectively and efficiently; and provides recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Assesses resources and capabilities to influence and develop others to change or improve standards, policies, procedures, and work plans to enable high performance.
• Contributes to project plans, executes, and supports business strategies and solutions that meet critical success factors and desired outcomes, with appropriate key performance indicators for monitoring and controls.
• The incumbent contributes to a shared vision and works with others to achieve it.
• Leverages the PMO for planning, implementing, reporting and evaluating work; and supports the discipline of project management.
• Creates business cases that justify cost in terms of business value and return on investment and maintains the highest standards of financial stewardship.
• Provides for service level criteria and meets or exceeds service level commitments in pursuit of customer satisfaction.
• Manages customer expectations through Business Relationship Management.
• Stays on the cutting edge of relevant technology by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.
• Takes ownership for troubleshooting major technical, organizational, and controversial problems and projects, and provides corrective actions driven by a sense of urgency.
• Occasionally prepares and delivers verbal and written presentations to peers, executives, and customers at various levels of the organization.
• Supports and participates in employee developmental plans, and evaluates, counsels, and rates organizational and employee performance as required.
• Trains and mentors colleagues and lower-level employees as a subject matter expert.
• Performs other related work (including weather or extreme emergency duties) as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in two or more of the following fields: Database Administration, Network Services, Desktop Services, Server Administration, Application Design, Application Development, Solution Life-Cycle Management, Enterprise Architecture, Quality Assurance, Incident Problem Management, Change Management, Configuration Management, Security Management, Financial Management, Service Management, Customer Service Center, Production Application Services, Storage Area Network, Middleware Services, Project Portfolio Management, Document Management, Wireless Communications, Telecommunications, Radio, Audio Visual, Geographical Information Services, Internet Web Services, Business Intelligence, and Organizational Development.
• Subject matter experience must be current, with particular emphasis on Microsoft platform administration, including the following: Active Directory, Windows Server, PowerShell, Azure, Azure AD, Office 365, Office 365 Planner, Office 365 Teams, Office 365 Security and Compliance Center, Azure Active Directory B2B, SharePoint developer, SharePoint Administration, Power BI, PowerApps, Power Automate.
• High School Diploma or equivalent with (6) six years of relevant information technology experience; or (4) four years of relevant information technology experience and an associate degree in information technology, computer science, computer technology, or related field; or (2) two years of relevant information technology experience and a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, computer technology, or related field.
• One (1) year of leadership experience.
• The job drives a County Van to various County facilities. Valid driver’s license required with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire.
• Must be able to pass a background check (including fingerprinting) and Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Level 4 Security Awareness Training before the start date.
• Must possess or be able to obtain Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certifications IS-100.b and IS-700.a within six months from date of hire.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

More

• Other highly desirable knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials relevant to the position such as ITIL, EPAS, SDLC, PMBOK, and other related certifications desired. Candidate to demonstrate competencies and possess certifications in one or more specific fields.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge in standard office practices, policies, procedures, personal computers, operating systems and related software applications.
• Ability to multi-task, with proficiency in managing personal daily activities and major problems and projects for self and others that may cross section and organizational boundaries.
• Proficiency in the use of reference materials to research and solve major problems Proficiency in the application of methods and theory in resolving major problems.
• Proficiency in applying new technologies, soft skills and procedures to gain acceptance Ability to work with others to lead or mentor teams and facilitate groups to achieve success.
• Ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations at various levels.
• Ability to use diplomacy in dealing with difficult customers and delivery of business services.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with peers and others in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to communicate with tact, patience and courtesy at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to assist lower level personnel with training of new technologies, processes, and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships, both inside and outside of the work section.
• Ability to self-develop relevant job-related skills for current and future roles.
• Ability to understand, follow, and to provide specific instructions, priorities, policies and procedures.
• Ability to identify and take ownership in resolving major problems and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge and commitment to quality workmanship, dependability, and the principles of accountability, civility, and ethics.

Veterans Preference

In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

EEO/ADA Statement

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.

Drug-Free Workplace

Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.