Geographic Information Systems Specialist III

THE POSITION

With supervisor approval, incumbents may be eligible for intermittent remote work; however, they must physically reside within the Sacramento region or have the ability to regularly report to a City of Sacramento physical worksite with little notice.

The City of Sacramento is seeking a Geographic Information Systems Specialist III to help design, support, and improve citywide mapping systems that enhance public services, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. This role offers the opportunity to work on high-impact projects that directly support the City’s mission and benefit the community.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The ideal candidate will have the following:
•Experience designing, implementing, and maintaining enterprise GIS systems, including building and supporting web maps, applications, and spatial services.
•Experience with Python, Structured Query Language (SQL), Feature Manipulation Engine (FME), and automation tools to streamline workflows.
•Knowledge of integrating multiple data sources and systems, as well as designing or maintaining large spatial databases and advanced data models.
•Ability to troubleshoot issues across servers, databases, applications, and data pipelines, with an understanding of system security best practices.
•Ability to independently lead complex, multi-department GIS projects, propose system improvements and new technologies, and mentor or guide team members on technical tasks.
•Manages priorities effectively, meets deadlines, and communicates clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences.
•Writes clear documentation, explains technical concepts simply, and provides excellent service across departments.
•Collaborates well in a team environment, works independently, pays attention to details, and produces high-quality, reliable work.

To perform a variety of professional analytical work in the analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance of an automated geographical information system.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Geographic Information Systems Specialist I is the first working-level class in the series. Incumbents in this class perform difficult professional analytical work related to an automated geographical information system. Assignments are generally limited in scope and within the design and procedural framework established by higher-level employees. However, as experience is acquired, the employee is expected to perform with increasing independence.

Geographic Information Systems Specialist II is the journey-level class in the series. Work in this class is distinguished from Geographic Information Systems Specialist I by the greater complexity of assignments received and the greater independence with which the incumbent is expected to operate. Positions are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from Geographic Information Systems Specialist I. When filled from the outside, significant prior automated geographical information system experience is required.

Geographic Information Systems Specialist III is the advanced journey-level class in the series. Work in this class is distinguished from Geographic Information Systems Specialist II by serving as a principal City-wide specialist responsible for analyzing, designing, and implementing the automated geographic information system. Positions in this class are responsible for the most complex and varied research projects, and independently design, test, deploy, and integrate complex disparate spatial databases and computer applications for City program operation and policy analysis. Positions are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from Geographic Information Systems Specialist II.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by a higher-level position. Responsibilities may include direct and indirect supervision of lower-level positions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Develop geographic information systems layers/data elements consistent with the existing standards
- Coordinate the maintenance and scheduling of the geographical information system base map in conjunction with all other land based systems and/or files in the City
- Evaluate and recommend acquisition of computer hardware and software necessary to implement the geographical information system
- Plan and coordinate the administration and maintenance scheduling of all layers defined in the geographical information system in conjunction with all other land based systems and/or files in the City
- Perform digitizing and drafting as required
- Train users in the use of GIS and related software, workstations, printers and plotters, digitizing tablets and tables, and GIS networking systems
- Develop and document GIS procedures
- Develop prototype GIS products and cartographic quality maps
- Supervise, train, and evaluate subordinates
- Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles of geography and cartography.
  
• Principles, procedures, techniques, nomenclature, and operation of GIS workstations.
  
• Techniques of digitizing, drafting, and automated mapping.
  
• Principles and characteristics of automated geographic information systems.
  
• Techniques of GIS database design and advanced programming languages.
  
• City operations and functions.
  
• GIS technology implementations in a variety of settings.
  
• Techniques and practices of project management.
  
• Multiple computer operating systems.
  
• Principles of supervision and training.

Ability to:

• Perform technical research in geographic information systems.
  
• Produce maps which satisfy departmental user requirements.
  
• Operate GIS workstations, related peripherals, and communications networks.
  
• Perform digitizing and drafting using GIS software and digitizing equipment.
  
• Develop and maintain user documentation.
  
• Troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance on GIS workstations, related peripherals, and communications networks.
  
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
  
• Analyze geographic information system users' needs and requirements; identify goals, objectives, and problems; examine alternatives and develop conclusions and recommendations.
  
• Design, implement, and maintain appropriate controls and procedures for all geographical information systems processes and interfaces to all other City land- based systems.
  
• Construct queries and macros using GIS databases and software.
  
• Adopt and apply appropriate and practical research methods and principles to GIS system implementations.
  
• Create production computer applications for City-wide and departmental functions.
  
• Adapt and perform spatial analysis techniques and methods to complex problems involving mapped information.
  
• Develop scope of work for GIS consultants and manage the consultant services procurement process.
  
• Develop innovative solutions using GIS technology for complex business problems of City departments.
  
• Integrate complex databases and computer applications in different hardware and/or operating system environments.
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental staff, other City departments, and vendors.
  
• Lift and move computer hardware weighing up to 50 pounds. Lifting restrictions may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

Education:

A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Geographical Information Systems, Geography, Information Systems, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field.

-AND-

Experience

Five years of experience in operating, maintaining, and implementing automated mapping and/or GIS systems -OR- Two years of experience comparable to a Geographic Information Systems Specialist II with the City of Sacramento.

Substitution:

An AA degree plus two years of additional experience can be substituted for the higher education requirement.

COMPARABLE CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION

To see the classification specification for the comparable classification of Geographic Information Systems Specialist II , please click here .
PROOF OF EDUCATION

Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment . Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a cr ed entials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Employees must complete twelve (12) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status.

THE SELECTION PROCEDURE

Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.

1. Application: (Pass/Fail) - All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline ;

• Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.
• Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified:
  • If applicants do not list current and/or past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).
  • If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section.
• Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted online with your application. Proof of education will be required at time of appointment.
• Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
• If you’re requesting Veteran’s credit, a copy of your DD214 must be submitted online with your application or emailed to the Employment Office by the final filing deadline. Information regarding the use of Veteran’s credit can be found in the Civil Service Board rules under rule 4.9C.
• Applicants are responsible for attaching a copy of their DD214 to each position for which they apply.
  

2. Training and Experience Exam: (Weighted 100%) - The questions located at the end of the application are the Training and Experience (T&E) Exam. Responses to the T&E questions will be rated and scored. This exam will evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of a candidate's education, training and experience. The exam score will determine your ranking on the eligible list for this job. When completing the T&E questions, please note:

• Responses to the T&E questions must be submitted online; paper questionnaires will not be accepted.
• A resume will not substitute for the information required in the T&E questions.

3. Eligibility: Candidates who pass the Training and Experience Test will be placed on the eligible list. The hiring department may contact candidates for interview at any time during the life of the one-year list. Candidate’s eligibility expires one year from the date of notification of a passing score for the Geographic Information Systems Specialist III examination.

4. Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail)- All candidates that pass the examination and are in one of the top three ranks will have their application forwarded to the hiring department for review. The hiring department will select the most competitive applications for further consideration. Human Resources will only evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications, as stated on the job announcement, for applications selected by the hiring department.

5. Conditional Hire: Upon receipt of a conditional offer, the selected candidate must complete and pass Live Scan/fingerprinting. If applicable, candidates may also need to pass a pre-employment medical exam, controlled substance and/or alcohol test, and possess any required licensure or certification prior to receiving a start date from the Department. Failure to meet these prerequisites will be grounds for withdrawal of your conditional offer of employment.

QUESTIONS:
For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:

• Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/Home/ApplicationGuide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application process.
• For technical support between 6 AM - 5 PM PT, contact Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627.
• Visit the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department website at https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment ;
• Send an email to employment@cityofsacramento.org ; or
• Call the Human Resources Department at (916) 808-5726

Bilingual Pay
Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? That's right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.

Pension Reform Act
The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employee's Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicant's eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Sacramento is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Additional Information
Civil Service Rules: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/CivilServiceBoardRules62012.pdf

Union Contracts: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/labor-agreements.html

Salary Schedule: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/SalarySchedule.pdf

Closing Date/Time: 1/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Sacramento

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