Senior GIS & Planning Specialist

Job Description:

Senior GIS & Planning Specialist

Description

Definition

This is a full-time opportunity with many benefits! As a Missoula County employee, you will be part of a team that is committed to positively impacting the community. The pay range for this position is $ 25.6539 - $29.0250 per hour, DOE.

The Department of Planning, Development and Sustainability is seeking a SENIOR GIS & PLANNING SPECIALIST to join their team. This position p rovides expertise and leadership in the development, maintenance and utilization of geographic information systems primarily for the Department of Planning, Development and Sustainability (PDS). The position also supports other Lands and Communities (LAC) departments such as Lands, Culture and Recreation and Grants and Community Resources. Performs technical and professional work in the collection and display of data, development of complex databases, analysis of data, and evaluating and responding to public comment related to this work.

Details: We are accepting completed application submissions until 5:00 p.m., Monday, December 2, 2024. It is in your best interest to apply by this date.
To Apply:

• Please complete all sections of the online application, even if a resume is requested.
• Please include with a complete application the following attachments: A letter of interest, a resume, and college transcripts (unofficial copies accepted).
• Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
• Complete job description available upon request to the Department of Human Resources.

Representative Examples of Work

Develops, updates and maintains geospatial data using Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Consults with department staff, public officials and the public to identify geospatial data needs. Performs complex analyses of spatial and tabular data specific to project demands or requests from staff, public officials or the public. Creates and documents methodologies that can be repeated to verify results of analyses. Evaluates data to ensure validity, reliability and appropriateness. Develops graphic representations of geospatial data. Produces maps, charts, infographics and other graphic information displays. Develops written reports. Responds to requests for data and maps from staff, public officials, outside agencies and the public. Develops, maintains and updates online map applications. Assists in website development and maintenance to make cartographic and GIS resources available to the public. Develops and maintains online data dashboards. Develops online mapping and data applications to support public engagement, including surveys, maps and multimedia resources. Performs other complex analyses of data to project demands or requests from staff. Attends meetings, makes public presentations and represents the department. Leads or supports project teams in project planning and development and serves as a core resource for identifying, providing and analyzing data; Provides thoughtful and well-designed graphic representation of data. Works closely with the public, staff, elected officials, tribal, state and federal agencies to develop and maintain geospatial data. Develops geospatial metadata, documenting the who, what, when, where, how, and why of data resources. Provides training for staff and provides individual support on software and other technologies. May provide education to the public and train volunteers on use of GPS equipment and mapping resources. Remains current in latest cartographic and GIS-related technologies. Researches new technologies and makes recommendations to the department for software acquisition and implementation and advancement in the fields of GIS and cartography. Collects geospatial data from electronic and cartographic sources; through field collections; and by research of other data sources. Contacts outside sources or visits sites in the field to gather and confirm information. Provides liaison to other city and county offices to coordinate geographic information and cartographic standards, protocols, policies and procedure. Develops and manages complex projects such as build out or land use capacity; identification and analysis of constrained lands; community resource mapping; suitability analysis; subdivision and building permit tracking; updates to zoning and land use; census data summaries, demographic and other data to support planning and other community effort, which may involve working with the public and/or overseeing a project team. Participates in the development of the department work plan and the general administration of community planning and development programs. Assists in or contributes to preparation of community planning documents and growth policy updates, zoning and subdivision code updates, and development review activities. Issues information to the public regarding zoning, subdivision, land use, development and other County functions. Coordinates with management to write department policies and procedures. Provides information, advice and training to County officials, staff, and the general public. Works toward resolution of conflicts.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree. Degrees best suited to this job are geography, cartography, environmental studies, computer science and GIS.
• Requires three years of experience in researching, analyzing and creating graphic representations of geospatial data. Experience must include working with Geographic Information Systems and creating maps. Applied GIS experience in planning, parks and community development fields preferred.

Physical/Environmental Demands

Works primarily in an office setting seated at a computer workstation. Involves attending meetings, locally and out of town. Occasionally attends meetings and events outside of standard business hours. Occasionally travels to remote sites requiring some physical exertion to walk over rough, uneven surfaces. Occasionally uses sharp cutting tools.
Located halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and home to the University of Montana, Missoula is an academic center situated in an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Depending on the season, you can hike, ski, fish, float rivers, ride mountain bikes, or just sit back and marvel at the surrounding scenery. Join us in scenic, sophisticated, and service-oriented Missoula!
Missoula County covers over 2,618 square miles of mountain lands varying in topography and climate from temperate river valleys to snow-capped peaks. Five large valleys and two major rivers wind through this mountainous region.
Missoula County is large and diverse, featuring everything from the spectacular scenery of Clark Fork River running through town to lush ranches and a growing economy of small business. Skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, mothers and fathers, business owners, vacationers, fisherman, retirees, students, and many others have grown to love Missoula County's boundless opportunities.

This summary outlines the benefit programs; actual benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.

Missoula County will reward your contributions to our community with competitive compensation and generous benefits, including but not limited to:

Excellent Medical Health Benefits– Group health benefits, including dental and vision coverage, are available to eligible County employees. The medical health benefits premium is covered for full-time employees. The County contribution is pro-rated on hours paid for part-time employees. The employee pays the premium portion for dependent coverage. Family health benefits coverage is $258.00 per pay period.

Medical deductible is $500 for an individual and $1,000 for a family.

Flexible Benefits Plan– Pre-tax out-of-pocket medical expenses and day care expenses.

Voluntary Life Insurance Coverage, Long and Short-Term Disability, Critical and Accident Insuranceare offered through Mutual ofOmaha.

Public Employees Retirement System– Montana public employees of the state, university system, local governments and certain employees of school districts are covered by the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New members to the PERS have an opportunity to choose between two retirement plan options: the Defined Benefit Plan or the Defined Contribution Plan.

Sheriffs' Retirement System (SRS)– A public pension plan for all Montana Sheriffs hired after July 1, 1974 and Detention Officers hired after July 1, 2005.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Working for Missoula County may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness. Look here to learn more and understand whether you may be eligible.

Supplemental Retirement Benefitsare offered through Valic or Nationwide.

Sick Leave– Full-time employees accrue 7.38hours per month and are eligible to use sick leave once you have been an employee for 90 days.The accrual is pro-rated for part-time employees.

Vacation Leave– Full-time employees accrue 9.24 hours per month and are eligible to use leave after continuous employment for a period of 6 full months. The accrual is pro-rated for part-time employees.

Holidays– The County observes eleven legal holidays in even numbered years and ten legal holidays in odd numbered years.

Paid Parental Leave (PPL)-In recognition of the importance of bonding and care of a newborn child or a child placed for adoption, Missoula County 6 continuous weeks of PPL to eligible full-time employees that have been with the county for 180 days. The hours are pro-rated for part-time employees.

Tuition Assistance- Because we value the professional and personal development of our employees, Missoula County is proud to offer reimbursement of certain education expenses.

Closing Date/Time: 12/2/2024 5:00 PM Mountain

Salary:

$25.69 - $29.02 Hourly