3E19
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS SPECIALIST TRAINEE

This is geographic information systems work at the trainee level. Employees in this class learn the principles, practices and techniques required to perform designing, maintaining and producing geographic data and graphics. Employees in this class complete a training program that may include assignments to various duties, attending training sessions, participating in projects and/or other tasks designed to familiarize them with geographical information systems, and the underlying databases.

Assignments vary in nature and increase in difficulty as the employee gains experience. Work is performed under the direction of a technical superior.

• The position must be responsible for learning to design, maintain, and produce geographic data and graphics through an automated geographic information system.
• The position must be responsible for the compilation, programming and maintenance of recognized geographic databases or GIS System development on a generally recognized geographic information system.

• Learns to design, maintain, and produce geographic data and graphics utilizing an geographic information system for the purpose of geographic planning and analysis work; learns how to develop geographic data bases on the system in production of such geographic data as area land use, zoning, and property and street layout, as well as specific physical and economic aspects of geographic areas; actively acquires knowledge, abilities and competencies specified for performance at the Geographic Information Systems Specialist 1 level.
• Works with departmental GIS personnel in assessing their geographic data needs; learns to evaluate the feasibility of meeting the specific needs of departmental personnel; works under the supervision of a technical superior to make recommendations for the most optimum means of addressing the department's geographic data requirements.
• Learns to perform first echelon data maintenance to correct system problems; confers with data processing personnel to discuss avenues of improvements to the system; utilizes cartographic and other geographic reference materials such as maps and related data for use in map production; compiles and updates mapping data; learns to interpret cartographic data to determine land use, elevation, and general relationship of existing physical features.
• Works under a technical superior to utilize and operate geographic information system software and hardware to design, maintain, and produce geographic data and graphics; reviews the adequacy and quality of geographic information system operation; makes recommendations on specific types of improvements to existing hardware and software.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the use and operation of geographic information system hardware and any generally recognized GIS Systems software
• the basic methods, techniques and procedures utilized in the planning, design, maintenance, and production of geographic data and graphics through an automated geographic information system
• the principles, practices and methods used in geographic data analysis
ABILITY TO:
• analyze department's mapping needs and develops solutions
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• establish and maintain effective working relationships
• learn how to apply geographic principles and practices to the maintenance of a geographic information database

EDUCATION
• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in geographic information systems, geography, urban planning, computer science, management information systems, engineering, landscape architecture or a related field.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department, which has included the completion of a bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university in an area relating to Geographic Information Systems.

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.