JOB TITLE: GEOSPATIAL SPECIALIST 2

JOB CODE: 10501

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Geospatial series describes work in collecting, formatting, editing, manipulating, analyzing, and presenting geospatial and related data using GIS mapping and data visualization applications.

DEFINITION: This is technical and analytical work in geographic information systems to capture, manipulate, analyze, maintain, interpret, and present geospatial and related data.

An employee in this job utilizes geospatial technology to create geospatial and related products through the processing, analysis, and interpretation of spatial, feature, and temporal data. Work involves assessing specific user requirements and determining the appropriate data sets, analytical tools, and geographic representation to meet business requirements. Work includes acquiring, creating, and maintaining data sets, tables, and geodatabases within the GIS system for specific applications; determining and retrieving desired data from geodatabases or external data sets through the development of customized queries; creating geospatial models and custom scripts necessary to analyze data for specific applications; assisting in creating complex maps that include multivariate, dynamic, interactive, and 3D displays; and providing technical guidance, support, and training to end users including installing, maintaining, testing, and troubleshooting GIS applications. Work may also include assisting higher-level managers or administrators in evaluating and recommending new geospatial tools and practices to meet program or agency needs. Work is performed under general direction and is reviewed for adherence to established policies, procedures, standards, and objectives.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Work is differentiated from the lower level job based on the independent analysis and interpretation of geospatial data to develop moderately complex geospatial and related products which requires creating and merging diverse data sets, building multiple data layers, creating custom topology, writing custom queries, or developing data models.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Designs custom queries and models using coding languages such as Python or R to prepare technical reports and graphic representations of data such as maps, charts, graphics, data layers, and other visual displays to fulfill agency requests.

• Researches data sets and resources to meet user requirements and selects data collection, integration, and storage methods based on project objectives.

• Catalogs, archives, retrieves, integrates, reconciles, and distributes geospatial data according to agency and security protocols.

• Creates logical, physical, and conceptual geospatial models and custom scripts necessary to analyze data for the development of specific applications.

• Creates custom topology to describe spatial data features.

• Develops testing protocols to evaluate the usability of a product or user interface.

• Provides training, instructional content, and technical assistance to end users of spatial technologies regarding the functionality of geospatial and GIS hardware, software, and custom designed applications through individual or classroom instruction.

• Creates metadata for raster, vector, and non-spatial data within a geospatial database.

• Maintains geospatial applications, hardware, and software according to functional standards.

• Coordinates geospatial database, server and storage, end user computing, and networking needs with information technology staff.

• Coordinates the publishing of public facing products with information technology staff.

• Develops and implements geospatial data standards for content, format, design, maintenance, and quality assurance procedures.

• Applies commonwealth information technology policies and security standards to work assignments.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of digital mapping and geospatial processing methods, techniques, terminology, and capabilities.

• Knowledge of geographical information system technology and software applications.

• Knowledge of analytical operations, methods, and tools used in GIS.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices related to geographic information data sources, collection, and utilization.

• Knowledge of geographic representation techniques and their applications.

• Knowledge of geospatial database management and design, including data entry, formatting, storage, and security protocols.

• Knowledge of data transfer and integration protocols.

• Knowledge of coding, scripting, and modeling of geospatial data.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to apply critical thinking skills to identify and resolve problems.

• Ability to conduct spatial and geostatistical analyses for business areas and explain their application.

• Ability to create 3-D visualizations of spatial data.

• Ability to read and interpret geographic information from maps, graphs, charts, planimetric drawings, survey data, aerial photography, and satellite imagery.

• Ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to analyze and interpret written and numerical information.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• One year as a Geospatial Specialist 1 (commonwealth title);

or

• One year of technical experience utilizing geospatial programs to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, maintain, and present geospatial data; and an associate’s degree in geographic information systems, geography, geospatial technology, cartography, computer science, natural science, or related STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) field, including or supplemented by six (6) credits in geospatial coursework;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training, which includes or is supplemented by six (6) credits in geospatial coursework.