JOB TITLE: GEOSPATIAL ANALYST

JOB CODE: 10502

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 advanced technical and analytical or supervisory work in geographic information systems to capture, manipulate, analyze, maintain, interpret, and present geospatial and related data.

An employee in this job designs and develops complex geospatial products and oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of geospatial projects with program-wide impact; or supervises Geospatial Specialists performing technical and analytical work in geospatial systems. Work involves providing technical expertise and consultation in the functionality and use of geospatial data, analysis, and tools; and developing workflows, procedures, and customized software using geospatial technologies to accomplish agency objectives. Work includes providing analyses, interpretations, and visualizations of geospatial data to support executive decision making; developing a standard set of data models, queries, and scripts unique to the program area; evaluating, recommending, and implementing new geospatial data, analysis, and visualization policies and practices; building and maintaining data architecture within the geographic information system; partnering with information technology staff to design data access, transfer, security, and publication requirements; and developing program-wide GIS application deployment strategies. Work may also include functioning as a supervisor over lower level Geospatial Specialists. Work is performed independently and is reviewed by an administrative supervisor for effectiveness of results.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Non-supervisory work at this level is differentiated from the Geospatial Specialist 2 based on the performance of complex work which requires independently designing, planning, and overseeing geospatial projects involving significant data architecture, data mining, data quality, and data governance components; or providing strategic consultation and solutions related to geographic product design for a program or agency.

• Work may involve supervising Geospatial Specialists performing technical and analytical work in developing, implementing, and evaluating geospatial solutions.

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.)

• Conducts and oversees advanced geospatial analysis using spatial model development, predictive analytics, hypothesis testing, and spatial pattern recognition in the development and presentation of geographic solutions.

• 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.

• Functions as the program lead in design, interpretation, and application of geospatial data models to assist managers in planning and decision making.

• Identifies, develops, and stores standard data models and scripts used by Geospatial Specialists for routine analysis and visualization assignments.

• Coordinates with information technology staff to develop geospatial and GIS-related applications for Internet, desktop, and mobile presentation.

• Plans and oversees geospatial projects that involve analyzing unique and extensive user requirements; developing a data set acquisition strategy; and reporting, tracking, and presenting project results to agency leadership.

• Creates optimal organization of necessary spatial data for large or program-wide applications within a geodatabase.

• Identifies data sources and supervises the acquisition, integration, quality assurance, and implementation of geospatial data.

• Performs analysis on large data sets to find patterns, correlations, and anomalies to predict trends or outcomes and inform business decisions.

• Works closely with the information technology group to develop and oversee the implementation and maintenance of functional standards for geospatial applications, hardware and software, geospatial data, and geodatabases.

• Partners with information technology and program staff to oversee the publishing and distribution of geospatial data and products across commonwealth agencies and to the public and ensures all information is released according to agency and commonwealth policy.

• Establishes quality assurance and quality control procedures for geospatial data and geodatabases.

• Oversees the publishing and deployment of new applications and releases; maintains release documentation and schedules and coordinates with information technology and program area to ensure compliance with policies governing testing, verification, configuration, and deployment.

• Participates in a gap analysis and assessment of GIS system requirements to execute geospatial strategy and initiatives.

• Participates in the design, configuration, and maintenance of enterprise-wide geodatabases, spatial servers, or data warehouses.

• Serves as team member and subject matter expert on program or agency projects and applications that require a geographic component.

• Develops and oversees testing of new GIS software packages, technologies, and versions in preparation for implementation.

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

• Provides training, job aids, and technical support and guidance to Geospatial Specialists.

• Develops and oversees the implementation of training plans for GIS users based on technical and project needs analysis.

• Supervises the creation, maintenance, and sharing of geospatial metadata that adheres to agency and commonwealth standards.

• Participates in GIS user groups, conferences, and continuing education courses to remain current on best practices.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• 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 within GIS.

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

• 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 software development life cycle.

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

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

• Ability to analyze and interpret spatial and geostatistical analysis to business needs.

• Ability to organize geospatial data in database or warehouse for optimal performance.

• Ability to plan and oversee technical projects.

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

• 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 2 (commonwealth title);

or

• Two years 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 field (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), 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.